Photo by Samantha Davis. Southwest Minnesota State University's Jakob Braaten prepares to go up for a shot in the second half against Minot State University at the R/A Facility in Marshall on Jan. 11, 2025.

BURNSVILLE — Southwest Minnesota State guards Jakob Braaten and Mekhi Shaw were each announced as members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference mens basketball All-Conference team on Thursday. Braaten was also named the conference’s Bob Olson Outstanding Senior of the Year on Friday.

Braaten was named to the All-NSIC first team, marking his second consecutive season earning all-conference honors, while Shaw was named to the second team for his first all-conference nod. The All-Conference teams are voted on by the NSIC’s 16 head coaches.

The Bob Olson Award recognizes a student-athlete who plays four years at his school with both academic success and positive on-court contributions.

“Jakob Braaten defines everything the NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year Award stands for, both on and off the court,” said SMSU head coach Brad Bigler. “His career achievements … reflect not only his elite level of play, but also his consistency, leadership and commitment to excellence throughout his entire career. Beyond basketball, he has made a meaningful impact in the community, especially in local schools across southwest Minnesota, where he connects naturally with kids and serves as a genuine role model. As a future education teacher, Jakob’s character, authenticity and ability to positively influence young people truly set him apart. He represents our program, university and conference with the highest level of integrity, making him a perfect embodiment of what this award is meant to honor.”

Braaten’s averages of 14.4 points, 4.7 assists and 5.5 rebounds were all team-highs for the Mustangs this season, coming on 52% shooting from the field and 42% shooting from 3. His 361 assists and 152 steals over the course of his collegiate career both rank fourth in program history, and his 1,141 points ranks 21st.

Shaw has recorded a team-best 55 steals on the season and his 74 assists trail only Braaten. He’s also averaged 11.7 points per game on 47% shooting from the field and 42% from 3.

Jamestown’s Anthony Walters was named the NSIC North Player of the Year while Augustana’s Tameron Ferguson was named the South Player of the Year. Conference-champion St. Cloud State had head coach Quincy Henderson named as the conference’s Coach of the Year and Wyatt Hawks as the Defensive Player of the Year, and Sioux Falls true freshman Brogan Madson was named the Newcomer of the Year.

SMSU is currently 16-11 on the season, and its 14-8 conference record tied it for third in the NSIC regular-season standings. The Mustangs entered the conference tournament as the No. 4 seed, earning a first-round bye, and will next face Minnesota State in the NSIC quarterfinals on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. At the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

ALL-NSIC FIRST TEAM

Tameron Ferguson, PG, So., Augustana

Wyatt Hawks, G, Jr., St. Cloud State

SECOND TEAM

Sam Rensch, G, Sr., Augustana

Tyler Mason, G, So., Winona State