Knudsen and Darden named D3hoops.com All-Region

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -- Millikin University seniors Elyce Knudsen (Philo, Tolono Unity H.S.) and Sophie Darden (Channahon, Minooka H.S.) were named to the 2023-24 D3hoops.com All-Region Team for Region 8 on March 12.

Knudsen was named the Region Player of the Year and selected to the All-Region First Team while Darden was named to the All-Region Second Team.

Last month, Knudsen was named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin’s (CCIW) Lori Kerans Student-Athlete of the Year and selected to the All-Conference First Team (unanimous selection) for the third straight season. Darden was chosen for the CCIW All-Conference First Team.

Knudsen finished the season scoring 763 points setting a new Millikin record for points in a season. She became Millikin’s all-time career leading scorer and finished the season with 2,274 points (101 games). Knudsen set new records for field goals made in a season with 301 and field goals made in a career with 899. She also set a record for 30 plus points in a game in a season with 10. In 2023-24, Knudsen averaged 26.3 points per game with 5.1 rebounds per game. She had a team high 97 assists along with 62 steals and 35 blocks. Heading into Division III’s Final Four, Knudsen ranks second in country in points per game and third in total points and field goals made.

Darden averaged 14.5 points and a team high 9.1 rebounds per game. She posted 16 double doubles on the season. Darden had 61 assists and 68 steals along with five blocks. She finished the year with 541 career rebounds placing her 19th on the all-time career rebounding list.