by Alan Babbitt

Hope College basketball players Jason Beckman and Riley Lewis have received All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Second Team honors from the league's coaches.

Beckman, pictured at left, tied for sixth among MIAA players in scoring at 17.2 points per game. The senior from Shelby, Michigan (Shelby HS) recorded the MIAA's highest-scoring game by a player this season with 38 points against Alma College on February 9 at DeVos Fieldhouse.

Lewis, pictured at right, ranked fourth among MIAA players in scoring in league games. The junior from Williamston, Michigan (Williamston) averaged 18.0 points over 14 MIAA games.

Beckman and Lewis helped the Flying Dutchmen finish in a three-way tie for third place in the MIAA standings.

Head coach Greg Mitchell said Beckman and Lewis have formed an incredibly dynamic backcourt.

"Their offensive production all season has been outstanding," Mitchell said. "For Jason to go over the 1,000 point mark in just two years, along with his ability to just dominate games, has been incredible. He's one of the best-scoring guards the MIAA has seen in recent years.

"Riley has emerged as a consistent and crafty offensive force in the MIAA whose hard work and persistency has really paid off. I'm incredibly proud of both as there have represented Hope College and our team the right way on and off the court and in the classroom.

Fifth-seeded Hope tips off the MIAA Tournament on Wednesday, February 20 with a 7 p.m. quarterfinal at fourth-seeded Calvin College. The winner advances to play at Trine University on Friday, February 22 at 3 p.m.