To the surprise of nobody, the Merrimack College man and women cleaned up as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced its annual award winners.
The regular-season champion Warrior men saw coach Joe Gallo earn the Coach of the Year award, and three players also captured top honors.
Freshman guard Kevair Kennedy was named the Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, the first time it has happened in MAAC men’s basketball history.
Junior guard Ernest Shelton joined Kennedy as a First Team All-MAAC selection while junior forward KC Ugwuakazi was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Ugwuakazi, who lead the league in blocks per game, also represented the Warriors as a All-Defensive Team selection.
“Let’s smile and be happy about those,” Gallo told players inside the locker room after he announced the list of award winners. “Now, let’s go get the ultimate prize.”
Gallo is referring to the upcoming conference tourney in Atlantic City that goes with an NCAA tourney bid to the winner.
The Merrimack women were led by junior forward Madison Roman, who was recognized as a unanimous First Team All-MAAC selection.
Junior guard Paloma Garcia, who averaged 2.68 steals per game, and forward Oralye Kiefer were named to the All-Defensive Team. Kiefer was a unanimous selection for the All-Defensive Team.
Lydia Melaschenko was named Third Team All-MAAC, and Kelly Morrone was named Coach of the Year.