MOLINE, Ill. --  Wichita State's Rangie Bessard has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year, it was announced today after the first game of the tournament by the conference office.

Bessard, a sophomore transfer from the University of Minnesota, averaged 15.5 points and 7.7 rebounds, leading the Shockers in scoring since joining the team Dec. 11 after sitting out per NCAA transfer rules.

The Rosharon, Texas native ranked in the league's top-12 in six different categories after the regular season, including scoring (15.5, 5th), rebounding (7.7, 4th), free throw percentage (.788, 5th), steals (1.6, 9th), blocks (0.7, 12th) and field goal percentage (.434, 12th).

She scored in double-figures all but five games this season, including topping the 20-point mark six times. Bessard tallied five double-doubles this season, including 17 points and 10 rebounds in the tournament game against Bradley.

Bessard took home the Valley's Newcomer of the Week honor three times this season, en route to becoming the second Shocker to win Newcomer of the Year honors, joining Kareema Williams (1992).