Dec. 22, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Duke's Chante Black and Wake Forest's Secily Ray were named Atlantic Coast Conference Women's Basketball Player and Rookie of the Week for the week ending Dec. 21. Black led the eighth-ranked Blue Devils to an upset win over No. 3 Stanford before helping the squad pick up two victories over Southern Cal and Siena. Ray, who earns her first ACC weekly nod, helped the Demon Deacons extend their win streak to 10 to open the season.

Black led No. 8 Duke to a home victory over No. 3 Stanford, 56-52, to go along with two wins at the Women of Troy Basketball Classic over Southern California and Siena. The senior from Winston-Salem, N.C., was named Classic MVP after posting 22 points and six rebounds against USC, while notching 12 points and nine rebounds against Siena. Over the three games during the week, Black averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and hit 58.1 percent of her field goals. She also hit 12-of-15 free throws for an 80.0 percentage. Against Stanford, Black totaled 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals.

In addition, Black has guided the Blue Devils to a 9-1 overall record and is the only Duke player to register double-figure scoring in all 10 contests to open the season.

Ray posted a career-high three blocks against host UCF in opening game of UCF Holiday Classic. The freshman from Thomasville, N.C., also set a career-high point total (15) against the Knights. Ray, who helped the Demon Deacons also defeat Mississippi en route to clinching the tournament title, has had five blocks through the last three games.

Wake is currently 10-0 for the year, tying the program record for longest winning streak. The mark was last hit under former head coach Joe Sanchez in the 1987-88 season. That same season the Deacs made their only NCAA Tournament appearance to date.

The weekly honor marks the second honor for Black as the senior earned the first accolade of the season on Nov. 17. It marks a career first for Ray.

ACC action resumes action after a break for the holidays on Sunday, December 28. Visit TheACC.com for more information, including a complete 2008-09 women's basketball schedule. The next ACC Player and Rookie of the Week will be named on Monday, Jan. 5.