KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the 2011-12 Division I men’s and women’s basketball All-America teams Wednesday. Lee senior guard Ryan Westbrooks and Lady Flames’ sophomore guard Hollie German received second-team recognition, while Angela Spann was honorable mentioned.
The selections were made by the NAIA Basketball Coaches’ Association All-America Committee and comprises a first, second, third and honorable mention team. There are 10 members on each of the first three All-America teams.
Westbrooks completed his Lee career by posting some outstanding numbers. In helping the Flames record a 20-9 mark and reach the NAIA National Tournament for the seventh straight year, the talented Nashville native averaged 17 points per game. His shooting numbers were off the chart, 49 percent from the field, 43 from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line. He finished the season with 493 points and was not only named to the All-SSAC team, but earned the Newcomer of the Year award.
“Ryan could score from all angles and when he got going on a hot-shooting streak, he was almost impossible to stop,” said Lee coach Tommy Brown. “He was also lightning quick in the open court.” Emmanuel Wilson of Oklahoma Baptist was named the NAIA Division I Player of the Year.
German was on fire in tournament competition and scored 27, 28, 26 and 34 points in the SSAC and NAIA national tournaments. Her 115 streak gave the former Polk County all-stater 558 points for the year and 872 total points in only two seasons for the Lady Flames and coach Marty Rowe. Spann tallied 438 points and wrapped up her four-year career with 1,190 points and 503 rebounds. Lee completed the 2011-12 season at 30-4 and over the past four years is 118-20.
“We’re extremely happy for Hollie and Angela being recognized for the season they had,” said coach Rowe. “Both are very worthy of being labeled All-Americans and are great representatives of our school and basketball program.” Union University’s Lavanda Ross was named the NAIA National Player of the Year.
