VALDOSTA — Though the Valdosta State Lady Blazers’ season ended last week, two players are still gaining accolades in the Gulf South Conference. Seniors Traci Newton and Candice Ferrell have been selected to the All-GSC second team.

“It’s definitely an honor to be put on the team this year,” said Newton on Thursday. “I talked to Candice yesterday, and we were both happy and surprised.”

Both players were named second team All-Conference last year as well.

“They were both huge components of our success this season,” said head coach Kiley Hill. “From a leadership role they did the best they could for the team.”

Newton was a huge factor in the Lady Blazers’ success down the stretch and into the playoffs. The 16th ranked all-time scorer for VSU got into the 1,000 point club this season after a 55-45 defeat over Lincoln Memorial.

“I’ve always been a leader by example rather than a vocal leader. I feel like I have given it everything I could have,” said Newton.

Newton finished her collegiate career starting in all of her 113 games played. This season she averaged 12 points per game and shot .785 from the free-throw line. Newton had a team high 73 assists and she compiled 57 steals, third best on the team.

“She was consistent from beginning to end this season,” said coach Hill.

Newton was the team’s high scorer 11 times this year, including a season high 28 point performance in the loss to West Alabama. She was named GSC player of the week in February after 21 and 23 point performances, including an over-time forcing jumper that led to a victory over North Alabama.

“I’ve been happy with my career. Of course, as a team, we would of liked to do better, but it’s hard to beat last year.”

Ferrell ended the season as the team’s leader in scoring and rebounding for the third straight year. A three-year starter, Ferrell has been the emotional leader just as much as a leader on the court.

“It’s a great honor to do what I have. I wasn’t expecting to achieve so many goals,” said Ferrell Thursday evening. “I give my career an A+ overall.”

Ferrell’s 1,389 points rank her 11th all-time in Lady Blazers history. This season Ferrell averaged 12.7 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game. Her 67 steals were a team high, and her 13 blocks were second on the team.

Like Newton, Ferrell had 11 team high scoring performances in the 2005-06 season. She also led the team in rebounding in 15 games this year. Ferrell put up a season high 32 points in a 89-50 win over Covenant College in January.

“I’m glad I chose VSU. I was talking to my mom the other day, and I said, “Do you remember when I wasn’t highly recruited and had to pay for my visit?’ I thought I would be coming off the bench as a role player,” said Ferrell.

“I look back on it now and say, “Wow, I achieved a lot.”

Besides the on-the-court performances, Hill said his main concern is replacing what both players brought to the team in terms of leadership.

“As the year ended, players were already filling a role on the court,” said Hill. “I feel very confident we will be able to fill those holes, but the thing we will struggle with is losing their experience.”