NORTHERN ARIZONA

NAU trio earn All-Conference honors

Mar 4, 2011, 2:53 AM | Updated: 2:54 am

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Senior guard Cameron Jones was one three unanimous selections to the All-Big Sky first team and the only two-time first-team selection, the conference office announced. Sophomore Gabe Rogers was chosen to the second team and senior Shane Johannsen earned honorable mention honors.

“It is a nice accomplishment for those guys,” said Head Coach Mike Adras. “I think it says more about the team success to have three players honored. They are three student-athletes that deserve it.”

It is the third all-conference honors for Jones, who was an honorable mention selection in 2009 and a unanimous All-Big Sky first-team choice in 2010. The Los Angeles, Calif., native and product of Los Alamitos High School has averaged 19.8 points per game, ranking second in the Big Sky and 24th in the NCAA this season. He also ranks among league leaders in field goal percentage assists, free throw percentage and three-point field goal percentage.

He is a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award to be announced at the Final Four.

Sophomore Gabe Rogers, a native of Houston, Texas, was named to the All-Big Sky second team. He has averaged 13.0 points per game with 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists this season while ranking among the national leaders in three-point shooting. Rogers is second in the Big Sky and Division I overall in three-point field goal percentage at 49.0 percent, the seventh-best single-season three-point percentage in school history. He has made 72 three-pointers on the season.

“It is a great feeling and means I have earned some respect around the league,” said Rogers. “I am glad Coach put me in the position to perform and I have grown since my freshman year. It is a blessing.”

Senior forward Shane Johannsen earned All-Big Sky honorable mention selection. The Phoenix Valley Christian product has averaged 9.7 points per game (29th in Big Sky) and 6.5 rebounds (8th in Big Sky) while leading Division I and the Big Sky in field goal percentage at 73.5 percent. He reset the single-season blocks mark and will finish his career as the top shooter in school history percentage-wise.

“It is cool and the first time since I have been here,” said Johannsen of his first all-league selection. “It means a lot that the hard work and the contributions my teammates have made to me have paid off. They pass me the ball. It is a testament to this team and the hard work we put in.”

Northern Colorado senior guard Devon Beitzel was tabbed the league’s top player by the coaches, who selected the individual award winners and All-Conference team on Thursday. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players.

Montana senior Brian Qvale, the conference’s all-time shot blocker, was named the Defensive Player of the Year. The Weber State Wildcats claimed the other two individual awards. Sophomore transfer Scott Bamforth was named the Newcomer of the Year. Forward Byron Fulton was tabbed as the Freshman of the Year.

The Lumberjacks play host to Montana State on Saturday in the Big Sky Tournament Quarterfinals at 6:35 p.m. at the Rolle Activity Center. The winner advances to the semifinals on Tuesday in Greeley, Colo.

Northern Arizona

Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament...

Arizona Sports

Grand Canyon, NAU to play inaugural Arizona Tip-Off tournament

The Grand Canyon Antelopes and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks will participate in the inaugural Arizona Tip-Off at Desert Diamond Arena.

3 months ago

Photo via ASU football...

Arizona Sports

ASU football goes classic maroon and gold as heavy favorites vs. NAU

Quick hits and what you need to know to watch, listen or bet on the Arizona State football opener against Northern Arizona.

1 year ago

Northern Arizona quarterback Case Cookus looks down field against Arizona in the first half during ...

Sam Graveline

Report: Vikings to sign former NAU QB Case Cookus

Following three quarterbacks landing on the COVID-19 list, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly signing former NAU QB Case Cookus.

2 years ago

NCAA President Mark Emmert. (AP Photo/Matt York)...

Associated Press

NCAA President Mark Emmert: It’s time to decentralize college sports

In a 30-minute interview with a small group of reporters, NCAA President Mark Emmert stressed he was not putting forth a mandate or even a recommendation.

2 years ago

FILE - In this March 14, 2012, file photo, a player runs across the NCAA logo during practice in Pi...

Associated Press

NCAA’s NIL era arrives, some athletes are ready to cash in

Athletes at the highest levels of college sports will be permitted to be compensated for the use of their name, image or likeness starting Thursday.

2 years ago

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)...

Associated Press

NCAA moving toward hyperlocal solution to NIL as placeholder

The NCAA is lurching toward a temporary, patchwork solution in addressing name, image and likeness compensation for athletes.

2 years ago

NAU trio earn All-Conference honors