By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, OH---Freshman forward James Kelly has been named the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) Player of the Week.

The honor covers games from the week ending Feb. 19.

In games against No. 21 Lakeland and Cincinnati State, Kelly produced 50 points, 31 rebounds (seven offensive), three steals, one assist and one block. He finished 22-36 from the field and 6-for-8 from the foul line.

"James has shown a great deal of consistency in rebounding and scoring in the paint. He has proven to be one of the best post players on the offensive and defensive end in the OCCAC and this award shows the other coaches in the league agree," said Express men's basketball head coach Dave Clarke.

Against Lakeland, his 34 points and 21 rebounds helped the Express secure the upset in the SHAC. In the game, he tied Eric Seaman's 27-year-old single game rebounding record.

Against Cincinnati State, he finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Last week against Edison State, Kelly broke the program's single season block record formerly held by Rodney Hughes, who had 54 in the 2000-01 season. Kelly now has 57 blocks overall.

Overall this season, Kelly is the second leading scorer for the Express with 543 points (18.1 points per game). He has added 302 rebounds (10.1 per game), 57 blocks, 52 steals and 33 assists. He is 239-for-431 from the field (55.5 percent).

The Express are currently having their best season since 2006-07 under first-year head coach Dave Clarke. They are 22-8 overall, 9-3 in the OCCAC, and have won five consecutive games. They will open district tournament play next week.