After each week, the Sports Information Director of each team in the Southland Conference nominates a player to be voted on by other coaches for Southland Player of the Week honors. After a big win at home on Feb. 9 versus UTSA and an impressive road win on Feb. 12 versus Northwestern State, the Lions finished the week 2-0 as guard Brandon Fortenberry averaged 26 points, nine rebounds and over 7 assists on his was to being named Southland Conference Player of the Week.
“I expect to play good, and if that’s what comes with it then that’s what comes with it,” said Brandon Fortenberry.
Wearing the number five for the Lions, Fortenberry is a native of Picayune, MS where he attended Picayune Memorial High School. Fortenberry went for a near triple double versus UTSA with 22 points, 10 rebounds and nine assist and responded to that performance with a career high 30 points outing versus in-state rival, Northwestern State. In that game, Fortenberry gave the Lions the go ahead baskets with 03:30 left to play and went a near perfect 12-13 from the free-throw line with six straight clutch free-throws in the last 29 seconds of the contest. Wearing the number five for the Lions, Fortenberry is a native of Picayune, MS where he attended Picayune Memorial High School. Fortenberry is the second leading scorer for the Lions, averaging 11.5 points per game, and the team’s leader in assist averaging just over four a game. With the help of Fortenberry the Lions have been able to accumulate 12 wins on the season and versus UTSA the Lions won their thirteenth consecutive home win dating back to a season ago. Fortenberry showed his humbleness as a player after being recognized for his accomplishments.
“It’s just something I’m going to keep and take during the season,” said Fortenberry.
Along with his conference accomplishments Fortenberry was also name student Athlete of the Week at Southeastern. Fortenberry has shown consistency for the Lions as he has started 21 of the Lions 24 games and improved his points per game average from last season where he averaged just over seven points per game as a reserve for the Lions. Fortenberry looks to continue his success as the Lions hope to close out their last four games of the season and contend for a berth in the Southland Conference Tournament Mar. 9-12 in Katy, Texas.