Three Mounties Earn All American Basketball Honors
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Information from Eastern Oregon University) The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) have announced the 2022-23 Basketball All-American Teams. EOU had three athletes earn their All-American Honors. For Women’s Basketball, EOU released the following:
“Eastern Oregon had one selection in junior Beverly Slater who was named third team All-American and one honorable mention selection in Sailor Liefke.
Slater earned an All-American nod for the first time in her career adding to her impressive resume. The junior from Boise, Idaho averaged just short of a double-double with 9.6 points per game along with 9.9 rebounds. Slater was also named first team All-CCC and earned CCC player of the Week twice for her stellar play on the court this year.
Liefke earned All-American honors for the second time in her career to add to her long list of awards. The senior from Sunnyside, Wash. was named honorable mention All-American. Liefke averaged 13 points per game along with 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Liefke was also named first team All-CCC for her performance on the court this season. The guard was named All-American honorable mention last year as well.
“I am so excited that both Sailor and Bev were recognized for their contributions to our team and their high level of play.” Head Coach Anji Weissenfluh said. “They both work incredibly hard and what they bring to our team not only shows up on the stat sheet night after night, but they also bring those intangibles that help propel our team to a higher level. They are both so deserving of being honored at the national level.”
And for men’s basketball, EOU released:
“Eastern Oregon had one selection in senior Phillip Malatare who was named Second Team All-American.
Malatare earned his second nod as a member of the All-American team, he was named honorable mention All-American a year ago. The guard from Arlee, Mont. averaged 18.3 points per game along with 6 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
“I couldn’t be more excited that Philip was recognized as an All-American,” Head Coach Chris Kemp said. “He is a special player that is getting his fair recognition for what he meant to our team and the Eastern Oregon community. I am excited to see what Phil does in his life after basketball!”
The All-American honor adds to Malatare’s impressive list of awards, who was also named CCC Player of the Year for his performance on the court this season.”
