Cedars, March 2019

March 2019 19 SPORTS Cedars Sports Staff and Fans Hand Out Awards by the Cedars Sports Staff T he Cedars sports staff selected mul- tiple players as the most signifi- cant contributors on Cedarville’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Sev- en awards were selected, and all rostered players were eligible to receive each award, pending they meet each award’s more spe- cific requirements. The student body received an online poll as well to give input to the fans. The students’ award winner is included in each section, with the percentage of votes re- ceived in parentheses, as well as the margin of victory included thereafter. Any ties by the sports staff were broken by vote of the student body. All-Cedarville First Team Awarded to the most outstanding five players on either team thanks to their play from this season. Player 1: Branden Maughmer (unani- mous) Player 2: Conner TenHove (unanimous) Player 3: Abby Wolford (unanimous) Player 4: Baylee Bennett Player 5: Grant Zawadzki Others receiving votes: Regina Hoch- stetler, Ashlyn Huffman, Kollin Van Horn Bench Player of the Year Awarded to the most productive contrib- utor outside the starting five. Finalists: Emily Chapman, Quinton Green, Stevie Johnting, Isaiah Speelman. Winner: Quinton Green Student’s Choice: Quinton Green (55 percent, 23 percent margin) “Green exploded after redshirting and was a walking highlight reel. The athletic swingman brought energy and ripping down offensive boards.” - Tim Miller Comeback Player of the Year Awarded to the most outstanding player who missed significant playing time last season due to injury. Finalists: Ellie Juengel, Abby Wolford. Winner: Abby Wolford (unanimous) Student’s Choice: Abby Wolford (73 percent) “Wolford was my vote for most valuable player. After two season-ending injuries, Wolford leaped into the starting lineup this season and was the most multi-fac- eted and talented player on the court in just about every game.” - Tim Miller Freshman of the Year Awarded to the campus’ top first-year player. Finalists: Emily Chapman, Quinton Green, Branden Maughmer, Alli Roh, Isaiah Speelman, Kollin Van Horn. Winner: Branden Maughmer Student’s Choice: Branden Maughmer (46 percent, 29 percent margin) “Maughmer was electric on the guys’ offense and earned a well-deserved start- ing spot during the season. He was the best rookie this year.” - Tim Smith Most Valuable Player Awarded to the most indispensable and irreplaceable Cedarville basketball player. Winner: Grant Zawadzki Student’s Choice: Conner TenHove (20 percent, one percent margin) “He may not lead in stats, but Zawadzki is the heart and soul of the men’s team, and he is their true leader. His leader- ship through good times and bad is what has propelled the team to where they are.” - Tim Smith Offensive Player of the Year Offensive Player of the Year skills con- sidered: Shooting, passing, finishing, ability to create space off the dribble. Finalists: Baylee Bennett, Regina Hochstetler, Ashlyn Huffman, Branden Maughmer, Conner TenHove. Winner: Baylee Bennett Student’s Choice: Branden Maughmer (31 percent, four percent margin) “Bennett can light it up on the offensive end, and she doesn’t need much space to do it. She shot 45 percent from 3-point range. Incredible.” - Josh Stevens Defensive Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year skills considered: On-ball defense, off-ball defense, disruption in passing lanes, shot blocking, hustle plays. Finalists: Kollin Van Horn, Abby Wol- ford, Grant Zawadzki. Winner: Kollin Van Horn Student’s Choice: Kollin Van Horn (34 percent, seven percent margin) “Van Horn led team in blocks, and was very noticeable presence on defense in the low post. His performance on defense stands above the rest.” - Abby Hintz Photos by Lydia Wolterman Above: All-Cedarville First Team member and MVP Grant Zawadzki used up every bit of his senior season for success. Below: Abby Wolford (3) exceled after missing two consecutive seasons.