Anderson's Dillard, Newberry's Stepp Named South Atlantic Conference Basketball Scholar-Athletes of the Year

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Anderson's Alexis Dillard was voted the South Atlantic Conference women's basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while Newberry's James Stepp earned the men's honor, the Conference office announced today. 

The South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to one student-athlete in each of the Conference's championship sports, and is voted on by the SAC's Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee. The winners are selected based on their achievements in academics, athletics, service and leadership.

Dillard, a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Arts in Education, has a 4.0 grade point average. She earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors this season and was the first-ever SAC Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, she was an All-SAC first team selection and was a two-time SAC AstroTurf Player of the Week during the 2017-18 season. Dillard also eclipsed the 1,000-point mark and became Anderson's all-time leader in defensive and total rebounds this season. She finished the season averaging 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. She recorded nine double-doubles, giving her 21 double-doubles for her career.

"Alexis has been a committed player and student both on the court and in the classroom during her entire career," said Anderson head women's basketball coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We are extremely proud of to have had Alexis represent Anderson and the women's basketball program. She is not a player you can replace, you just hope someone can step into her shoes and keep it going."

A native of Taylors, S.C., Dillard is extremely active off the court and in the community. She has served as a worship leader and reads scriptures at her local church. She has participated in several youth basketball instructional workouts and camps, including working at Wofford College's basketball camp. She volunteers at Taylors Elementary, reading to children and helping out with Field Day. She has also been a guest speaker at Greenville High School and has been on the College Panel at Back to School Night at her church, where she spoke about being a collegiate student-athlete.

Stepp is a senior biology major with a 3.76 grade point average from Greensboro, N.C. He is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, a National Basketball Coaches Association Honor Court selection, a member of the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll and a four-time member of the Newberry Dean's List. Stepp joined the 1,000-point club during the 2017-18 season, where he averaged 14.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. He also set a new career record for three-pointers made at Newberry with 287 for his career.

"James has been the consummate student-athlete during his entire time here," said Newberry head men's basketball coach Dave Davis. "We could not be prouder of him and all of his achievements, he is very deserving of this award."

In addition to his success on the basketball court and in the classroom, Stepp has been an active member of the community. During his four years at Newberry he has spent time each year as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and Relay for Life. He has also served as a Big Brother mentor at Gallman Elementary School and has volunteered at a local nursing home.

Other Women's Basketball Nominees

Caroline Averette, Wingate
Sydney Shull, Coker
Kendall Toineeta, Lenoir-Rhyne

Other Men's Basketball Nominees

Kerigan Farley, Wingate
Nathan Lemke, Coker
Reed Lucas, Lenoir-Rhyne
Luke Van Rijn, Mars Hill

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