Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Leading the Sonoma State men into the conference playoffs, Justin Herold has netted player of the week honors.

The former Maria Carrillo standout is the California Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Player of the Week after leading Sonoma State to a split of last week’s home games.

Herold helped Sonoma State clinch a conference tournament berth, scoring the game winning shot in a one point victory over Cal State Dominguez Hills. He totaled 25 points and 5 rebounds in the win.

Earlier, Herold again led Sonoma State with 26 points and 10 rebounds in a setback against Cal State Los Angeles. Over the two games, Herold went 20-for-27 (74.1%) from the field and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line. 

For the season, Herold leads Sonoma State averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds per contest. He is fourth in the conference in blocked shots.

Two teammates also have been named conference player of the week this season, Steven Pratt and Will Olsem.

The Seawolves have turned around their season with Herold playing a big role in the resurgence. Herold sat out the first semester after transferring from Cal Poly Pomona.

Sonoma State has won 9 of the past 11 games to raise its record to 13-9 overall and 11-7 in the conference. Now alone in fifth place, Sonoma State hopes to move up into the top four so the Seawolves can host a conference playoff game.

League play resumes Thursday with Sonoma State at Pomona and again on the road Saturday at San Francisco State. The Seawolves finish with a pair of home games with the conference tournament set to start Feb. 28.