 LaMont Russell in action against Southeast (Neb.) Community College Jan. 12. |
January 24, 2008
A men’s basketball player at Hesston College has been named co-player of the week for the first time ever in Division II, National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Sophomore forward LaMont Russell, from Wichita, Kan., received the honor for the week ending Saturday, January 19.
The 6'5" forward led Hesston to a 1-1 record last week, recording two double-doubles. In a 79-78 loss to Highland (Kan.) Community College, Russell had 29 points, 22 rebounds, and five assists. His second double-double was a 28 point, 16 rebound performance in a 68-67 win over Brown Mackie College (Salina, Kan.). On the week, Russell was 19-of-27 from the floor (.703) and 19-of-23 (.826) from the free-throw line.
On the season, Russell is averaging 19.35 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.
Coach Tim Swartzendruber was pleased to make the announcement. “This honor is the first time we’ve ever had a men’s basketball player named co-player of the week. This is great for Hesston College, for the men’s basketball program, and for LaMont.”
Russell shared the co-player of the week honor with Brian Christian, a 6'6" guard-forward from Kirtland (Mich.) Community College.
Earlier, Russell was named as an NJCAA Division II pre-season All-American.
Last year, Russell averaged 13.5 points and 9 rebounds per game for the Larks men’s basketball squad. He received post-season recognition with his selection to the 2006-07 NJCAA men’s basketball all-region (Region 6) second team.
A graduate of Wichita South High School, Russell is the son of Larry and Wanda Russell, Wichita.
Hesston College Men's Basketball