ROME, Ga. – Minnie Griffin became the first Salem basketball player to earn in-season honors in the 2022-23 campaign when she was recognized as USA South Rookie of the Week by the league office in a release issued on Monday, November 28th.

Griffin earned the distinction after a 23-point performance on Tuesday, November 22nd, in a clash with USA South Conference rival Methodist.

The Orlando, Fla., native becomes the third player in program history to earn USA South Rookie of the Week honors. Teammates Tamsi Echendu (November 29, 2021) and Alize Munn (February 14, 2022) received the honor in the 2021-22 season.

Appearing in just her third collegiate game, Griffin reached double figures for the first time in her career by hitting 9-of-12 from the floor, 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and 2-of-3 at the free throw line. She also hauled in four rebounds, including three on the offensive glass, forced two steals and made one block.

"I'm extremely proud of Minnie for earning this accomplishment," said Salem head coach Sharee Boyd. "I'm super excited about her future here with us at Salem."

After a scoreless first quarter against Methodist, Griffin kick started the Salem offense with eight points in five minutes in the second frame. She finished 3-of-5 from the floor and was successful on 2-of-3 free throws to lead the team with eight points as Salem closed the margin to 32-28 at the intermission.

Griffin's hot shooting continued into the third quarter, where she poured in 15 of Salem's 29 total points. In the third, Griffin converted 6-of-7 field goals, including three from 3-point range, and forced two steals.

With her 23-point performance, Griffin became the third different Spirit this season to score 20 points off the bench, along with teammates Cree Bass and Tamsi Echendu. Bass netted 25 points for Salem in a victory over Warren Wilson on November 8th. Echendu came through with 22 points for the Spirits four days later against Randolph.