BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England basketball players Quentin Thompson, Johnnie Jefferson and Jaykyri Simpson have been recognized by the Maine Men's Basketball Coaches and Writers Association in the release of its end-of-the-season awards.
Thompson, a first-year guard from Austin, Texas, was voted Rookie of the Year after averaging 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Nor'easters. He shot 35.8 percent (39 of 109) from beyond the three-point arc and was second on the team in steals with 55. Thompson scored a game-high 20 points as UNE defeated Colby-Sawyer College, 90-79, in the The Commonwealth Coast Conference championship game. Thompson was also voted TCCC Rookie of the Year.
Jefferson, a senior forward from Dallas, Texas, was chosen first team all-state after leading the Nor'easters in scoring average (15.4 ppg) and 3-point field goal percentage (41.9). He also shot a team-best 85.7 percent from the free throw line and pulled down 4.7 rebounds a game. Jefferson was a first team all-TCCC selection.
Simpson, a senior guard from East Cleburne, Texas, was voted second team all-state after averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 boards and 3.6 assists. He led UNE with 63 steals and 17 blocked shots. Like Jefferson, Simpson was also a first team all-TCCC pick.
The Nor'easters tied a school record with 24 wins on their way to the TCCC championship and the school's first-ever NCAA Championship appearance.
Click here for a complete listing of the award winners.