Clarksville, Ark.-University of the Ozarks placed three players on the men's and women's American Southwest Conference All-East Division basketball teams, which were selected by conference coaches and announced by the league office on Tuesday.
By Larry Isch, Director of Public Relations Junior center Christie Shuffield of Dover and sophomore forward Mandy Thomas of Lamar were both named to the women’s East Division Second Team. Senior Travis Acord of Clarksville was named to the men’s East Division Second Team. Shuffield, an All-East Division first-team pick last season, averaged 11.7 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds for the Lady Eagles. She led the ASC in field goal percentage (.596) and blocked shots (1.67 per game). Thomas led the Lady Eagles in scoring (14.7) and also averaged 5.7 rebounds. She shot 53 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free throw line. "Both Mandy and Christie played well together as our twin towers and I think they were the best post tandem in the conference," said Ozarks Coach Jack Jones. "They worked well together and both had great seasons. We had such good balance this season and that probably hurt us when it came to getting players named to the first team." Sophomore guard Lacey Johnson, who averaged 10.2 points and led the team with 46 three-pointers, earned All-Division honorable mention for the Lady Eagles, who finished 15-9 and advanced to the ASC Tournament. Acord led the 17-8 Eagles in scoring (14.3), rebounding (6.6), blocked shots (36) and free throw percentage (.776) in earning second team honors for the second consecutive season. "Travis had an outstanding season and I’m a little disappointed that he didn’t make the first team. "Eagles Coach Johnny Johnson said. "He’s been a tremendous player for our program the past two seasons and he’s helped us win a lot of games during that time." Sophomore forward Brent Gibbs of Greenwood and senior guard Ryan Koerdt of Scranton were named honorable mention.
Topics: Athletics