by Eva Dean Folkert
In an abbreviated and unique season, two Hope College men's basketball student-athletes made a special impact for the Flying Dutchmen.
And they've been named to 2021 All-MIAA Teams because of it.
Senior Preston Granger is an All-MIAA First Team awardee for the second year in a row, while junior Tyler George is being honored by the league for the first time on the All-MIAA Second Team.
The 6-6 Granger, a business major from Lansing, Michigan (Lansing Christian), was a steady presence for Hope at the forward position. In his 11 games this season, he averaged 18.4 points per game while shooting 61.2% from the field. He also averaged 6.5 rebounds per game.
Against MIAA opponents, Granger recorded similar numbers to his overall stats – averaging 17.2 points per game on 60.9% shooting and grabbing an average of 6.2 rebounds.
A member of the 1,000-point Club for the Flying Dutchmen, Granger ranks 15th on the all-time scoring list with 1,360 points.
Hope's Single Season and Career Scoring Leaders
"Preston had another outstanding year for us and again found himself on the All-MiAA First Team," head coach Greg Mitchell said. "He led the league in field goal percentage which is something he should be incredibly proud of. He made a conscious effort at being more selected regarding the types of shots that he took and I think that made him a much more efficient player.
"Preston is a fierce competitor who really embraces the work that goes into becoming a great player. He has really made his mark as a dominant post player in the MIAA and is very deserving of this recognition!"
Hope's All-MIAA First Team Honorees
George, a business major from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS), started in all 12 games for the Flying Dutchmen. The 6-1 guard garnered attention from opponents as an outside threat.
George shot 42% from the 3-point arc while shooting 50% from the field and averaging 14.6 points in all games.
Against MIAA teams, he shot 49.1% from the field and averaged 13.2 points.
When Hope played Albion in the 2021 MIAA Tournament semifinals, an 87-83 double-overtime Hope loss to the Britons, George notched a career high in scoring with 32 points.
It was also the highest single-game point total for a Flying Dutchmen player this season.
"Ty put in the time in the off-season working exceptionally hard at getting in the reps needed in order to see a difference during the season," Mitchell said. "He has become one of the top perimeter shooters in the MIAA and that is something he has earned.I thought he was more assertive this year attacking the hoop off the dribble as well as off the ball, which has made him more of an all-around threat.
"He is a real gym rat who continues to improve his game and I'm really proud to see his work get rewarded. I'm looking forward to him making another jump prior to next season."
