Dodds named C-USA player of the week (Photo by John Schreiber, The Daily Campus)

Projected All-American candidate Janielle Dodds was named C-USA Women’s Basketball Player of the Week.It was well deserved.

Sophomore post Dodds led the team to their 82-64 blowout of Southern Mississippi Monday night, recording her ninth double double of the season.

SMU now is the sole second placeholder in C-USA standings, with a 7-3 record.

Dodds is currently the Ponies’ top scorer and rebounder and is tied for second among all C-USA players for scoring.

In addition, Dodds tops the Mustangs in scoring average, points per game, field goals made, field goal attempts and free throws made and attempted.

“I’m excited about it,” Dodds said. “It’s a good thing that my team and I are getting recognition.”

She also has scored double figures in 22 of her last 26 games, and is only one of three players to start in all 22 games this season.

Dodds attributes her personal success to her competition.

“Knowing there are players better than me motivates me,” she said. “It pushes me every time I step on the floor.”

After the women got off to a rocky start due to a tough schedule, according to Dodds, the team is “really starting to gel.”

“We have only gone uphill since the preseason,” she said. “As long as we can continue going uphill, we’ll do good.”

The team has high hopes for the remainder of the season and the C-USA tournament.

“As long as we can play up to our full potential, we’ll get far [in the tournament],” Dodds said. “Of course, our main hope is for an NCAA bid.”

Friday, the women travel to the University of Central Florida.