WACO, Texas – Rogers State senior Mikaila Newton was named Heartland Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week Monday after helping the Hillcats to a weekend split on the road.
 
The Omaha, Nebraska native finished the week averaging 23 points in two games and set a RSU single-game record hitting 14 free throws in an overtime upset at St. Mary's Thursday night. Newton converted all 10 of her free-throw chances in the extra period and finished with a career-best 29 points, ranking fourth in single-game scoring history for the Hillcats.
 
The starting guard followed that performance by scoring 17 points at Texas A&M International Saturday reaching double figures for the 15th time this season going 8-of-9 at the charity stripe.
 
Newton becomes just the second women's basketball player to earn the weekly award and first this season after DaNara Day got the honor Jan. 27, 2014.
 
The Hillcats return the hardwood Thursday facing Oklahoma Panhandle State at 5:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear pink as RSU will host Play 4Kay Night at the Claremore Expo Center to increase awareness for women's cancer.