MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – Clark University men's basketball sophomore Boluwasefe John was named NEWMAC Men's Basketball Defensive Athlete of the Week as announced by the conference office on Monday morning.

"Shay, and our team, had a great week defeating two very good teams in St. Joe's ME and Western Connecticut," said head coach Tyler Simms. "Our defense was strong in both games, where Shay led us in deflections both outings as well as his stellar on ball defense. Also, at the end of each game, we were able to secure stops where Shay had a great block and steal to help us secure victories."

John (Corona, N.Y.) helped guide Clark to a 2-0 record as he averaged 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals this week. In Tuesday's 74-69 victory over St. Joe's (Me.), John nearly tallied a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds, while adding three blocks and two steals. At Western Connecticut State, the sophomore registered 13 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in a 76-75 victory.

On the season, he is averaging 12.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. He has reached double-figures in four of the five games he has played and has grabbed at least five rebounds in every game. The Cougars will return to the court tomorrow night when they travel to Brandeis for a contest beginning at 7:00 p.m.