Written By Rev. Justin C. Jackson

STAFFORD, TX — Defense travels, and right now North American is riding it. For the second time this season, NAU junior Naheim Northern has been named the Red River Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, continuing a stretch of play that has turned the Stallions into one of the most physical and disciplined defensive units in the conference.

Northern anchored the paint with authority, controlling the glass, protecting the rim, and setting the defensive tone possession after possession. His ability to alter shots and clean up rebounds fueled transition opportunities and allowed the Stallions to dictate pace on both ends of the floor. When Northern is locked in, the entire defensive identity of North American follows suit.

That defensive dominance translated directly into results, as the Stallions powered their way through a statement week of conference play. North American opened the stretch with a 93–67 victory over UNT Dallas, followed by an emphatic 96–60 win against the University of the Southwest, holding both opponents well below their season scoring averages.

While Northern patrolled the interior, NAU junior guard Jamarric Hammond controlled the tempo on the perimeter and was nominated for RRAC Player of the Week following his all-around impact. Hammond's leadership, poise, and ability to push the pace kept the Stallions in attack mode, applying constant pressure and ensuring North American never took its foot off the gas. His steady command of the offense complemented Northern's defensive presence, creating a complete, two-way effort that defined the week.

This latest RRAC recognition is more than an individual honor — it reflects a team buying into a shared identity. From Northern's physical presence inside to Hammond's floor leadership, the Stallions are stacking disciplined possessions, playing connected basketball, and making their intentions clear within the conference race.

When defense leads, offense follows — and right now, North American is rolling. With momentum building and confidence growing, the Stallions continue to make noise in the RRAC, one stop, one possession, and one statement win at a time.