PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Griffin Guerrette was not in the starting lineup to begin the season for the University of Maine at Presque Isle Owls.
But beginning in early December, the freshman from Presque Isle claimed a starting role and never looked back. He averaged 14.2 points over his final 17 games (16 of them starts) and turned the heads of North Atlantic Conference coaches enough to be named Rookie of the Year.
“The honor is well deserved as Griffin had a great first year, showing improvement throughout the whole season and working his way into being an everyday starter,” said Owls’ coach Dan Kane. “He showed a maturity level well beyond his years with the ability to play well and help the team win, whether he was starting or coming off the bench.
“He is already an all-conference level scorer, but he has also made big strides in other areas of his game, especially in his rebounding and defense,” Kane added.
Guerrette ended up second on the team in scoring at 12.6 points per game. He made 41.8 percent of his field goal attempts and shot 34.8 percent on 3-point attempts. He also was 85.5 percent on free throws.
Guerrette compiled five games with 20 or more points and had 16 double-digit scoring games, including 11 in his final 13 contests.
He averaged 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the Owls, who finished with an 11-15 record and qualified for the NAC playoffs, losing to SUNY-Canton in the quarterfinals on Feb. 16.
Teammate Shyquinn Dix was named to the All-Conference first team. Dix averaged 17.2 points and 5.3 rebounds and made 3-pointers at a 40.3 percent clip.
Two UMPI players also were named to the NAC Sportsmanship Team, which is reserved for players who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Honorees have positively affected the conference’s basketball culture and environment, and regularly demonstrate sportsmanship and integrity that goes beyond the playing rules.
Representing UMPI on the Sportsmanship Team are Eric Anthony for the men and Emilia Churchill for the women.
