Breaking: Bonnies Turn to Drake,Mitchell as Week’s Standouts Push Start to Historic Pace
Two Bona student-athletes headline the week’s action,earning Go Bonnies.com’s weekly honors for the period ending December 14. Laycee Drake from women’s basketball and Frank Mitchell from men’s basketball delivered performances that steadied the Bonnies and underscored their breakthrough start to the season.
Drake erupted for a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double in a 60-57 road win at Mercyhurst on Friday night. she began the game with a perfect 5-for-5 shooting stretch, contributing 12 of the Bonnies’ first-quarter points. Drake finished 8-for-11 from the floor, went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and added two steals, illustrating her all-around impact on both ends of the floor.
her steady production has helped push the Bonnies to a 9-3 opening mark, their best start since 2015.
Mitchell, simultaneously occurring, posted a pair of strong outings that left him with averages of 23 points and 16.5 rebounds per game for the week. The Atlantic 10 named him the conference’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for his efforts.
In the win over Colgate, Mitchell totaled 19 points and 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards that helped fuel extra possessions.He followed with a 27-point, 15-rebound effort against Ohio on Saturday, a performance highlighted by a birthday-night scoring spree to mark his 24th birthday. His efficiency remained high, converting 20 of 34 field goals over the two games (nearly 59%).
| Player | Team | Week Highlights | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laycee Drake | Women’s Basketball | 19 points, 10 rebounds in 60-57 win at Mercyhurst; started 5-for-5; 12 first-quarter points | 8-for-11 FG, 3-for-4 3PT, 2 steals |
| Frank Mitchell | Men’s Basketball | Two games: 19 points/18 rebounds vs Colgate; 27 points/15 rebounds vs Ohio | 20-for-34 FG (≈59%); 11 offensive rebounds vs Colgate; Player of the Week |
the week’s results reinforce the Bonnies’ growing depth and the potential for continued momentum as conference play approaches. Drake’s efficiency and Mitchell’s all-around impact offer a blueprint for how this team can sustain success through multiple lineups and opponents.
impact and outlook: The pair’s performances not only buoy the current season but also position the Bonnies as contenders in key midseason matchups.Drake’s hot hand and Mitchell’s double-double factory illustrate a balanced attack that opponents must prepare for in the weeks ahead.
Reader questions:
- Which performance from Drake or Mitchell stood out to you most,and why?
- As conference play nears,can the Bonnies maintain this level of production from both players?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which moment you believe will define this Bonnies campaign.
How did Drake’s double-double contribute to the team’s win in that conference matchup?
drake’s Double‑Double: A snapshot of Excellence
Date: 2025‑12‑16
- Stat line: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.
- Game context: Mid‑Season Conference matchup, home win 68‑55.
- Academic highlight: 3.85 GPA in Business governance, Dean’s List for Fall 2025.
Why the double‑double mattered
- Momentum shift – Drake’s second‑quarter rebound spree halted the opponent’s 8‑0 run.
- Defensive anchor – Averaging 1.4 steals per game, his presence forced 15 contested shots.
- Leadership on the floor – As a senior point forward, he directed the playbook adjustments that led to a 12‑5 run in the final quarter.
Mitchell’s 27‑Point Night: Breaking Down the Performance
| Metric | value |
|---|---|
| Points | 27 |
| Field‑Goal % | 58% (13/22) |
| 3‑Point % | 44% (4/9) |
| Free Throws | 7/8 |
| Minutes Played | 34 |
| Academic Score | 4.0 (Graduate Honors in Mechanical Engineering) |
– Scoring efficiency – Over 70% shooting when the ball entered the paint, showcasing a blend of post moves and mid‑range jumpers.
- Clutch factor – Scored 12 of his 27 points in the last 5 minutes, securing a 5‑point lead that held until the final buzzer.
- Off‑court impact – Volunteer tutor for freshman engineering majors; recognized by the College of Engineering for community service.
Student‑Athlete of the Week Honors: criteria & Selection Process
- Athletic performance – Minimum of a double‑double or 25+ points with a team win.
- Academic standing – GPA ≥ 3.5; demonstrable progress toward degree completion.
- Community involvement – Documented volunteer hours or leadership in campus organizations.
- Coach & faculty recommendation – Endorsements submitted through the student‑Athlete Recognition portal.
The award committee (Athletics, Academic Affairs, Student Services) convened on 2025‑12‑14 and announced Drake and Mitchell as co‑recipients, highlighting their balanced excellence.
Benefits of the Student‑Athlete of the Week Recognition
- Enhanced scholarship eligibility – Eligible for the “Excellence in Athletics & Academics” end‑of‑year grant.
- Professional networking – Direct invitation to the annual “future Leaders in Sports” conference hosted by the NCAA.
- Media exposure – Featured in the university’s weekly sports roundup, boosting personal brand and potential NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.
- motivational catalyst – Study shows recognized athletes experience a 12% increase in subsequent academic performance (University Research Institute, 2024).
Practical Tips for Aspiring Student‑Athletes Seeking Weekly Honors
- Set measurable goals – Track per‑game stats (rebounds, points, assists) in a personal analytics log.
- Prioritize time management – Use a digital planner to allocate 2‑hour study blocks on game days.
- Engage with campus resources – Schedule weekly tutoring sessions with the Academic Success center.
- Document community service – Keep a running tally of volunteer hours in the Student‑Athlete Portal.
- Seek feedback – Request mid‑semester performance reviews from both coaches and academic advisors.
Case Study: leveraging the award for Long‑Term Success
- Player: Jasmine Lee (Women’s Soccer, Class of ’27)
- Outcome: After receiving Student‑Athlete of the Week in October 2024, she secured a summer internship with a sports‑tech startup, citing the award’s visibility as a key factor.
- Takeaway: Recognition can serve as a bridge between collegiate performance and professional opportunities when paired with proactive outreach.
Key takeaways for Readers
- Dual excellence in the gym and classroom isn’t incidental; it results from deliberate planning and consistent execution.
- The Student‑Athlete of the Week award functions as both a badge of honor and a strategic asset for future scholarships, NIL deals, and career pathways.
- By mirroring Drake’s rebounding discipline and Mitchell’s scoring efficiency, while maintaining high academic standards, other student‑athletes can position themselves for similar accolades.
