MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The SSAC announced the 2025-26 SSAC Women's Basketball Players of the Week. Ruthie Smith of Faulkner was named SSAC Women's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week and Deniya Thornton of Loyola was named SSAC Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week. The awards are for the week of Feb. 2-8.
 
Offensive: Ruthie Smith (Faulkner – JR – F – Rogersville, Ala.)

• This is her sixth-career weekly honor and second offensive award
• In a 1-1 week, Smith averaged 21.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while shooting 44% from 3-point range
• She tallied 31 points and 14 rebounds on 6-of-14 shooting from distance against Brewton-Parker Christian

 
Defensive: Deniya Thornton (Loyola – JR – G – New Roads, La.)

• This is her eighth-career weekly honor and fifth defensive award
• Thornton averaged 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in a 2-0 conference week
• She had 14 points, five rebounds, three steals and two blocks against Thomas

 
Previous Winners (Offensive, Defensive)
 
Week 1: Shakiria Chaney (ABAC), Shaneal Corpuz (William Carey)
Week 2: Ashley Dickey (UT Southern), Silkiari Vazquez-Troche (UT Southern)
Week 3: Silkiari Vazquez-Troche (UT Southern), Shaneal Corpuz (William Carey)
Week 4: Ramie Reid (UT Southern), LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas)
Week 5: Kennedy Collins (Thomas), LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas)
Week 6: Lamaria Jones (Mobile), Deniya Thornton (Loyola)
Week 7: Alissa O'Dell (Loyola), LaTarius Montgomery (Thomas)
Week 8: Lauren Smith (UT Southern), Ruthie Smith (Faulkner)
Week 9: Reese Riddle (ABAC), Shaneal Corpuz (William Carey)
Week 10: Ashley Dickey (UT Southern), Silkiari Vazquez-Troche (UT Southern)
Week 11: Deniya Thornton (Loyola), Deniya Thornton (Loyola)
Week 12: Alissa O'Dell (Loyola), Ruthie Smith (Faulkner)
Week 13: Ashley Dickey (UT Southern), Ashley Dickey (UT Southern)
Week 14: Ella Jane Connell (Faulkner), Cierra Highland (Mobile)