The Blackburn College Men's Basketball Team was represented well at the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference award ceremony on Thursday night at Greenville College. Senior Malcolm Scott was named to the all-conference second team, Karson Hayes third team, Nigel Ferrell was named to the all-defensive team, Reed Rusten was named to the all-sportsmanship team and Head Coach Steve Kollar was named co-coach of the year.
Scott, whose transformation over four years is amazing, was third in the league in rebounds, fourth in rebounding average and fourth in field goal percentage at 59 percent. "It was a process, I personally had some ups and downs but it was hard work, it's truly humbling but without my coaches and teammates it doesn't happen," said Scott.
Hayes, who has come on strong down the stretch, including a 38-point outburst against Westminster in a must win game, led Blackburn in scoring averaging 14.0 per game. "This kid is in the gym 2-3 times per week outside of practice," said Coach Kollar. "He has committed himself to getting better, and calls me time and time again to work with him outside of practice," added Kollar.
Ferrell, considered a lockdown defender was an easy call for all-defensive team. Ferrell had 32 steals while guarding the opposition's top player. "He has a mindset of locking down on an opponent, it's a personal battle to him that the opponent will not be better than him," said Kollar. "He plays his heart out every possession and has great instincts," added Kollar.
Rusten, a senior guard was named to the all-sportsmanship team. "Reed is a great kid on and off the floor, a leader for us, he's been through so much and always brings a positive attitude," said Kollar. "He is one of the best teammates that I have ever coached," added Kollar.
In just his third season at Blackburn, Kollar was named co-coach of the year. "The only way that happens is with an incredible staff and players that buy in to the culture and one another," said Kollar. "I am extremely lucky that I have the most supportive wife I could ever ask for, she is behind me and supports me through this, I'm very lucky!," added Kollar