We are a month into the season and have gotten through the bulk of non-division 1 games so after awarding a player of the month for November. Time to start awarding players of the week.
Senior of the Week
Jacksen Moni
North Dakota State
Photo Zachary Lucy
It seemed to take Moni a bit of time to acclimate to his new team and new level of basketball. However, it seems safe to say he has acclimated. The Bison as a team are surging of late and Moni is a huge reason why. Last week Moni had a 32-point offensive explosion vs Utah Valley which wasn’t included in this award but he carried the momentum forward. Last week Moni averaged 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Others receiving votes
Marquel Sutton Omaha
Oscar Cluff South Dakota State
Junior of the Week
Miles Barnstable
St. Thomas
Photo Collin Boyles
Barnstable is another player that shows the transfer portal from lower levels of college basketball has been good to Summit League teams this year. The Division 3 transfer from Wisconsin Whitewater has fit right in with the Tommies. Last week Barnstable averaged 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists taking home a tightly contested player of the week award
Others receiving votes
Treyson Eaglestaff North Dakota
Kendall Blue St. Thomas
Sophomore of the Week
Isaac Bruns
South Dakota
Photo Adam Pearson
Bruns has been South Dakota’s leading scorer most of the season and for the most part, done so being the first player off the bench. Bruns has thrived in the 6th man role this season, providing instant offense. Last week Bruns averaged 20 points, and 5 rebounds per game to be awarded the Sophomore of the Week award.
Others Receiving Votes
Mier Panoam North Dakota
Freshman of the Week
Nolan Minessale
St. Thomas
Photo Collin Boyles
Here come the St. Thomas Tommies. That is what I envision Summit League opponents saying this season. The Tommies seem to be taking another step forward as a program this season. Somewhat indicative of that is the fact that Minessale is the second Tommie to receive a Player of the Week award this week. Last week Minessale averaged 16.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists and was by far the leading vote-getter for this award.
Others Receiving Votes
Sebastian Akins Denver
Defensive Player of the Week
Chase Forte
South Dakota
Photo Adam Pearson
South Dakota Coach Eric Peterson has been searching for good perimeter defenders since he arrived in Vermillion and he sure has one in Forte. Forte is an absolute pest on the defensive end. Peterson was the only unanimous winner of an award this week, being the only player to receive votes as Defensive Player of the Week. Last week Forte averaged 4.5 steals per game and chipped in 2 offensive rebounds per game. Causing turnovers and creating extra possessions.