2026 Heart Men's Basketball Postseason Awards Announced

Player of the Year: Foday Sheriff – William Penn 

Foday Sheriff led William Penn with 466 total points, averaging 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53.3 percent from the field across 29 starts. He added 2.8 assists per contest along with 40 steals and 15 blocks.  

Defensive Player of the Year: Daviyon Gaston – Grand View 

Daviyon Gaston anchored the defensive end for Grand View, totaling 50 steals while starting 26 of 27 games. He added 133 total rebounds (4.9 per game), including 103 defensive boards, highlighting his ability to disrupt offenses and secure possessions. 

Newcomer of the Year: Foday Sheriff – William Penn 

In his first season at William Penn, Foday Sheriff totaled 466 points while averaging 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game on 53.3 percent shooting, also contributing contributed 2.8 assists per game. 

Freshman of the Year: Cam Jones – Baker 
Jones emerged as one of the league's top newcomers, averaging 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the floor. The freshman raised his scoring to 16.4 points per game in conference play and contributed 48 combined steals and blocks defensively. 

Coach of the Year: Todd Lorensen – Graceland 

Coach Lorensen led the Yellowjackets to their first outright Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season title, earning the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. Under Lorensen, the Yellowjackets claimed the regular-season title and moved to 17-3 in conference play and 23-5 overall.  

Assistant Coach of the Year: Tyler Long – Grand View 

The Vikings entered the postseason 14-6 in conference play and 19-8 overall, and earned the No. 3 seed in the conference tournament.