The end of a highly unusual school year is upon us. Providing time to reflect on the prematurely shuddered college basketball season. By recognizing local achievements, through an on-court version of a Dean’s List.

Dean’s Lists are a way to recognize academic achievements. This on-court Dean’s List recognizes players and the ways they lead their respective team’s. Whether it’s leading the team in points, blocks or free throws. Some of these players are part of the graduating class of 2020. Others are practically just getting started in their college careers.

Northern Kentucky Basketball mostly picked up from where there they left off last season. With a relatively smooth transition from John Brannen to Darrin Horn. Winning the program’s third Horizon League Tournament championship in four years. The only greater Cincinnati D-I program to clinch an automatic NCAA Tournament bid. Clinching the bid two days before the NCAA Tournament was ultimately cancelled.

Senior Tyler Sharpe led the NKU Norse with 78 three-pointers and 483 points. Two sophomores stepped up for the Norse at the charity stripe. Bryant Mocaby led NKU with a 83.3 free throw percentage. Bryson Langdon was a close second percentage-wise in that area. However, Langdon played in 31 games while Mocaby played in 19. Both major contributors to NKU’s region leading 68.9 free throw percentage. Compared to Cincinnati Basketball’s 67.7 and Xavier Basketball’s 65.8.

Cincinnati Basketball was starting to find their stride when March began. After some shaky and inconsistent performances throughout the season. Seniors came through for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Cumberland cousins particularly came through for Cincinnati. Jaevin Cumberland led the Bearcats with 64 made three pointers. Despite injury concerns, Jarron Cumberland led with 419 points. While Tre Scott led the Bearcats with 138 field goals.

Xavier Basketball stumbled in the home stretch of their season. Losing their last three games of the season. Including their first round loss in the Big East Tournament. Likely bursting their NCAA Tournament bubble had the tournament happened. After being seen throughout the winter as the local team with the best chance at an at large bid.

Tyrique Jones was a defensive tour de force for Xavier. With 215 defensive rebounds out of 354 total rebounds. Jones also had a team leading 34 blocks for the Xavier Musketeers. While Naji Marshall was the Musketeers leader points-wise. With 524 points, Marshall was the only Musketeer with over 500 points.

The region’s best basketball team wasn’t in Cincinnati. Dayton Basketball had their best season in decades this year. En route to being a potential No.1 or No.2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Potential top draft pick Obi Toppin and head coach Anthony Grant won numerous accolades in the last several weeks. Toppin swept the major player of the year awards; including the Naismith and Wooden Awards.

Overall, these players played key roles for several tournament-worthy programs. While their seasons ended in a way nobody envisioned at the start of this year. Their achievements are not less significant than they would be if the NCAA Tournament happened.