ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University men's basketball senior guard Gage Ellis and the women's basketball team have been named to the Anderson Federal Credit Union Gold Standard for their outstanding performances in the month of December.
Ellis, a native of Greenville, S.C., helped lead AU to four wins in December, as the Trojans wrapped up one of the most successful home stretches in program history with seven wins in their first eight outings.
The last time the Trojans won seven of their first eight home games was during the 2011-12 season, when the Black and Gold went on to post a 12-1 mark at home and advanced to the NCAA's Sweet 16 in Montevallo, Ala.
Ellis, who was named the AstroTurf South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week in mid-December, is second in the South Atlantic Conference with his 20.8 points per game average. He also stands second in the league in steals per game, third in free throw percentage and is tied for 19th in rebounds per game. He has reached double-figure scoring in all 13 of his contests, while pouring in a career-high 37 points in AU's double-overtime setback to preseason conference favorite Lincoln Memorial on Dec. 12.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged nearly 24 points per game in December on the strength of 52.3 percent (34-of-65) shooting and was 47-of-54 (87.0%) from the charity stripe over the six-game span. Ellis also paced the Trojans in rebounding (7.2 rpg.) during the month, while handing out eight assists and
swiping a dozen steals.
The women's basketball team posted six wins without a loss during the month, as part of a 10-game win streak that began in late November and has continued into the New Year. The win streak is currently the longest stretch among teams in the Southeast Region.
AU sits atop the league standings on the strength of the win streak and has claimed the No. 1 slot in the most recent D2SIDA Southeast Regional Rankings.
The Trojans rank in the top five in the league in many statistical categories, while senior Ace Easter, juniors Alexy Mollenhauer, Madison Baggett and Cassie Ketchum are among league leaders in several categories. Mollenhauer earned AstroTurf SAC Player of the Week in early December for her second recognition of the season.
Each month, one male and one female student-athlete or teams are honored as the Anderson Federal Credit Union Gold Standard Performers of the Month for his or her performance in competition, in the classroom, or in the community.
Check back for our honorees for the month of January.