Backus named Southwest Minnesota State Hardee's All-Classic Team

November 27, 2006

(Madison, SD) -  Joe Backus, a junior forward from Wentworth, SD, recently been named to Southwest Minnesota State Hardee's All-Classic Team.  The Trojans lost two close contest against NCAA Division II teams, Southwest Minnesota State (61-75, cutting Southwest Minnesota State's lead to 59-55 with five minutes left in 2nd half) and Wayne State (71-74, missing a three-point goal in final seconds.

In Friday's Southwest Minnesota State game, Backus was 8 for 19 field goals, 7 for 9 from the free throw line for 23 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 26 minutes.  On Saturday's Wayne State game, he was 5 for 11 field goals, 5 for 6 from the free throw line for 15 points, and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Currently in the DakStats statistical website (NAIA Division II rankings), Backus is leading in the DAC ini scoring with 20.4 points per game and 8 rebounds per game.  He is 21st in the nation in scoring per game and 13th in the nation in defense rebounds per game (6.8).

Also being named to Southwest Minnesota State Hardee's All-Classic Team are Travis Krenke (Southwest Minnesota State - most valuable player), Matt Fletcher (Southwest Minnesota State), Emmanuel Little (University of North Daktoa), Ervin Youmans (University of North Dakota), and Bryce Caldwell (Wayne State).

Backus is the son of Wayne and Bonnie Backus of Wentworth, SD.

The Trojans (1-6) return to action Saturday night where they travel to St. Cloud, MN to take on NCAA Division II St. Cloud State.  Game time is 7:30 pm.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State Sports Information Director