HADDONFIELD, N.J. - The Atlantic East Conference announced the Men’s Basketball weekly award winners on Monday, with Michel Loftin of Marywood being named Player of the Week and CJ Highsmith Jr. of Marymount being named Defensive Player of the Week.
Player of the Week: Michel Loftin
School: Marywood
Class: Junior
Position: Guard
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: The Patrick School
Brief Outlook of Week: Loftin led the Pacers in points, averaging 20 per game, rebounds (7.5 per game) and assists (four per game) in a 1-1 week. The junior had a team-high 25 points with six assists in a victory over Saint Elizabeth. Loftin started the week just a rebound shy of a double-double with 15 points and nine boards in a loss to Gwynedd Mercy, adding two steals to his name.
Defensive Player of the Week: CJ Highsmith Jr.
School: Marymount
Class: Junior
Position: Center
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
High School: Richmond Christian
Brief Outlook of Week: Highsmith Jr. swatted away six total blocks on the week, including four against Pratt on Saturday. He pulled down 10 rebounds against Neumann to begin the week, with one steal and two blocks on the day. The junior averaged 7.5 rebounds per game and picked up one steal while chipping in 9.5 points per game.
Weekly Honor Roll:
Bruce Smith, Gwynedd Mercy: Smith recorded 16 points, one rebound, and an assist in an 81-76 win at Marywood University, before recording his first Red and Gold double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 72-68 loss to Neumann University.
Dylan Crews, Immaculata: Crews had a combined 35 points, shooting a combined 56.2% from the field, 16-for-17 (94%) from the free throw line, with six rebounds, four assists, and one steal in two conference games. He scored 11 points, with four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in Immaculata's win over Saint Elizabeth on Wednesday. On Saturday at Centenary, he led Immaculata by scoring a career-high 24 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field, with two rebounds.
Mandon Seapoe, Immaculata: Seapoe anchored Immaculata’s defense in two conference games, recording 11 rebounds, including six defensive boards, and six steals while helping the Mighty Macs to a 1–1 week in conference play. On Wednesday, he collected eight rebounds and three steals while also contributing seven assists against Saint Elizabeth. Seapoe added three steals and three rebounds on Saturday against Centenary.
DJ Earl, Neumann: Earl averaged 17.5 points as Neumann went 1-1 in Atlantic East action. In a 58-57 loss to Marymount, the senior scored 14 points and finished with three steals. He followed with 21 points in a 72-68 win at Gwynedd Mercy.
Donte Dupriest, Neumann: Dupriest averaged 11.5 points and 12.0 rebounds in a 1-1 week for Neumann. In a 58-57 loss to Marymount on a buzzer-beater, the senior had 13 points, nine boards and three blocks. In a 72-68 win at Gwynedd Mercy, Dupriest finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Thomas Prendergast, Pratt: Prendergast provided a defensive spark averaging four steals and one block. In the matchup with Centenary, he was a disruptive force, recording five steals to tie his career-high, along with one block and five rebounds. Against Marymount, he made his first start this season and continued his strong defensive play with another three steals and one block.
Tye-Rell Monroe, Saint Elizabeth: Monroe had a monster week for the Eagles, averaging 21 points per game, shooting 92% from the free throw line. Monroe was also able to pick up 12 total rebounds (averaging six per game), and picked up two steals, with one block for the Eagles.
2025-26 AEC Men’s Basketball Weekly Award Winners:
AEC Player of the Week:
Nov. 10: Michel Loftin, Marywood
Nov. 17: Mandon Seapoe, Immaculata
Nov. 24: Jalen Snead, Gwynedd Mercy
Dec. 1: Trey Phillips, Pratt
Dec. 8: DJ Earl, Neumann
Dec. 15: Joe Macciocco, Marywood
Dec. 22: Joseph Mazzola, Saint Elizabeth
Jan. 5: Trey Phillips, Pratt
Jan. 12: DJ Earl, Neumann
Jan. 19: Michel Loftin, Marywood
AEC Defensive Player of the Week:
Nov. 10: D.J. Johnson, Gwynedd Mercy
Nov. 17: Donte Dupriest, Neumann
Nov. 24: Donte Dupriest, Neumann
Dec. 1: Donte Dupriest, Neumann
Dec. 8: Donte Dupriest, Neumann
Dec. 15: Cameron Hatcher, Pratt
Dec. 22: Tye-Rell Monroe, Saint Elizabeth
Jan. 5: CJ Highsmith Jr., Marymount
Jan 12: D.J. Johnson, Gwynedd Mercy
Jan. 19: CJ Highsmith Jr., Marymount