DAHLONEGA – University of North Georgia men's basketball sophomore guard Cayden Charles has been named this week's Chick-fil-a Nighthawk of the Week. Charles was dominant on the biggest stage of the season for the Nighthawks, earning the 2024 NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament Most Outstanding Player award. 

He averaged 16.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.0 steal in the regional tournament while shooting 70.8 percent from the floor. His week was capped off by an 18-point, 8-rebound performance in the 70-67 regional championship win over Lander. Both numbers were game highs. 

In his second season in Dahlonega, Charles has spread his wings with UNG. Going from a shy freshman to a bubbling sophomore, Charles has become a fan favorite for his hard nosed play style and relentless effort. 

Charles and the fifth-seeded Nighthawks will face fourth-seeded West Texas A&M in the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Championships in Evansville, Ind. on Tuesday, Mar. 26 at 9:30 p.m. EST. The winner moves on to the National Semifinal matchup on Thursday. 

The Nighthawk of the Week title sponsor is Chick-fil-A of Dahlonega, with each week's winner being treated to a complimentary combo meal at the Dahlonega restaurant. Located at 488 Morrison Moore Parkway East, Chick-fil-A loves to give back to the local area and is proud to be a community partner with UNG Athletics.

Beginning in the fall of 2014, the UNG athletic department began honoring one student-athlete each Monday morning as the Nighthawk of the Week. The award is chosen each Sunday evening by an award selection committee made up of members of the UNG athletics administrative staff.