The Mid-American Conference season is nearly complete, and the stage is almost entirely set for the MAC Tournament in Cleveland, which will take place from March 13-15. Postseason awards are all but picked, and official announcements are on the horizon.
Here are The Post’s picks for MAC Player, Defensive Player, Freshman, Sixth Man and Coach of the Year, as well as All-MAC First through Third teams.
Player of the Year: Von’Cameron Davis, Kent State
Davis has asserted himself as the MAC’s most impactful, best two-way player for Kent State and best-in-conference defense. In conference play, the 6-foot-5-inch fifth-year put together averages of 15.6 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range.
Defensive Player of the Year: Javontae Campbell, Bowling Green
Campbell has been the ultimate disrupter this year. His 2.7 steals per game were the most in conference play by over half a steal per game, and as a 6-foot-2-inch guard, he still collected half a block per game, ranking him in the top 25 in the MAC. In conference play, Bowling Green’s Campbell-led defense held its opponents to 74.8 points per game, the MAC’s third-best mark.
Freshman of the Year: Sharron Young, Akron
The MAC didn’t have any incredibly impressive freshmen from a statistical standpoint, but Young still made an impressive case for the best first year. As a crucial bench piece for the far-and-away No. 1 in the MAC, Young showcased a ton of poise as a playmaker and scorer.
Sixth Man of the Year: Shammah Scott, Akron
Scott provided everything the Akron offense needed off the bench. In MAC play, he averaged 9.9 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting over 40% from 3-point range, and not starting a single game. Akron’s depth is what has made it so dangerous, and Scott is the first player off the bench.
Coach of the Year: John Groce, Akron
With a 15-1 record and an elite team on both ends, Groce makes Coach of the Year the easiest award to pick. Akron is an offensive machine, with, statistically, a top-100 defense in the country. At its best, Akron looks like one of the best Mid-Major teams in the country, and at its worst, it only has one loss in the MAC and has held its own against NCAA Tournament caliber teams. Although the players Akron was able to bring in this offseason are a large part of that, so is Groce’s coaching.
All-MAC First Team
(G) Javontae Campbell, Bowling Green
(G) Jalen Terry, Eastern Michigan
(F) Von’Cameron Davis, Kent State
(F) Ugnius Jarusevicius, Central Michigan
(F/C) Payton Sparks, Ball State
All-MAC Second Team
(G) Sonny Wilson, Toledo
(G) Nate Johnson, Akron
(F) Eian Elmer, Miami
(F) AJ Clayton, Ohio
(F/C) Cli’Ron Hornbeak, Kent State
All-MAC Third Team
(G) Tavari Johnson, Akron
(G) Peter Suder, Miami
(F) AJ Brown, Ohio
(F) Amani Lyles, Akron
(F/C) Da’Sean Nelson, Eastern Michigan
