February 26, 2013

BLUFFTON, Ohio - Junior WILL POPE (Somerville/Preble Shawnee) earned honorable mention All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference recognition for his play during the 2012-13 campaign. It is Pope's first post-season All-HCAC award after battering opponents on the block all season.

On a team that sported three of the finest post players in the Heartland Conference, Will Pope established himself as the number one option in Bluffton's offense. Pope led the Beavers with 12.9 PPG and 6.5 RPG while connecting on 139-of-246 from the field. His 56.5 field goal percentage was fifth in the conference. The top two spots were also occupied by Beavers as freshman THAYNE RECKER (Arlington) finished 75-for-115 (65.2 percent) and junior DUSTIN KINN (Alvada/New Riegel) followed with 115-of-197 (58.4 percent) from the field.

In conference contests down the stretch Pope was even more intimidating, going for 18 or more points in four of the last five games and ranking 10th in the HCAC with 13.8 PPG in league play. He was fourth in HCAC games with 6.9 RPG, while his blistering 61.6 percent shooting in conference play ranked second. The powerful post finished the season with three games over 20 points, the last three contests of the year, and he also put together a pair of double-doubles this season.

Pope, who currently has 788 points and 449 boards, is on pace to become just the 10th Bluffton men's basketball player to eclipse 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds next season. He is currently 11th all-time with a 54.3 field goal percentage heading into his senior campaign. Pope sports career averages of 10.2 PPG and 5.8 RPG. His 788 career markers place him 43rd on the career scoring list and he has a legitimate chance to move into the top 20 before he is finished.

In conjunction with the All-Heartland Conference awards, the conference has announced the All-HCAC Sportsmanship Team for the 2012-13. This award has been developed as part of a conference-wide sportsmanship initiative. Members of the All-HCAC Sportsmanship team are selected by the coaches and their teammates as individuals who demonstrate the ideals of positive sportsmanship both on and off the field/court of competition. Bluffton senior MATT GERDEMAN (Delphos/Jefferson) was recognized for his sportsmanship this season.

-BEAVERS-