The Oklahoma Sooners’ inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been marked by numerous achievements, including the recognition of two standout players. Center Raegan Beers and guard Payton Verhulst have been named to the All-SEC First and Second Teams, respectively, as voted on by the league’s 16 coaches.
Beers, a junior center from Littleton, Colorado, has been a dominant force in the SEC, averaging 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while leading the nation with a 68.4 percent field goal percentage. Her impressive performance has earned her a spot on the All-SEC First Team, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Beers’ achievements extend beyond her All-SEC honor. She is a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award and has been named SEC Player of the Week three times and National Player of the Week twice. Her impressive stats against elite competition, including 18.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, demonstrate her ability to perform under pressure.
Verhulst, a senior guard, has secured her second consecutive postseason honor with a spot on the All-SEC Second Team. Her impressive performance has been marked by her ability to average at least 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in under 30.0 minutes per contest. Verhulst’s 29-point triple-double against then-No. 12 Duke was a standout moment in her season, making her just the second player since 1999 to record a 25-point triple-double against a ranked opponent.
The recognition of Beers and Verhulst is a testament to the strength and depth of the Oklahoma Sooners’ basketball program. With two players earning All-SEC honors, the Sooners have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC. As the team looks to the postseason, the contributions of Beers and Verhulst will be crucial in driving their success.
In conclusion, the All-SEC honors bestowed upon Raegan Beers and Payton Verhulst are a fitting recognition of their outstanding performances this season. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have earned them a place among the best players in the SEC. As the Oklahoma Sooners continue to make their mark in the conference, the contributions of Beers and Verhulst will be instrumental in shaping their success.
