January 29, 2007

RIPON, Wis.– Ripon's Brian Schmitting is having one of the best stretch of games in his career. Monday, he was honored for his play with the Midwest Conference Performer of the Week award. Schmitting led Ripon to a pair of dramatic conference victories last week, helping the Red Hawks maintain a share of first place in the MWC.

In Tuesday's 80-76 victory over Carroll College, the senior center poured in 26 points and pulled down 20 rebounds to help Ripon overcome a 19-point second half deficit against the Pioneers. Schmitting followed that performance by contributing 16 points and 12 rebounds in Saturday’s 81-77 double-overtime victory at Beloit. In the two games, Schmitting combined to shoot over 60 percent from the field (17-28).

Schmitting currently leads the MWC in rebounding with 9.8 rebounds per game. The Hilbert, Wis. native also ranks among the top 10 in the conference in scoring (9th, 15.6 ppg) and field-goal percentage (3rd, .592).