Five Iowa Lakes Community College men's basketball athletes were named to the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) Division II Men's Basketball All-Region teams.
Xzavier Jones was named to the ICCAC All-Region first team, Kevin Cook and Dillon Carlson were named to the second team all-region, and Caleb Johnson and Ryan Hall were named honorable mention.
"I'm proud of the representation that we had on the all-conference teams. It is a direct result of our student athletes work ethic, competitiveness, and character. All of our players sacrificed individual statistics in order for our team to achieve maximum success. It takes talented players to have success and you can tell it is the case this year with the amount of all conference performers we have," commented Larson.
Xzavier Jones, a sophomore forward from Milwaukee, WI, led the Lakers in scoring and rebounding this season averaging 13.8 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game, while also shooting 52% from the field. Jones's 190 total rebounds on the season has him tied for seventh on the NJCAA leaderboard. He was also fifth in the conference in rebounding with 5.5 per game and eighth in assists at 3.4 per game.
"Zay had a really good season for us. He has a high basketball IQ, knows where everyone is at on the floor at all times. Good rebounder and is a true two way player as he is a good defender. Makes big plays down the stretch of games and if very competitive. Enjoyed coaching him and seeing him improve this season," commented Coach Larson.
Kevin Cook, a sophomore forward from Milwaukee WI, averaged 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds. Cook's 181 total rebounds also put him in the NJCAA leaderboard for rebounds at #12.
"Kevin had a very good year for us scoring in the low block and rebounding the basketball. Improved from his freshman year. Provided great leadership and is a high energy guy," commented Coach Larson.
Dillon Carlson, a sophomore guard from Ankeny, IA, averaged 13 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Carlson shot 41% from behind the arc putting him at the second highest 3-point field goal percentage on the team.
"Dillon is one of the better shooters in the ICCAC. He worked hard on his dribble attack game resulting in being a more complete player. He is one of our better perimeter defenders so you get a two way player. Dillon was a great leader for us all season," commented Coach Larson.
Ryan Hall, a sophomore guard from Kettering, OH, the second leading scorer for the Lakers averaged 13.6 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game. Hall led the Lakers in 3-point field goal percentage shooting 44%. Hall's 64 made three's put him at 6th in the NJCAA leaderboard for made three pointers on the season.
"Ryan had an outstanding last part of the season cumulating in him being regional tournament MVP. He is a great shooter and a high intelligent player with a big upside. He continually improved throughout the year with an outstanding work ethic," commented Coach Larson.
Caleb Johnson, a freshman guard from Baltimore, MD, averaged 12.5 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game. Johnson led the team in assists per game with 3.7 and also had the highest free throw percentage with 82.4%.
"Caleb is a smart, intelligent guard who has the ability to make plays for himself and others. He became a very good defender by the end of the year. He makes winning plays while having a great attitude," commented Coach Larson.
Iowa Lakes is coached by Troy Larson who is in his 14th year at the college. He has an overall record of 297 wins and 139 loses for a winning percentage of 68.1%.
The Lakers have an overall record of 18-7. The NJCAA 8th ranked Lakers earned a trip to the 20-21 NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Danville, IL. The Lakers earned the 6th seed and will open up the tournament against 11th seed North Central Missouri on Wednesday, April 21st at 11am.
You can find the link to the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference All Region teams here: https://iccac.org/sports/mbkb/2020-21/releases/20210407m675jn
OTHER: Link to Roster: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/roster
Link to Schedule: https://iowalakesathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/schedule
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Men's Basketball Coach Troy Larson at (712) 362-7915 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.