ANNVILLE, PA. – The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) announced its All-MAC Commonwealth all-conference selections as well as its individual awards this morning as
Arkese Claiborne of Messiah men's basketball was honored with MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year. Claiborne becomes just the third Messiah men's basketball player to win the conference Rookie of the Year award, joining Zach Yoder (1997-98) and Gian Paul Gonzalez (2002-03).
In addition to being named Rookie of the Year, Claiborne was named as a MAC Commonwealth Honorable Mention.
Claiborne was a phenomenal offensive presence all season long, leading the Falcons in scoring, averaging 14 points per game. In addition to being the leading scorer, Claiborne led the team in blocks. Totaling 30 blocks on the season, Claiborne averaged 1.3 blocks per game, ranking fourth overall in the conference in that category. The sophomore guard started in 23-of-24 games for Messiah, totaling 335 points, the ninth-highest total in the conference. Claiborne recorded a career-high 28 points in the Falcons' opening weekend of the season, tallying a game-high 28 points. Recording double-digits scoring in Messiah's first six contests of the season, the sophomore guard registered point totals in double-figures in all but three games.
Messiah earned its first postseason win since the 2013-14 season last Wednesday, topping visiting Stevenson University, 73-50. Claiborne issued a strong offensive game in the victory, totaling 18 points behind a 7-for-15 (46.7%) shooting performance, reeling in a team-high nine rebounds. In the MAC Commonwealth Semifinals at Eastern University last Friday (Feb. 25), the sophomore guard poured in double-digits scoring once again, going for 15 points, nailing 6-of-8 (75.0%) shots from the floor.
On the season, the Falcons ended with an overall record of 11-13 (8-8 MAC Commonwealth).
