University of South Carolina redshirt freshman and Flowery Branch High guard Courtney Newton has started five of the last six games for the Lady Gamecocks.

Newton, who injured her knee two games into the season, has recovered to average more than three points and more than two rebounds per game in 19 games this season and has increased those numbers recently.

She set a career high with seven rebounds and tied a career-high in steals with four in South Carolina’s loss to Florida on Feb. 22.

Newton initially suffered the knee injury last season, and had surgery to repair a torn ACL.