Johnson Finalist For Jostens Trophy
SALEM, Va. - Wesley College senior guard Rashawn Johnson (Selbyville, Del./Sussex Tech) was among the 10 finalists for the 2009 Jostens Men's Basketball Player Of The Year Award.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia to honor the most outstanding men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service.
The trophy models the Rotary motto of "Service above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete. This year's class marks the 12th year the award has been presented.
The awards presentation is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship being hosted in Salem, Virginia, on March 20-21.
Johnson is a three-time first-team conference all-star, first when Wesley was a member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (2006 and 2007), where he was also the PAC Rookie of the Year in 2006, and then in the CAC last year. He is also a three-time All-Middle Atlantic Region choice.
He leads Wesley in scoring, three-point goals, free throws, free throw percentage and steals. He also leads the CAC in scoring, three-point goals and steals. Johnson is the Wolverines all-time leader in scoring, three-point field goals and free throws made and also ranks among the school's all-time leaders in rebounds and steals.
Johnson led the Wolverines to a 16-9 overall record, including second place in the CAC with a 12-4 mark. Wesley will host a CAC semifinal round playoff game Thursday against the winner of tonight's first-round clash between #6 York and #3 Mary Washington.
The 10 finalists in each category will be forwarded to the 35-person national selection committee, which will complete the selection process by picking the two Jostens Trophy winners.
Men's
Finalists
Jimmy Bartolotta, MIT
Jose Guitian, Lasell College
Rashawn Johnson, Wesley College
Tim Madson, Bethel University
Scott Morton, SUNY Geneseo
John Noonan, Ursinus College
Joel Patch, Susquehanna University
Kent Raymond, Wheaton College
Jeff Skemp, UW-Plateville
Tony Thrasher, Hamline University
