Bobcat, Brandon Johnson Big Sky POW

Montana State forward / Center Brandon Johnson was named Big Sky men’s player for the week of 12-14 thru 12-21-09. I was really glad to see Brandon get some reward for the fine play he has been putting in this season. Not the flashiest player on the Bobcat squad but he has been one of the most dependable to do what it takes to win. Every year he has seemed to bring his game up a notch and bring something new to team with each season. He has had double digit nights in scoring and rebounding and has been playing some pretty good defensive to boot.

One other thing should be noted about Brandon he already has finished his degree at MSU with honors and is taking graduate level classes.

Press release from the Big Sky Conference.

MSU’s Johnson Wins Honor

Jon Kasper – Big Sky Conference
12/21/2009 2:39:07 PM

Montana State’s Branden Johnson has been selected as the Big Sky Conference men’s basketball Player of the Week for games played between Dec. 14-20.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9 senior forward from Yakima, Wash., recorded his first career double-double as the Bobcats earned a 76-64 home victory over UC Santa Barbara on Friday night.

Johnson scored 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to go along with a block. Johnson was 5-of-7 from the floor, 4-of-5 from 3-point range and 1-of-1 from the free-throw line.

Johnson scored 10 of Montana State’s first 13 points of the second half as the Bobcats stretched their lead from five to 12 points. He converted a four-point play and nailed a 3-pointer in the first 3:40 of the second half, and added another 3-pointer with 15:11 to play. He outscored the Gauchos 10-3 in the first five minutes of the half.

Others Nominated

Jeffrey Forbes, G, EWU: Averaged nine points and six assists in two losses.
Broderick Gilchrist, G, ISU: Scored 25 points in a loss.
Brian Qvale, C, UM: Averaged 16 points and nine rebounds in two wins.
Shane Johannsen, F, NAU: Averaged 13 points in three games.
Taylor Montgomery, F, NC: Averaged 14.5 points and 5 rebounds in two games.
Dominic Waters, G, PSU: Averaged 20.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in two losses.
John Dickson, G, SAC: Scored 19 points in a win.
Kyle Bullinger, F, WSU: Scored 21 points in a loss.