RALEIGH, N.C. - Through the first half of the 2025-26 season, William Peace freshman guard Ensley Perry has quickly established herself as one of the most impactful newcomers in the USA South Conference. With a combination of scoring ability, consistency, and poise beyond her years, Perry has become a central piece of the Pacers' rotation and a name to watch in the conference race.
The Knoxville, Tennessee native has earned USA South Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week honors five times this season, including three consecutive awards during the month of December. Most recently, Perry picked up the honor again on February 2 after scoring a career-high 23 points in an 81-45 win over Meredith, further cementing her status as one of the league's premier freshmen.
Perry's run began early in non conference play. On November 24, she earned her first Rookie of the Week recognition after averaging 13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.7 assists across three games. That stretch included a breakout 22-point performance against Agnes Scott, where she also added seven rebounds and three assists in a key win.
She followed that performance with a dominant December, claiming Rookie of the Week honors on December 8, December 15, and December 22. During that span, Perry totaled 19 points in an 88-75 road win at Greensboro, scored 19 points with seven rebounds in a conference win over Brevard, and averaged 14.0 points per game during a 1-1 stretch against Mary Baldwin and Southern Virginia. Across those weeks, she consistently filled the stat sheet while helping guide Peace through the beginning of conference play.
In addition to her weekly accolades, Perry was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Empowerment Classic hosted by Hollins University. Over two games, she averaged 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, leading the Pacers in scoring as they went 1-1 with a dominant win over Agnes Scott and a tightly contested loss to Hollins.
That consistency has also shown up on a conference-wide level. During the opening weeks of USA South play, Perry repeatedly ranked among the conference's top five players in key offensive categories, including total points, field goals made, and scoring average. As a freshman, she has continued to chart alongside some of the league's top scorers, reinforcing her role as a reliable offensive presence for the Pacers each time she steps on the floor.
Head coach Annalee Bollinger has seen Perry's impact grow throughout the season and pointed to both her work ethic and the team culture as key drivers of her early success.
"Ensley is having an exceptional season," Bollinger said. "Coach Cedric Wilkerson and I knew early on that she was going to be a good player, but what has stood out the most is her work ethic. She is one of the hardest workers on the team, and the success she has found so far is completely earned. Her teammates have done a great job finding her and putting her in positions to succeed, while continuing to encourage one another throughout the season. There is still a lot of work ahead, but as long as the reps continue, this program will keep moving forward. This is a special group, and we are fortunate to coach each of them."
Perry also points to the environment around her as a key factor in her growth, crediting both her teammates and coaching staff for helping her adjust to the collegiate level and step confidently into her role.
"I didn't expect to step into such a big role coming in as a freshman, but its meant the world to me, especially knowing I'm helping my team win," Perry said. "Staying confident has come from putting in extra time in the gym, trusting my coaches, leaning on my support system, and staying grounded. Earning weekly honors has been really special, but they've also shown me that the work I'm putting in is paying off. My teammates and coaches challenge me every day, hold me accountable, and support me, which has helped me grow and continue to improve as a player."
Now midway through her freshman campaign, Perry has started all 20 games for William Peace and is averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field. She has already set multiple season highs, including 23 points, five made three-pointers, and nine field goals made in a single game, all coming against Meredith on January 29. Her steady production has played a major role in Peace's climb to 12-8 overall and 9-4 in conference play.
While the numbers tell part of the story, Perry's presence has been just as evident in the game's biggest moments. Whether it's a timely perimeter shot, pressure on the defensive end, or steady play late, she has consistently stepped up for the Pacers.
With five Rookie of the Week honors, an All-Tournament selection, and a growing list of standout performances, Perry has positioned herself firmly in the conversation for USA South Rookie of the Year and potential All-Conference recognition. As the Pacers push toward the final stretch of the regular season, her emergence continues to shape both the present and future of William Peace women's basketball.
