Peru State athletic director Wayne Albury recently announced that Samantha Stewart (Mount Ayr, Iowa) and Henry Tanksley (Lincoln) was named as the Bobcat Student-Athlete of the Month for December.
Stewart was named for her improved play in December for the women’s basketball team. Tanksley earned the recognition as he earned recognition as the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Men’s Basketball Player for the Week during the last week of the honors in 2020.
A 5-8 guard, Stewart did not score in the first game in December for the Bobcats, but was in double figures in the final four contests. She averaged 11.2 points per game for the month. In addition, she contributed more in rebounding as she grabbed 30 rebounds which was six per contest. Against Graceland, a contest the Bobcats won on the road, Stewart led the team as she finished with a double-double of 18 points and ten rebounds. Stewart presently leads the team in steals with 18.
Tanksley received the Heart’s recognition for his efforts against Graceland in which the ‘Cats won 84-63. The 6-4 guard scored 29 points on 12 of 23 shooting from the floor which included hitting two of four from long range. In addition, Tanksley grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, dished out three assists, blocked one shot, and grabbed one steal. Currently, Tanksley is leading the Bobcats in scoring averaging 17.73 points per game.
Albury noted, “Samantha has earned additional playing time and it has helped the Bobcats. Henry is taking on a different role this season. Even though he is Peru State’s leading scorer, he is helping mold a very young Bobcat team with his leadership.”
