MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa -- Mount Mercy's Paul Gavin was named Midwest Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year and senior forward Keith Kuenstling was a first-team all-conference selection when the MCC released its men's basketball honors today.
Gavin was selected by his peers for the fourth time (1994, 1996, 1997, 2010) after leading the Mustangs to their first 20-win season since the 1996-97 campaign. Mount Mercy finished 22-9 overall and third in the league at 10-6 in conference play.
"Paul recognized his players' talents and adapted the style of play and his style of coaching to fit their strengths," said Mount Mercy Athletic Director Scot Reisinger. "This is the sign of an outstanding coach, and the result was the second-most wins in school history. Paul has been a contributor to Mount Mercy for over 20 years as a player, coach, and fundraiser; this recognition is an honor for him and his team."
Kuenstling was a first-team all-conference pick for the second year in a row. He led the league in field goal percentage (59.3%), was seventh in scoring (16.1 ppg), and second in rebounding (7.9 rpg). Kuenstling led the team in those categories and also shot 73.4 percent from the free throw line.
Mount Mercy senior guard Jake Carey and junior guard James Henderson received all-MCC honorable mention. Carey averaged 9.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while leading the team in 3-point goals (56). He shot 37.1 percent from 3-point range. Henderson was the team's second-leading scorer at 13.0 points per game and led the Mustangs in assists (4.4 apg) and steals (1.6 spg).
Viterbo (Wis.) senior forward Scott Buschman was honored as the 2010 Player of the Year. He led the conference in scoring (20.4 ppg), rebounding (11.3 rpg), and blocked shots (1.2 bpg) while helping the V-Hawks earn a share of the MCC regular season title.
Junior guard Justin Tiner of St. Ambrose was the 2010 Newcomer of the Year. He led the conference in 3-point shooting percentage (41.0%) and was among the league leaders in scoring (13th/13.8 ppg) and assists (4th/3.7 apg).
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2010 Midwest Collegiate Conference Honors
MCC Player of the Year: Scott Buschman (Viterbo)
MCC Newcomer of the Year: Justin Tiner (St. Ambrose)
MCC Coach of the Year: Paul Gavin (Mount Mercy)
All-MCC First Team (by school):
Byron Emerson -- Ashford
Daniel Joiner -- Ashford
Grant Burns -- Grand View
Corey Viet -- Grand View
Keith Kuenstling -- Mount Mercy
Mike Kennedy -- St. Ambrose
Eric Ambrose -- Viterbo
Scott Buschman -- Viterbo
Karl Dehesa -- Waldorf
Kris Miller -- William Penn
Honorable Mention:
Cory Billingsley -- Clarke
Greg Schulz -- Grand View
Jared Callanan -- Iowa Wesleyan
Jake Carey -- Mount Mercy
James Henderson -- Mount Mercy
Alex Burkle -- St. Ambrose
Chris Donnelly -- St. Ambrose
Justin Tiner -- St. Ambrose
Nick Stilwell -- Viterbo
Chris Holloway -- Waldorf
Jeremy Winters -- Waldorf
Joel Stout -- William Penn
