Nwankwo named Jayhawk Conference Player of the Year

The Cowley College men's basketball team received some good news before opening play at the NJCAA Division I National Tournament as the Tigers had three players named to the First Team all-conference list, highlighted by sophomore Jeff Nwankwo being named the Player of the Year in the conference.

Joining Nwankwo on the list of First Team selections were guard Arzhonte Dallas and post player Corey Thomas.

"To have three guys make all-conference, let alone first team in the KJCCC, is a tribute to the team, the trust they have in each other and the coaching staff, and that has led to the success of our season," Cowley head coach Donnie Jackson said.

Nwankwo leads the Tigers in scoring at 18.6 points per game to go along with 7.6 rebounds. His 595 points are the 14^th most scored in a season at Cowley. He needs only 23 points to move into the top 10.

"In true Jeff fashion, I know he would credit his teammates for this prestigious recognition," Cowley head coach Donnie Jackson said. "He works very hard and is very deserving of Player of the Year. He has had one heck of a year. He has played his best ball down the stretch. He wants everyone on the team to have success, and he is a true leader in the locker room."

Dallas averages 15.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists. The transfer is shooting 37.2 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the foul line.

"Arzhonte was an excellent addition to our team," Jackson said. "He brought scoring punch and competitiveness to this group. He hates to lose and has been invaluable to us. He has had some big moments this year, and I am excited to see him recognized for his performance."

After averaging 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game as a freshman, Thomas averages 11.9 points and a team-best 10.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore. The 6'10 post player shoots nearly 60 percent from the floor and blocks almost two shots per contest.

"CT has made one of the biggest one-year to the next jumps I have had in 22 years," Jackson said. "He really bought into the daily process. He brings a different dynamic to us on the court on both sides of the ball. His most important characteristic is his daily voice and leadership and I am so happy for him to get this recognition."

The trio has helped Cowley to a record of 27-5 and a No. 9 seed in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament held March 24-30 in Hutchinson, KS. The Tigers will face No. 24-seed Allegany College of Maryland (26-7) on Sunday at 12:15 p.m. The winner of Sunday's game will advance to face eighth-seeded Northwest Florida State on Monday at 5 p.m.

ALL-KJCCC HONORABLE MENTION                                                                                                                                                                                 
BARTON: RING MALITH – SO, KEANDRE KINDELL – FR, BRENT MOSS - FR

CLOUD COUNTY: ISAIAH SY - SO

COLBY: DNECCO RUCKER – FR, MAXENCE MASSADILA - FR

DODGE CITY: HUNTER DUNCAN- FR

HUTCHINSON: JP RICKS - SO

NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH: TAIDEN CONNER- SO

PRATT: DAVONTE RUSS - R-FR, CALEB SMITH - SO

SEWARD COUNTY: MATHIAS M'MADI - FR