VU freshmen Shilo Jackson and Thow James Biel named to All-Region 24 team

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University men's basketball team earned two All-Region 24 selections this past weekend in talented freshmen Shilo Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Thow James Biel (Calgary, Alberta).

Jackson burst onto the scene in a big way during his freshman campaign, finishing as Vincennes' leading scorer averaging 12.5 points and 10 rebounds per game this season.

Jackson also made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor, averaging just under two blocks per game this season as well.

Jackson would score in double-figures a total of 18 times this season, with 15 of those times coming as double-doubles.

Jackson's best stretch of the season came in the form of recording double-doubles in four straight games to begin the month of February, including a pair of 24-point games against Lake Land College and Lewis & Clark College.

Jackson had his best day on the boards early in the season, recording 17 rebounds against then No. 20-ranked Harcum College in just his third career collegiate game.

Jackson was joined on the All-Region 24 team by fellow freshman teammate Thow James Biel.

"Receiving this honor means a lot to me," Jackson said. "Because this is my first big achievement in basketball. I hadn't received any awards or any recognition when it comes to basketball before this season, so it's nice to be recognized and this means a lot to me."

"I have learned the most about how to be a part of a real basketball team," Jackson added. "Knowing all the different roles and how the different pieces work."

Biel was just one of two VU players this season to play in all 31 Trailblazer games this season and finished his freshman season averaging 11 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Biel scored in double-figures 18 times this season, including a stretch of seven straight games in November, but saved his best for a home matchup with then No. 5-ranked John A. Logan College when he set a career-high with 26 points.

Biel would follow that performance with his first career double-double at Lake Land, one of two he had on the season, after grabbing a season-high 12 rebounds in the double-overtime win in Mattoon.

"This means a lot to be recognized as one of the top players in the region," Biel said. "Especially as a freshman and not having experience at the collegiate level. I was able to show what I could do and I am very thankful to be recognized for it."

"One thing I've learned from this season is to challenge myself," Biel added. "I learned what my role was with this team and I learned how to be the best I could be at it."

The pair of All-Region recipients were part of the Trailblazers season that finished with a record of 12 wins and 19 losses, but the pair said they hope to learn from their experience this season to help put Vincennes back on top next year.

"I hope to build on my confidence," Jackson said. "That's the biggest thing for me. I want to come back next year more confident in my ability as a basketball player."

"We did not have a great season," Biel said. "So I hope we learn from our mistakes and continue to improve in every way. I am going to continue to expand my game and become a better player every day."

ALL-REGION 24 TEAM (In no particular order)

Sean East – Player of the Year (John A. Logan

Cobie Barnes (John A. Logan)

Tae Williams (John A. Logan)

Cam Alford (John A. Logan)

Tedrick Washington, Jr. (Shawnee)

Adrian Cohen (Shawnee)

Malachi Davis (Lake Land)

Everett Stubblefield (Lake Land)

SHILO JACKSON (VINCENNES)

THOW JAMES BIEL (VINCENNES)

Deshaun Nettles (Wabash Valley)

TreVon Smith (Wabash Valley)

Clint Wickcliffe (Lincoln Trail

Greg Jenkins (Lincoln Trail)

Chauncey Hughes (Kaskaskia)

Luke Davis (Southwestern Illinois)