Apologies for the delay in getting these out, but this writer has been busy. Between two jobs, coaching basketball, and the fact that the Christmas season seems to mean a kid has a concert of some sort every night. Just couldn’t find the time. That said, I wanted to ensure the players who shined this week were recognized.
Senior of the Week
Chase Forte
South Dakota
Photo Adam Pearson
The Senior of the Week award vote was as close as any vote can get with Forte getting one more vote than North Dakota State’s Jacksen Moni. Both are very deserving of the award, but ultimately goes to Forte. For the week, Forte finishes with 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.
Others receiving votes
Jacksen Moni North Dakota State
Past winners
December 2-8 Jacksen Moni North Dakota State
Junior of the Week
Nick Shogbonyo
Denver
In another tightly contested battle, Shogbonyo outlasts Treyson Eaglestaff of North Dakota. Fighting Hawk fans don’t fret as soon as next week Eaglestaff is likely to take home the award. This week Shogbonyo averaged 19.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. This is Shogbonyo’s first Junior of the Week award.
Others receiving votes
Treyson Eaglestaff North Dakota
Past winners
December 2-8 Miles Barnstable St. Thomas
Sophomore of the Month
DeAndre Craig
Denver
Photo Jamie Schwaberow
In spite of the team struggling a bit, Denver guards had a heck of a week. Shogbonyo took home Junior of the Week and Craig Sophomore of the Week. Both may need to continue to take on heavy lifting while the team mends. For the week Craig finished with averages of 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He also chipped in 1.5 steals on the defensive end, leading to a unanimous decision.
Others receiving votes
none
Past Winners
December 2-8 Isaac Bruns South Dakota
Freshman of the Week
Joe Sayler
South Dakota State
Photo Andrew Pearson
Sayler has been off to an incredible start for the Jackrabbits. One of the early favorites for Freshman of the Year in the Summit. The young sharpshooter captures his first freshman of the week honor. For the week Sayler averaged 15.5 points, .5 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Others Receiving Votes
Sebastian Akins Denver
Past Winners
December 2-8 Nolan Minessale St. Thomas
Defensive Player of the Week
Babacar Diallo
Kansas City
Photo Ryan Weaver
Diallo was an all-league defense player last year. So his winning defensive player of the week is not shocking to hardcore Summit League fans. However, Diallo had been out of the starting lineup and more limited in minutes early this season. However, he burst back into the starting lineup and then maybe not surprisingly back into the conversation of best defenders in the Summit League. For the week Diallo averaged 3 steals a game while leading the charge for a revamped Kansas City defense.
Others Receiving Votes
Tony Osburn Omaha
Amar Kuljuhovic North Dakota
Past Winners
December 2-8 Chase Forte South Dakota