As we hit the halfway mark of conference play we reached out to the Reaching the Summit Voters for their front runners for player of the year, and 1st and 2nd team. We also asked for their top senior, junior, sophomore and freshman at this point in conference play. We recognize a lot can change but this may give a guide to how things are looking for the best players in the conference.
(All statistics listed are conference play statistics)
Mid-Conference Player of the Year
Guard Nick Janowski St. Thomas
Photo: Maddie Kranz
21.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game
Janowski’s teammate Nolan Minessale was the prediction of our voters for POTY at the start of conference play for good reason, but Janowski has shouldered the load offensively for St. Thomas since conference play started. Not only does Janowski play on one of the top teams in the Summit, he is second in scoring and 6th in rebounds in league play.
1st Team Mid-Conference
Photo: Zachary Lucy
G Nick Janowski St. Thomas
G Trevian Carson North Dakota State
15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists
G/F Paul Djobet Omaha
21.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists
G Carson Johnson Denver
22.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists
G Eli King North Dakota
14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists
Here’s the first interesting note. Eli King is the only senior on the list. Not typical for 1st teams. Cameron Fens of South Dakota was the next player so certainly in the mix. Trevian Carson of North Dakota State is probably the biggest battle for Janowskii for player of the year. However, one could make an argument for all the players on the first team for Player of the Year.
2nd Team Mid-Conference
Photo: Dave Eggen/Inertia
F Cameron Fens South Dakota
15.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists
F Treyson Anderson North Dakota State
15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists
G Nolan Minessale St. Thomas
14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists
G Isaac Bruns South Dakota
20.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists
F Damon Wilkinson South Dakota State
14.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Deserved, and good to see Bruns on the list. It was just announced he will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury so he is unlikely to be on the postseason team. Depending on team success the rest of the way and how they play the second half of the conference season, could certainly see some of the players on this team find their way on to first team.
On the edge of 2nd team
Greyson Uelmen North Dakota
Jeremiah Burke Denver