SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.-- The Lake Superior State men's basketball team celebrated another outstanding season and honored four seniors during its annual banquet. The Lakers finished this year 25-8 finishing 2nd in the GLIAC and making the NCAA Tournament. LSSU coach Steve Hettinga and his staff said farewell to seniors Akaemji Wiliams, Lance Monroe, Josh Goldschmidt, and Michael Nicholson.
Akaemji Williams:
A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Akaemji has started 115 games throughout his career. He has rewrote the record books ranking 2nd all time in scoring with 2,010 points and 1st in assists with 762. He has been named to the All-GLIAC 1st team 3 times and is a 3 time all-defense team member as well. This year he was named team MVP. Williams is a Business Administration major with a concentration in marketing
Lance Monroe:
A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Lance has been with us for 5 years and has played in 51 games in his career and as a testament to his work ethic he worked his way into the rotation this year starting in 20 games. Monroe is a communications major with a minor in public relation
Josh Goldschmidt:
A native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Josh has played in 120 games as a Laker starting in 55. He, has scored 622 points in his career. Josh was recognized this year as one of the GLIAC's elite defenders being named to the All-Defense team. Josh was also named this years Bud Cooper Coaches Award recipient. Josh is a business Administrations major with a concentration in Management and a minor in Human resource management
Michael Nicholson:
A native of Clarkston, Michigan, Michael has played in 120 games and started in 119. Nicholson has accumulated 1,042 points and recorded 725 rebounds all while setting the school record for career field goal percentage at 62.5% "Phil" was named to the All-GLIAC 2nd team this year. Nicholson is a Mathematics major focusing on Actuarial and Business applications with a minor in Accounting- Finance
Coach Hettinga On Seniors:
"Words cannot express how much each of these seniors have meant to me and the program. I love each one and am grateful to have coached them over the last 4 years. Their on the court success speaks for itself but its the legacy that they leave behind that is their crowning achievement."
Other award winners include Cody Ley who received the Tom Thornton Award that recognizes the student athlete who has persevered through tough times with a great attitude and team spirit. Malek Adams was named the teams Most Improved Player and freshman Brandon Allen won Newcomer of the Year.