Temple and Reed both Named NCCAA 1st Team All Americans
JOPLIN, Miss- The NCCAA announced their end of season awards at the National Tournament Tuesday evening and the Great Lakes Christian Men's Basketball team was well represented. Trent Temple and Isiah Reed were both named to the 1st Team All American Team. The All American Teams are voted by the committee of coaches. There are three All American teams with just five members per team. Temple and Reed are the first teammates to be named to the 1st Team All American since 2015, but the first pair of teammates to be named to the first team since the teams were moved to just give members per team. This is Temple's 1st All American nod, and Reed's third nod as an All American and his second straight 1st Team Nod.
Trent Temple: 1st Team All American- In the 20-21 campaign Temple averaged 17.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 3.5 apg while shooting 53 percent from the floor. Temple was in double figures 25 different times including eleven 20 point games. Temple dynamic play in the open floor and his ability to physically dominate the game caught the attention of the coaches. Coach Westerlund had this to say about Temple, "Trent is one of one. There is not a more fluid athlete at our level. Trent is very special, he brings so much to the table for our program. I am thrilled he is getting recognized as the big time player that I know he is. The best thing about Trent is his teachable spirit and his desire to get better. Trent wants to be challenged. I believe Trent's best basketball is still ahead of him, and cannot wait to see how he continues to grow. I am so proud of Trent, and I am thankful I get to coach him everyday."
Isiah Reed: 1st Team All Region- Isiah Reed was once again recognized as one of the top players in the country with his third straight All American Nod. Reed has been a standard of consistency during his time with the Crusaders. This season was Reed's best year statisically to date averaging 17.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.4 rpg and 1.8 spg. Reed known for his three point shooting, shot a career best 42 percent from three this season leading the country in 3FGM and 3FGM per game. Reed was in double figures 24 different times for the Crusaders and notched eight 20 point games including a career best 36 points against Spring Arbor. Coach Westerlund on Reed, "Zay has accomplished so much in his career here at GLCC, I am glad he is getting recognized again for the player he is. Zay has proven time and time again he is one of the best guards in the country, and this year is no different. I am fortunate I am his coach, I am very proud of him. Our program would not be where it is now without Isiah."
Coach Westerlund had this to say about both players being named 1st Team All Americans, "This is a great day for Great Lakes Christian College Men's Basketball. I have said all year these two guys were two of the best in the country and it wasn't close. I am thrilled that the coaches across the country have recognized this as well. It is very hard to be an All American, but to have two 1st Team All Americans on the same team is very special. Both of these guys have earned this, they've put so much time into their craft. I could not be more happy or proud of them. I love how these guys push each other, and support each other in their successes, both Trent and Zay have raised the bar for this program. They've set such a high standard. I love these guys both so much, and I am grateful I have the opportunity to coach both of them. I cannot wait to see how they continue to change their best."
