Posted: Feb 27, 2018
Pitt-Bradford senior guard Ali Rinfrette has been named a finalist for the 2018 Jostens Trophy, officials announced Tuesday.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem to honor the most outstanding men's and women's NCAA Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess, and community service. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This year's class marks the 21st year the awards have been presented.
There are 10 men's and 10 women's finalists originally selected by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va. These student-athletes now move on to the national ballot. A pool of 30-plus individuals from various associations with Division III men's and women's basketball will now select one men's and one women's winner.
Rinfrette led the AMCC in scoring with 22.5 points per game and also holds the nation's top minutes played total with 1,028.
Last week, the Bradford native was honored as a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Division III Academic All-District, and advances to the national All-America ballot.
This is the 21st season for awarding the men's and women's Jostens Trophies; the inaugural awards were handed out in 1998.
Ballots from the national pool are due by March 8; the winners will be notified on March 9. The awards presentation will be in Salem, Va., on Thursday, March 15, in association with the men's basketball championship semifinals and finals.