BENNINGTON, Vt. - Southern Vermont Captain Joe Karnik and Cameron Herrington led the men's basketball team to a 1-2 week filled with conference play and an epic victory in the final seconds over NECC foe Mitchell College (69-68 Tuesday). The duo posted astounding numbers to win the Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week in the NECC, these are the first awards for both players.
"This recognition of Joe Karnik and Cam Herrington is evidence that we are a team in transition. Joe has become a solid anchor offensively and defensively," said Head Coach Michael McDonough. "As a freshman, Cam has made steady progress in elevating his game to compete on the collegiate level. They are clearly leaving their imprint on the conference. The best part: neither is intent to receive individual recognition. Rather, their accomplishments represent a commitment to get us moving in the right direction."
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Southern Vermont College junior forward Joe Karnik (Castleton, N.Y.) was a scoring and rebounding force for the Mountaineers, averaging 29.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game over three contests. Karnik opened the week with back-to-back double-doubles, posting a 21-point, 15-rebound effort in a 69-68 win over Mitchell, while turning in a career-high 32 points and 11 boards in an 85-73 loss to St. Joseph. He closed out the week with his second straight career-high scoring effort, pouring in 34 points to go with eight rebounds in a 123-88 loss to Elms. In three games, Karnik shot 59% (30-for-51) from the field and 74% (26-for-35) from the free-throw line.
ROOKIE OF THE WEEK - Southern Vermont College freshman forward Cameron Herrington (Cambridge, N.Y.) enjoyed three strong performances, averaging 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for the Mountaineers. Herrington registered 11 points and eight rebounds in a 69-68 win over Mitchell, added 10 points and five boards in an 85-73 loss to St. Joseph, and tallied a career-best 18 points and eight rebounds in a 123-88 loss to Elms. Herrington was a marksman over the course of the week, shooting a sizzling 75% (12-for-16) from the field and 83% (15-for-18) from the free-throw line.
The Mountaineers next home game is against Daniel Webster College (NECC) Saturday, January 24 at 3:00pm. The women's team hosts Bay Path before the men at 1:00pm. Admission is free.
Go to www.svcathletics.com for all your Mountaineers sports updates and go www.neccathltics.com for conference stats.
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