Koenen Named Semifinalist for Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award

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HOPEWELL, N.J. – Junior forward Avery Koenen has been selected as a semifinalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award presented by Her Hoop Stats, the organization announced on Wednesday.

Koenen is one of 10 semifinalists and the first-ever Bison named to the list. She’s also one of two players in the Summit League to earn the recognition, joining Brooklyn Meyer from South Dakota State.

Koenen ranks in the top 15 nationally in double-doubles (3rd, 17), field goal percentage (3rd, 64.4), free throw attempts (6th, 182), defensive rebounds per game (9th, 8.6), rebounds per game (11th, 11.2), rebounds (12th, 279) and free throws (13th, 129).

The full release can be viewed here.

NDSU, who has won each of its last 21 games, is back in action hosting St. Thomas on Thursday. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

Semifinalists in alphabetical order by school:Kaety L’Amoreaux, Fairfield, Jr., GLauren Whittaker, Gonzaga, R-Fr., FAdrianna Smith, Maine, R-Sr., FTaylee Chirrick, Montana St., So., GAvery Koenen, North Dakota St., Jr., FMaggie Doogan, Richmond, Sr., FBrooklyn Meyer, South Dakota St., Sr., FHannah Wickstrom, UC Riverside, So., GNikola Priede, Vermont, Sr., CMia Nicastro, Western Ill., Sr., F Award Eligibility & ScheduleTo be eligible for this award, players must compete in one of the 26 conferences deemed to be “mid-major.” The following conferences are considered high-major for the purposes of this award and thus ineligible: ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, and SEC. Additionally, players from Oregon State and Washington State remain ineligible this year.

The 25-player preseason watch list was announced in October, and 10 semifinalists will be announced in February. The five finalists will be announced in early March, with the winner announced around the Final Four. The list is fluid, and players may play their way on or off it over the course of the season.