Dales Tabbed MVP at Knights' Annual Basketball Banquet :: Senior Leon Dales Named 2006-2007 MVP. Fritz, Linton, Hitchens and Long also earn top honors at the 2006-07 Men's Basketball Banquet

Senior Leon Dales Named 2006-2007 MVP. Fritz, Linton, Hitchens and Long also earn top honors at the 2006-07 Men's Basketball Banquet

May 22, 2007

Aston, Pa. - Seniors Leon Dales, DJ Fritz, Nasheed Linton, Mike Hitchens and Dorian Long were among the award winners at the 2006-07 Neumann Men's Basketball Banquet held at the College's Living and Learning Center on April 22.

Dales, a fifth year senior and two-time team captain, who led Neumann in field goals (48.2) this season, was named Most Valuable Player after leading the Knights to their first .500 season since 2003-04.

Newcomer DJ Fritz was awarded the 2006-2007 St. Francis and Clare Award, presented annually to the player or players who best exemplify the characteristics of a Neumann College basketball player through their willingness to play hard, together and with pride. Fritz was also honored as the Knight's choice for the 2006-2007 All-PAC Sportsmanship honor.

Freshman Nasheed Linton was named the Knights' Rookie of the Year; the award is given to the best first-year player on the team who has shown the most improvement, desire and passion during the past year. Linton was among the Knights' top leaders in field goals, three point baskets, assists, steals, and scoring.

Freshman Dorian Long picked up the Dedication Award, presented to a member of the program who demonstrates the greatest desire be a part of the Neumann Knights program. The dedication award recognizes those individuals that go beyond the normal expectations to be a part of the program both during the season and in the off-season.

Rounding out the evening's award presentation was sophomore guard Mike Hitchens who was the recipient of the Hustle Award, presented to the player whose selflessness provides an outstanding example to his teammates. Hitchens led the Knights in 3-point baskets and averaged 10.8 points and 2.9 rebounds while appearing in 26 games in 2006-07.

Neumann ended their first season under Head Coach Corey Stitzel 13-13 with a 10-8 mark in conference (PAC) play.

2006-2007 Highlights:

2006-2007 ALL-PAC Men's Basketball Team - Derahn Patrick

2006-2007 ALL-PAC Men's Basketball Sportsmanship Team - DJ Fritz

PAC Player of the Week - Derahn Patrick -January 29, 2007 - Honor Roll

- Derahn Patrick - December 11, 2007 - Honor Roll

- DJ Fritz - November 27, 2007- Honor Roll

Wyndham Tip-Off Tournament All-Tournament Team - DJ Fritz

Derahn Patrick - Scores his 1,000th Point on February 11, 2007 vs. College of Misercordia

Pennsylvania Athletic Conference

2006-2007 League Leaders

No. 1 Ronnie Fields - Steals

No. 3 Ronnie Fields - Free Throw %

No. 6 Derahn Patrick - Scoring

No. 7 Nashedd Linton - Steals

No. 8 DJ Fritz - Steals