Lights ink All-Region forward

For the Montana State University-Northern men’s basketball team, it’s time to start building for next season.

MSU-Northern men's Basketball Coach Shawn Huse has announced the signing of Leon Sayers. The 6-foot-7 forward from Spokane, Washington, earned First Team All-Region and First Team All-Tournament honors in the 35-team Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). He led the Trojans to a historic run to the NWAC title game for just the second time in program history, and the first time since 1995. Shooting 53 percent from the field, 38 percent from three, and 73 percent from the free throw line, the multifaceted Sayers averaged 12 points and 6.8 rebounds on just nine shot attempts per game.

“Everett was a well-rounded team with many scorers, and Leon was a very consistent, efficient competitor on both ends of the floor,” coach Huse said. “He is a very skilled all-around player. He uses both hands equally well in making great passes and decisions, ball-handling, and finishing, while being an excellent defender for the Trojans. He shut down perimeter and low post scorers alike. After overcoming a significant early season injury this year, he continued to gain momentum as their leader, and finished with an outstanding showing at the NWAC tournament.”

“Most importantly, he is a guy who fits us both on and off the court,” Huse continued. “He is a very sound student, his character is exceptional, and his positive energy is infectious. He has been raised and taught by a wonderful family and outstanding coach. He checks a great deal of boxes in terms of filling voids left through graduation. He will help us pick up next season and beyond, from where we left off this season. We could not be more excited about Leon Sayers, as we are nothing short of confident in how well he will gel with us and enhance who we are.”

The Lights are coming off another very good season, winning 19 games, advancing to the conference semifinals, and narrowly missing the championship game in a two-point loss. They were just short of an NAIA at-large bid. They return a great deal of experience from the 2022-23 team, after graduating two starters and four seniors.