This just in from the Southeastern Conference news service:

ATLANTA (Feb. 25, 2010) – The Atlanta Tipoff Club today announced the 30 midseason candidates for the 2010 Women’s Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T, and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is represented by four student-athletes.  Georgia’s Ashley Houts (pictured), LSU’s Allison Hightower, Ole Miss’ Bianca Thomas and Tennessee’s Shekinna Stricklen all made the list.

The list was voted on by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists from around the country. The board based its criteria on player performances this season.

The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T is the most prestigious national basketball award and is given annually to the women’s college basketball player of the year. This year, the award will be presented at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.

Beginning March 22, AT&T wireless customers – and sports fans on other wireless networks – will be able to text their votes for the player of their choice.  Fans will be eligible to cast their vote for the winner until 11:59 PM EDT on Saturday, April 3, 2010. AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, allowing even more fans to participate. Other wireless carriers must opt-in for their subscribers to participate. Standard messaging rates apply.

SEC Players
Ashley Houts, Georgia
Allison Hightower, LSU
Bianca Thomas, Ole Miss
Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

(Ash photo courtesy of Fastbreaker Bill Zachmann.)