March 12, 2008

Beranek Named All-North Central Region

Rare Sophomore to Earn Nod

         Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney sophomore forward Drake Beranek was named today as a Daktronics first-team All-North Central selection.

      The team is voted on by sports information directors from with in the region. The North Central includes the RMAC, NCC (North Central Conference) and NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference).

      By making the first-team, Beranek (Ravenna) moves on to the national ballot where he could earn All-American accolades.

      Joining Beranek on the first team were Winona State's John Smith and Jonte Flowers, David Dreas of St. Cloud State and Atila Santos of Minnesota State.

      Smith and Flowers were named the Co-Region Players of the Year as well. Last year, Smith was tabbed as the D2 National Player of the Year.

      Making up the second team were RMAC Player of the Year Brian Stamer of Colorado Christian, Geremy Gibson of Regis, Devon Manning of Fort Lewis, Corey McIntosh of Augustana and Kevin Ratzach of Northern State.

      Other Lopers to earn All-North Central honors include Dusty Jura (2005-07), Nick Branting (2004), Nick Svehla (2001-03), Eric Strand (1999) and Mike Mueller (1995).

      For the Lopers in 2008, Beranek averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, both team-highs. He also led UNK in three pointers made (67) and was second in steals (55) and assists (89).

      His scoring average is the second highest in school history by a sophomore and ranks as the third highest in the Division II era. The 20.5 average is also among the best in Division II this season.

      Finally, Beranek had 13 double doubles this year, including monster games vs. Metro State (41 pts., 15 rebs.), Nebraska-Omaha (30 pts., 16 rebs.) and South Dakota (30 pts., 12 rebs.).