Tuesday, January 10, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore. – With the turning of the calendar to 2017, the 108th episode of GNAC Insider, hosted by Rob Lowery, both looked back at two of the biggest successes in the conference in 2016 and looked forward for what’s in store for the 2017 portion of the men’s and women’s basketball season.

Joining the show live at 7 p.m. (Pacific) on Tuesday night was Western Washington women’s soccer defender Sierra Shugarts, Alaska Anchorage volleyball setter Morgan Hooe, Simon Fraser women’s basketball point guard Ellen Kett and Central Washington men’s basketball guard Dom Hunter.

Shugarts led Western Washington to a national title last month, beating three-time defending champion Grand Valley State. It was a record-breaking season for the Vikings, setting 13 new GNAC records and tying six others, including most consecutive wins with 24. Shugarts has been the recipient of a myriad of awards for her role in leading WWU to become national champions. Shugarts was named NSCAA Player of the Year and received the Honda Award, which is awarded to one player in the nation from each sport.

Hooe wrapped up a memorable collegiate career in impressive fashion, leading Alaska Anchorage to the national championship match. The setter was named GNAC Player of the Year and D2CCA West Region Player of the Year. She finished her career ranked fifth all-time in the GNAC in career assists with 3,920. She also played in 441 sets, which is the third most of any player in GNAC history. In her senior season, Hooe was named an AVCA and D2CCA All-American after leading UAA to its first ever West Region championship.

Kett has been a key part of Simon Fraser’s early success in the season. The NCAA Division II leader in total assists has led the Clan on a six-game winning streak. Simon Fraser is the first team in the GNAC to reach 14 wins this season. On Thursday, the Clan will host Seattle Pacific which is ranked No. 11 in the D2SIDA Media Poll. Kett was named GNAC Player of the Week after recording 41 points and 17 assists in two games. She is the only player in the conference that ranks in the top 15 for points, rebounds, assists and steals.

Hunter joined the show as the GNAC’s current leading scorer with 26.0 points per game for Central Washington, which also ranks third in the nation. He has led the Wildcats to a 9-3 record on the season and a 4-2 record in conference play, putting the Wildcats in a four-way tie for second place in the conference. The Wildcats will host a pair of opponents from within the state in Seattle Pacific on Thursday and Saint Martin’s on Saturday. Central Washington will be looking to extend its winning streak to a season-high four games after opening the season with three consecutive wins.