SWAC OFFICIALS CHOOSE PAYNE AS MVP
by Rick Pike

Snow’s Andrea Medler and Tori Lybbert also Earn Honors

EPHRAIM, Utah-March 20, 2006-Snow’s men’s and women’s basketball teams had their struggles this season but both programs were recognized when post season awards were announced last week. Geoff Payne, a sophomore from Sandy, was named the Scenic West Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player and first team All-Conference. On the women’s side, Andrea Medler was a first team All-Conference selection and Tori Lybbert earned honorable mention.

“We’re thrilled that these players were recognized by league coaches and athletic directors,” said Bob Trythall, Snow’s athletic director. “All three of them were not only leaders on the court but in the locker room as well. Their tenacity on the court and commitment to teamwork lays a strong foundation for the freshman players returning next season.”

Payne led the SWAC in scoring throughout the season, finishing with a 22-point average. His game high was 41 points at home against North Idaho in January. Payne was also the second-leading rebounder in the league, averaging eight per game.

“I can’t praise Geoff enough. He came out and scored, rebounded and defended for us every night,” said Roger Reid, Snow’s head coach. “Every team in the league knew he was our big offensive threat, but he got his points every night.”

Other players among SWAC leaders were Mike Clark, a sophomore from South Jordan, who was fourth in the league in scoring, averaging 15 points a game. Clark was second in the SWAC in three-point shots made – making 74 or 2.5 per game. Jake Peterson, a freshman from Bingham High School, finished second in the league in assists, averaging five per game. Peterson was also second in assists to turnover ratio, averaging 2.3 assists for every turnover.

Andrea Medler was selected to the All-SWAC first team for her consistent play throughout the season. Medler was seventh in scoring, averaging 11 points a game. She was tenth in free throw percentage with a 68 percent average. Tori Lybbert was also honored making the League’s honorable mention list. Lybbert averaged 11 points a game finishing sixth, one spot higher than Medler, in the SWAC. She was first in free throw percentage, shooting 79 percent.

“Andrea performed all season long. We could count on scoring and rebounding from her pretty much every game,” said Cindy Lawrence, Snow’s head coach. “I’m also happy for Tori. Injuries curtailed a first team selection for her but she battled through them and became our strongest post player in league play. I’ll miss both of them next year.”

Other Lady Badgers among league leaders were Aubrey Stay and Lacie Titmus. Stay was fourth in assists, averaging 3.6 per game and tenth in steals, averaging two. Titmus averaged five rebounds a game to finish among the SWAC leaders.