Men's Basketball NSAA Post-Season Awards

BISMARCK, ND -- The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) announced its 2023-24 Men's Basketball All-Conference teams and postseason awards Monday afternoon. Four Waldorf athletes were recognized as part of the awards program.

Junior center Ugo Ejiofor (Dallas, TX) earned 2024 NSAA Defensive Player of the Year. The junior was the Warriors' leading rebounder, averaging 9.8 boards per game, and 10.8 per conference game. Ejiofor registered 33 blocked shots on the season. Ejiofor was also named Second Team All-Conference and was selected to the five-member NSAA All Defense Team.

"Ugo was dominant on the defensive end, blocking shots and altering shots as well," said Waldorf Head Coach Nigel Jenkins. "He was very active on the boards and was the only player in conference play to average a double-double in conference play. I'm very happy for him."

Senior point guard Khyle Washington (Atlanta, GA) was named First Team All-Conference. Washington averaged 14 points and seven rebounds per game. He led the Warriors in assists with 72. The senior was a workhorse for the Warriors, playing 31.7 minutes per game while boasting an efficient 2.2 assist to turnover ratio. Washington was also named along with Ejiofor to the NSAA's five-member All Defense Team.

"I'm really happy for the awards that Khyle got this year," Jenkins said. "He is very deserving because he did everything for us. He controlled the game for us offensively and always guarded one of the better players on the other team. These accomplishments are because of all the hard work he has put in. I'm proud of him."

Junior guard Khalil Grayson (Milwaukee, WI) earned All-Conference honorable mention. He played in 27 games for the Warriors, averaging 12.7 points and three rebounds per game. The junior proved to be a dangerous weapon from beyond the arc, making three pointers at a 38.8 percent clip.

"Khalil had a very solid year for us off the bench," Jenkins said. "He gave us great minutes and his contributions were acknowledged. I look forward to seeing how he does next year."

Junior guard Noah Miller (Forest City, IA) was the recipient of the annual NAIA Champions of Character award for the third straight year. The honor is bestowed upon an athlete exemplifying the NAIA's core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

"Noah is everything that a champion of character should be," said Jenkins. "His leadership on our team is priceless, he does a great job in the classroom and for our community."

Waldorf had a strong finish to its 2023-24 season which garnered the attention of coaches in the league. The Warriors earned the right to host a tournament game for the first time in six years following a strong 5-1 showing at home in conference play. Their 6-6 (.500) record was the best in league play since 2019-20, and their third place finish was the highest since placing third in the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2014-15. The 11 overall wins were the most by a Waldorf team since the 2019-20.