St. Bonifacius, Minn. - The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) released its Men's Basketball award recipients on Wednesday afternoon. Four Polars represented Crown College including Tyler Smith, Anthony Knight, Parker Behne, and Levi Royston.
Tyler Smith had a huge year for the Polars, earning the UMAC Defensive player, First Team All-Conference, and All-Defensive Team. Smith dominated the conference, having the most impressive statistical season in the UMAC. Smith led the conference in rebounds, assists, and blocks. He averaged 12.4 rebounds per game, 7.9 assists per game, a 2.5 assist to turnover ratio, and 3.3 blocks in conference play; all led the UMAC. His 11.7 rebounds per game including non-conference opponents was the third best mark in all of NCAA Division III. His 6.6 assists per game was fourth in NCAA Division III, and his 3.77 blocks per game led all of Division III. Tyler Smith anchored the offense with his passing and the defense with his shot blocking ability, and led the Polars to the UMAC Postseason after being voted last in the preseason coaches poll. Smith dominated the game in nearly every aspect game in and game out, and was clearly one of the best players in the conference.
Anthony Knight was selected to Second Team All-Conference. Knight was the Polars leading scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game on the season, and 19.0 points per game in conference play. Knight also averaged nearly 4 rebounds and nearly 3 assists per game on the season as well. He scored efficiently, shooting 47.5% from the floor and 40% from three. Knight was a leader on this team and a reliable point guard for the Polars.
The next Polar receiving an award is Parker Behne, who was an All-Conference Honorable Mention. Behne dealt with injury early in the season, missing 6 games. Prior to conference play, Behne's shooting numbers dipped from where they were the year before. Despite this, Behne still finished the season 37.6% from three, averaging 15.3 points per game and 16.4 in UMAC play. He also averaged 3.8 rebounds from the guard position. Behne was the only Senior in the starting lineup, and took on an extremely important leadership role for this team as well as being a reliable source of offense for the Polars.
The final Polar recognized by the UMAC is Levi Royston, who was selected to the All-Sportsmanship team. Royston, a Senior, has spent all four of his years at Crown College. He was recognized for his leadership, high character qualities, and his attitude toward his teammates and opponents.
