Playing in his first season in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), junior Derrick Williams (St. Joseph, Mo.) earned First Team Men's Basketball recognition by a vote of the conference's coaches.
Williams was the lone Bobcat to receive any recognition.
     For Williams, it was his third straight first team honors, having earned similar status in Peru State College's (PSC) previous conference, the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference.
     Williams joined Kevin Booker – Avila University, Brad Burgus – Graceland University, Stephen Cotten – Evangel University, and Rustin Dowd – MidAmerica Nazarene University, on the five-member first team.  Dowd was named as the Player of the Year.
     In the HAAC, Williams finished as the conference's leading scorer, averaging 19.59 points per game (ppg); In other HAAC categories, Williams finished second in total scoring (529); fourth in field goal percentage (.449); tied for fourth in double doubles (4); 12th in free throw percentage (.661); 12th in defensive rebounds per game (3.70); tied for 13th in total steals (34); 14th in steals per game (1.26); 15th in rebounds per game (5.26); 18th in total rebounds (142); and 18th in offensive rebounds per game (1.56).
     Nationally, Williams presently ranks 18th in points per game and 20th in total scoring.
    Williams will be among 12 returners coming back for the Bobcats for the 2012-13 season.