The Plymouth State University men’s basketball team was honored by the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association for their hard work, commitment to teammates and respect for other players, fans and coaches last spring. The Panthers were chosen as the Eastern New England regional recipient of the prestigious Sam Shoenfeld Sportsmanship Award, the first New Hampshire basketball team to receive this honor.

The award is presented each year to “the basketball program [that] exemplifies the highest degree of sportsmanship, character, and ethics among their players, coaches and spectators.” The Shoenfeld award is the highest honor that the CBOA annually awards.

PSU head coach John Scheinman, along with the rest of the coaching staff and the Panther student-athletes, were formally commended this fall at the CBOA’s annual meeting.

“We are proud to recognize Plymouth State University and the members of the 2006 men’s basketball program for their sportsmanship,” said Ronald L. Martel, dean of students at Johnson & Wales University and New England East representative of the CBOA.

Scheinman praised his team’s admirable work ethic, dedication and positive attitude: “The kids are pretty grounded. They play for the right reasons,” he said. “What an honor for the team as well as all of the student athletes, coaches, support personnel and fans who have been with us for the past seven years. It’s a credit to everybody.”—Kristin Proulx Jarvis