Lavoie, Isaya, Amos and Lyttleton Named Tommies Award Winners
The St. Thomas University Tommies hosted their yearend awards ceremony on Tuesday, honoring their teams for their achievements inside the classroom and in their respective sports.
The Tommies’ men’s basketball team gave out their team awards, with Vincent Lyttleton, Owen Amos, Gayo Isaya and Geoff Lavoie taking home hardware.
Lyttleton was named the team’s rookie of the year after working his way into the starting rotation down the stretch as the Tommies would go on to win ACAA silver medals. He averaged 11.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, starting 5 regular season games.
“Vincent brings an energy to our group that is unmatched,” said ACAA Coach of the Year, John Hickey. “He has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor and defend multiple positions. He is just an all-around great player and will be an all-star in this league.”
Amos, a first year forward for the Tommies, saw big minutes for the Tommies, especially during their second half stretch and playoffs.
“Owen’s approach to the game of basketball is refreshing. He has such a love for being around his teammates and friends. Although he comes across as someone who’s always having fun, he takes the game and getting better seriously. His hard work and dedication to getting better is evident every day in practice. He is a player who can score from the inside and the outside. The area where he has improved the most this year is on the defensive side of the ball. He has the ability to guard multiple positions and is one of the major reasons for the Tommies’ success this year.”
Isaya was named both the team and the ACAA Defensive Player of the Year. A lockdown guard, he was also named an ACAA 1st Team All-Star as he averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
“From day one of being a Tommie, Gayo brought an energy and leadership to our group. His “it’s fun to work hard” approach is contagious. He makes practice better every single day. Having the responsibility of guarding the other team’s best player is one that he takes on with pride. Gayo’s leadership and work ethic will continue to propel the Tommies Men’s Basketball team toward an ACAA Championship.”
Lavoie, in his third ACAA season with the Tommies, proved once again he is one of the top players in the ACAA. Limited in preseason due to an injury, he found his form on his way to 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.1 steals to be named the team’s MVP for the season.
“Geoff has turned himself into a threat in all aspects of the game; he can score from anywhere, get out and run and guard multiple positions. It is through hard work and determination that Geoff has turned himself into one of the premiere players not only the ACAA, but the CCAA. His countless hours in the gym on his own and with coaches is something that should be modelled. Geoff is a natural “lead by example” type of person. He is working and growing into a great vocal leader, as well. Teaching and coaching younger players, while continuing to accept feedback and grow his own skill set is something that he should be proud of.”