Redeemer University Athletics

Redeemer University College has their first OCAA Men's Basketball Player of the Year in program history. Last season the Royals were honoured with two athletes named OCAA Player of the Year and so far in 2017 Redeemer is following the same trend. Men's Basketball player Rayvon Higdon was named with the top honour tonight at the OCAA Men's Basketball Championship Awards Banquet at Centennial College.

After Redeemer badminton player Owen Kurvits was named Player of the Year two weeks ago, Higdon is the latest Royal to receive the honour. For Redeemer this is an unprecedented four Player of the Year awards in the past 12 months. Kurvits in 2016 and Women's Volleyball player Curtiss Straatsma were the other two. All four were also named CCAA All-Canadians. Additionally, Higdon was also named an All-Canadian last season, making a total of 5 All-Canadians for the Royals in the same 12 month span. 

Higdon had an impressive season, leading the OCAA in scoring with 26.3 points/game. He led the Royals to a 5th place finish in the OCAA West, the team's first playoff win, and their first OCAA Championship appearance. 

Other than leading the league in points, Higdon is arguably the league's best all-around player. He was among the leaders in steals, assists, rebounds, free throws, field goals, 3-pointers, minutes played, and field goal percentage.

When asked, Higdon was extremely thankful for the award and said that his focus is now on the Championship. "I am proud to be recognized as the best player in the OCAA.  I couldn't have done it though without all of my teammates, coaches, and staff who put me in situations to succeed.  I'm also really thankful for my family back home and thankful for the support they have given me that allowed me to do this.  Now I really want to finish the weekend off with another award around my neck though.  That would be the ultimate award I want."

Higdon was named as an OCAA 1st Team All-Star as well and was announced as the OCAA League Scoring Champion. 

Redeemer rookie Foster Brown also picked up some hardware on Wednesday night. Brown was named to the OCAA All-Rookie Team.

Higdon, Brown and the Royals open up the OCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Thursday at 1:00pm against the #1 CCAA ranked Sheridan Bruins. Centennial College is the host for the 2017 Championship. 

The full list of award winners can be found here.