Pioneers place three on All-WIAC squads

Senior Boston Johnson was named to the All-WIAC team while junior Cory Vaassen earned honorable mention. Senior Peyton River rounded out the recognitions with a spot on the All-Sportsmanship team.

“All three individuals have been tremendous leaders for our program both on and off the court, so these accolades are just a small recognition of the success they have had here at UW-Platteville,” said Gard.

Johnson logged a total of 374 points this season, averaging 15 points per game, the highest on the Pioneer roster. He also recorded the highest number of rebounds and assists on the team with 171 and 81, respectively, along with shooting 82.7 percent from the free throw line.

Vaassen logged 278 points on the season, averaging 11.6 points per game. He also recorded the highest number of steals on the team with 26, and made 39 of his 49 free throws throughout the 2015-16 season.

“This recognition for Cory is something that we see as fuel for Cory going into his senior year,” said head coach Jeff Gard. “He will assist in getting the Pioneers back on the top of a heavily competitive WIAC conference.”

Throughout his time at UW-Platteville, River has been actively involved with local community organizations such as Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Special Olympics and many more. He has also volunteered to serve Thanksgiving dinners at the Senior Center and is active in the Toys for Tots program, and was a finalist for the National Association of Basketball Coaches Allstate Good Works team, an award given to student-athletes who have shown dedication to community service and altruism in their communities.

“Boston and Peyton have both been outstanding role models for our underclassmen as well as to the young kids in the tri-state area,” said Gard.

As a team, the Pioneers finished 11-14 overall and 5-9 in the WIAC.

Written by: Carly Willman, University Information and Communications, 608.342.1194, willmanc@uwplatt.edu