The Great Southwest Athletic Conference has announced its Basketball Players of the Week, recognizing four exceptional performances across men’s and women’s basketball. This week’s honorees delivered impact on both ends of the floor, showcasing elite scoring, defensive, and all-around play in conference matchups. The selected athletes represent The Master’s, Embry-Riddle (AZ), and Hope International, and the weekly awards are presented by Athletic Solutions.

Men’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week: Avery Jackson, The Master’s
Avery Jackson continued his torrid stretch of play by earning GSAC Men’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week honors after delivering one of the most dominant scoring performances of the season. The senior guard from Dallas, Texas, averaged an eye-popping 35.0 points per game while shooting better than 62 percent from the field in a pair of conference victories for The Master’s. Jackson followed up last week’s GSAC Player of the Week award by elevating his production even further, proving once again to be one of the conference’s most explosive offensive threats.
Jackson’s week was highlighted by a career-high 45-point outburst in a 116-99 win over Park-Gilbert, where he connected on 17 of 23 shots from the floor and knocked down four three-pointers. He followed that performance with 25 points against No. 19 Benedictine Mesa, helping secure a hard-fought 92-86 win. Over the two games, Jackson averaged 36 minutes per contest while also contributing six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game well beyond the scoring column.
Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week: Peter Dress, Embry-Riddle (AZ)
Peter Dress anchored Embry-Riddle’s defensive effort in a convincing road victory and was named GSAC Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week as a result. The sophomore forward from Kennewick, Washington, was a disruptive force throughout the Eagles’ lone game of the week, helping limit OUAZ to just 56 points in an 82-56 win. Dress consistently applied pressure on the defensive end, creating opportunities that Embry-Riddle was able to turn into points.
Dress finished the game with four steals, leading all players, while also pulling down four defensive rebounds and five total boards. In addition to his defensive impact, he chipped in 11 points on an efficient 4-of-7 shooting performance, including two three-pointers. His ability to guard multiple positions, anticipate passing lanes, and contribute offensively made him a key factor in Embry-Riddle’s dominant performance.
Women’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week: Alli VanKooten, The Master’s
Alli VanKooten powered The Master’s to a pair of conference wins and earned GSAC Women’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week honors after a standout week in the paint. The junior center from Lynden, Washington, averaged 18.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game while shooting better than 53 percent from the field. Her presence inside proved too much for opposing defenses as the Lady Mustangs controlled both games from start to finish.
VanKooten recorded 14 points and nine rebounds against Park-Gilbert before posting an impressive 22-point, 17-rebound performance against Benedictine Mesa. She was especially efficient in the latter contest, going 10-for-16 from the floor and converting both of her free-throw attempts. Beyond her scoring and rebounding, VanKooten added four blocks and three steals over the two games, highlighting her all-around dominance and value to The Master’s success.
Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week: Angelina De Leon, Hope International
Angelina De Leon was the centerpiece of a defensive clinic for Hope International, earning GSAC Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week honors following a lopsided win over Park-Gilbert. The junior guard from Spring Valley, California, played a crucial role in holding the Buccaneers to just 34 points in a 65-34 victory, one of the most stifling defensive performances of the season. Hope International limited Park-Gilbert to 0-for-25 shooting from three-point range until a late basket broke the drought.
De Leon finished the game with a career-best three blocked shots while tying her career highs with nine rebounds and four steals. Seven of her nine rebounds came on the defensive end, underscoring her activity and awareness on that side of the floor. Her ability to defend multiple areas of the court and disrupt offensive rhythm was instrumental in Hope International’s dominant win and secured her recognition as the conference’s top defensive performer of the week.