The Dickinson State men’s basketball team relied on a strong group of seniors.
Two of them - guard Tevin Russell and post Connor Donaldson - were recognized by the North Star Athletic Association. The conference announced late Tuesday night that Russell was selected first-team all-conference and Donaldson second-team all-conference.
“With six teams in the league, I think that shows you the respect the young men had,” DSU head coach Justin Wetzel said.
Russell was one of DSU’s go-to players since he first arrived three years ago. He finishes his career with the Blue Hawks averaging 13.6 points per game and shot 46 percent from the field.
In conference play, Russell was No. 3 in shooting percentage (47 percent), No. 4 in points per game (15.9) and scored a career-high 22 points three times this season.
“He’s been in the program three years and nice for him to cap his career here as a Blue Hawk with the first-team recognition,” Wetzel said.
Donaldson was new to DSU this season but made an immediate impact as the team’s leading scorer. He ranked No. 22 in defensive rebounds per game with 5.93. Donaldson was No. 2 in defensive rebounds per game in the conference (tied with teammate senior Mack Odenier), No. 5 in total rebounds (6.3), No. 9 in scoring (13.40) and 3-point percentage (36 percent).
“He gathers so much attention from the defense not just his point totals but there is so much he did as a decoy that opened up offensively,” Wetzel said.
Both Donaldson and Russell logged significant time on the court and were hardly taken out of the game. Donaldson finished on top with 30.6 minutes per game and Russell right behind him with 29.8 per game.
The Blue Hawks finished 11-17 overall and 3-7 in the NSAA. DSU lost in the opening round of the NSAA Tournament to Dakota State 85-74 on Feb. 26.
DSU had a solid defensive showing this past season and finished with rankings in the top 31. The Blue Hawks were No. 11 defensive rebounds (27.821), No. 12 in total rebounds (5.929) and No. 31 in offensive rebounds (12.25).
MacDonald is the sports reporter for the Dickinson Press. Call her at 701-456-1213 and tweet her at MegtotheMac.
