Louison, Cocozello Highlight AD3I Men's Basketball Year End Honors

OVERLAND PARK, KS – Freshman David Louison was named the Association of Division III Independents (AD3I) Rookie of the Year and All-Independent First Team and head coach Joseph Cocozello was selected Coach of the Year, in an announcement made by the Association releasing their 2012 All-Independent Teams. Also honored were senior Justin Gist and junior Jan Rogowski who were named to the All-Independent Second Team.

Louison also earned All-Independent First Team distinction capped an impressive rookie campaign leading the team and AD3I in rebounding (10.3 rpg) and was the second leading scorer (12.3 ppg), ranked 7th in AD3I.  Throughout the season, the forward from Brooklyn, NY was ranked among the Division III leaders and finished #23 in rebounding and tied for 42nd in double-doubles (10); the third highest ranked freshman in both categories.   Louison was also a four-time AD3I Player of the Week selection, the most of any men's basketball player this season and was also named to the Hudson Valley Men's Athletic Conference All-Conference Team.

Gist earns his fourth All-Independent Second Team nod, leading the team in scoring average for the third time in his career, averaging 13.4 points per game, which placed him 5th among the Association.  Gist finished 21 games in double-figures and three games with 20-plus points and completed his career as a member of the exclusive 1,000 scoring club.  The Brooklyn, NY guard was also an AD3I Player of the Week in January and also named to the HVMAC All-Conference Team.

Rogowski is selected to the All-Independent Second Team for the first time in his career after receiving honorable mention last season.  Rogowski was a two-time AD3I Player of the Week selection, one of two players to receive the honor more than once this season, along with Louison.  The Woodside, NY native started all 27 games and was the second leading rebounder (6.2 rpg), ranked 5th in AD3I, and the third leading scorer (10.9 ppg). Rogowski posted two double-doubles and finished 13 games in double-figures and three games with 20-plus points highlighted by a 25 point, 12 rebound effort in the HVMAC championship game. 

Cocozello receives his second Coach of the Year honor this season also named HVMAC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career.  Cocozello helped the Bears attain their highest win total in five seasons (13) and in the program's first year of full Division III membership, boosted their win total against NCAA opposition to eight wins from three the year prior.