Player of the week: Korey Whiting

After athletes have a quality freshman or rookie year in athletics, spectators and critics often ask about the possibility of a "sophomore slump." Sophomore Korey Whiting is proving spectators and critics wrong.

Whiting had an immediate impact as a freshman last year on EMU's basketball team and has taken his game to another level this season. The Stafford, Va., native made his presence known in two games for the Royals earlier this season, receiving Player of the Week honors. Last week, when visiting Southern Virginia University, the athletic guard helped get the team back on track by posting 20 points after making eight out of 11 shots from the field. This, along with four rebounds and seven steals helped EMU post an 86-74 victory.

Last Saturday night against Bridgewater College, EMU's biggest rival, Whiting was up to the challenge. Even though the Royals were defeated 81-72, Whiting netted 15 points, including a perfect three for three from downtown. "All I'm trying to do is penetrate, get to the rim and shoot lay-ups which are the easy high percentage shots," said Whiting. "Playing shooting games with some of the guys on the team after practice has helped me improve my three point shot."

The two previous outings that Whiting produced recently are prime examples of the high level he has been playing at all season long.

Whiting is making an impression this year in one of the toughest conferences (the ODAC) in the nation. He currently ranks seventh in scoring at just under 14 points a game, fourteenth in rebounding with five boards per game, fourth in assists at 3.59 a contest, and first in steals at just under three a game.

Whiting, along with the rest of the Royals, want your support as four of their final seven games are played at home as they position themselves for the ODAC Tournament, which will take place Feb. 18.