Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

2022-2023 All-CCIW Men's Basketball Teams

Feb. 21, 2023 - North Central College men's basketball student-athletes Matt Helwig and Mitch Lewis have been honored by the head coaches of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) with selections to the 2022-2023 All-CCCIW Teams. Helwig is one of eight players on the All-Conference First Team, while Lewis is part of the eight-man Second Team.

Helwig, one of six unanimous First Team selections, is so honored for the second straight season. He led the CCIW in scoring in the regular season and 23rd among all NCAA Division III teams at 21.3 points per game while ranking 14th nationally in free throw percentage (.892) and 24th in total field goals made (186). In conference play, Helwig ranked second in the CCIW at 19.4 points per game while making a league-best 62 of 65 free throws (95.4 percent) and ranking seventh in rebounds (5.1 per game). 

The Cardinals' all-time career leader in free-throw percentage (.889), Helwig is one of seven North Central players to score 1,500 career points (1,541) and ranks fifth all-time in points per game (17.5) and three-point shots made (162). His three highest single-game point totals came in the final six games of the season, including a season-high 38 points in an 85-78 overtime victory over Illinois Wesleyan University Feb. 11.

Lewis, in his lone season with the Cardinals, ranked fifth in the CCIW in scoring in conference play at 15.4 ppg despite averaging just 18.8 minutes per contest. Lewis shot 53.2 percent from the floor in 13 CCIW games (third-best in the conference) and 81.0 percent from the free-throw line (fourth in the CCIW). Lewis topped the 20-point mark four times against CCIW foes, including a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double at North Park University Jan. 21.

The CCIW also announced the nine winners of its RESPECT Award for the season. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourages inclusiveness and a positive culture. North Central's RESPECT Award honoree, for the second straight season, is senior guard Shea Cupples.

The Cardinals (14-11) travel to face Elmhurst University (16-9) in the first round of the CCIW Tournament Tuesday. Tipoff at R.A. Faganel Hall is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.Click HERE for links to live coverage.

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