Jones Named First-Team All-American, Ellison Picks Up Honorable Mention
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–Torren Jones (Sr., Chandler, Ariz., Sociology) and Lionel Ellison (Sr., New Orleans, La., Kinesiology) capped mind-blowing 2016-2017 seasons as the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball All-America teams were announced Thursday.
Jones was one of 10 players to earn First-Team recognition, while Ellison was one of 56 players to collect an honorable mention. Ten cagers each were named to the second and third squads.
Dalarian Williams of Life (Ga.) was named the NABC-NAIA National Player of the Year, while LSU Alexandria Head Coach Larry Cordaro earned NABC-NAIA Coach of the Year honors.
Jones and Ellison, both of whom were first-team all-Heart of America Athletic Conference performers, become the 18th and 19th All-Americans in school history (16 under current coach John Henry). Jones is the program’s third first-teamer since William Penn switched to the NAIA in 2001-2002.
The Heart Player and Newcomer of the Year, Jones averaged a double-double of 20.4 points and 12.3 rebounds. He also managed 41 assists, 32 steals, and 23 blocks, while shooting 56.5% from the field (31.3% 3-PT) and 75.0% from the charity stripe. Jones recorded 28 double-doubles this winter.
One of the nation’s best rebounders, Jones topped all players in total boards (444) and defensive rebounds per game (8.6). He was also second in rebounding average, fourth in total points (736), fifth in offensive rebounds per game (3.8), sixth in field-goal percentage, and ninth in scoring average.
Jones’ season will not soon be forgotten as he put his name on several single-season lists at William Penn, including breaking records for rebounds (444, 99 more than previous record-holder) and free throws (171). He came just 21 points of matching the scoring record with 736 points (2nd), while also placing second in field goals (275), third in rebounding average, and fifth in scoring average.
Ellison was an expert at the point, averaging 11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.4 steals. He also managed 20 blocks in addition to shooting 44.0% from the field (41.4% 3-PT) and 72.9% from the free-throw line.
Like Jones, Ellison finished his season ranked high on several NAIA Division I lists, namely being seconds in steals (87). He was also fourth in steals per game, seventh in assists (172), 14th in assists per game, and 29th in assist/turnover ratio (2.3).
The senior’s strong campaign also netted several top-10 listings within the program, including being second in steals, fifth in three-point percentage, sixth in assists per game, and seventh in assists.
