Courtesy of Midland Athletics
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the 2023-24 Men’s All-Conference teams following the conclusion of the men’s basketball tournament. Midland University had three players make the list with Derek Merwick capturing first-team honors, and Jake Orr and Jake Rueschhoff garnering honorable mentions.
Merwick, a junior from Elkhorn, Nebraska, averaged 21 points a game over 28 games while shooting 50.4% from the field goal range. He gathered 7.6 rebounds per game, ranked 4th in the conference. Merwick leads the conference in steals with 60, and 4th in assists with 136.
Rueschhoff, a junior from Omaha, Nebraska, averaged 11.3 points a game over 28 games while shooting 51.3% from the field goal range. He gathered 3.1 rebounds per game, totaled 65 assists, and tallied 23 steals over the season.
Orr, a sophomore, from Omaha, Nebraska, averaged 16.9 points a game over 21 games while shooting 47% from the field goal range. He gathered 5.5 rebounds per game. Orr totaled 52 assists and tallied 34 steals over the season.
Head coach Tyler Erwin had this to say about the players’ honors. “Derek had a tremendous season for us. In his first year, he changed what we do offensively, and put up really good statistical numbers throughout the year. In six offensive and defensive categories, he was towards the top in all. I’m really excited about his development in the off-season and how he can get better on both ends of the floor.
“Another great year for JO [Orr]. He battled through injury and adversity early, missing seven games but finished the season extremely strong. His statistical numbers were just as good if not better than last year. He is a fierce competitor and driven to make our team better.
“I’m so proud of Rueschhoff. Going out his last year and the statistical year that he had was great. His all-league honorable mention award is much deserved more than anyone in our league. We will miss his leadership, work ethic, and his lunch-pail mentality. He brought it every day.”
For a complete look at the 2023-24 All-GPAC Men’s Basketball teams and honors, click here.
