PRINCE GEORGE, BC – UNBC Timberwolves fifth-year forward Devin McMurtry was honoured with the Student-Athlete Community Service Award for his outstanding work in academics, athletics and the community, while Franco Kouagnia is named a second team all-star.

The UNBC men's baksetball team continues to make history. First team to make it to Canada West postseason and now the first team to have players receive Canada West award, not only an all-star but a major award as well.

Fifth year forward Franco Kouagnia (Yaounde, CMR) has been stand-out player for the Timberwolves this season. The big man is averaging 16.4 points per game (eighth in conference) and 7.7 rebounds per game (eighth in conference). His also sits ninth in total blocks with 18, and fourth in offensive boards at 65.

Devin McMurtry, another fifth year forward for the Timberwolves also received an award this season. McMurtry received the student-athlete community service award for his work in basketball, academics, and community. McMurtry has been an outstanding member of the Timberwolves community, he will be put forward for as the nominee CIS Ken Shields award.

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS:  Joining McLaughlin on the Canada West First Team All-Stars are repeat winners Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (Calgary) and Joel Friesen (Alberta).  UBC Thunderbirds’ Tommy Nixon and Thompson Rivers’ Josh Wolfram round out the First Team selections.
SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS: Jelane Pryce (Winnipeg), Mamadou Gueye (Alberta), Franco Kouagnia (UNBC), Matthew Forbes (Saskatchewan), and repeat-winner Jasper Moedt (UFV).
THIRD TEAM ALL-STARS: Marcus Tibbs (Victoria), Dadrian Collins (Saskatchewan), Denzel James (MacEwan), Kevon Parchment (UFV) and Jonathan Tull (Regina)

List of major award winners:

Victoria Vikes fifth-year forward Chris McLaughlin is the 2014-15 Canada West men’s basketball Outstanding Player of the Year, the conference announced today.

Saskatchewan Huskies fifth-year guard Ben Baker was selected as the conference Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in three years, after finishing among the league leaders in rebounds (eighth with 7.7 rpg) and steals (tied for fifth with 2.1 spg).

Calgary Dinos forward Lars Schlueter was voted as Rookie of the Year after seeing averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg while starting every game for the 12-8 Dinos.

Schlueter’s coach, Dan Vanhooren is the league’s top coach for 2014-15 season.  In his 15th year at the helm, Vanhooren orchestrated a turnaround for the Dinos and led them back to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

UNBC Timberwolves fifth-year forward Devin McMurtry was honoured with the Student-Athlete Community Service Award for his outstanding work in academics, athletics and the community.

For full Canada West release click here