Hesston College 2015 graduate and former men’s basketball point guard Malcolm Mann has once again lead his team to new heights. Now a starting junior guard for Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Mann scored 23 points, including a dramatic game-winning buzzer-beater, to lift the Evangels to a thrilling 100-99 overtime win in the March 22 NAIA national championship game.

Hesston basketball fans remember Mann well, of course. As a sophomore in 2014-15 he spearheaded a ferocious Hesston defense that lead the Larks to the NJCAA Region VI championship and a spot in the national tournament. Mann averaged 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, often guarded opponents’ top scorers, and served as the Larks’ team captain.

Mann’s accomplishments on the Hesston campus were by no means limited to the hardwood. Following his sophomore season, the Plano, Texas, native was named Student Athlete of the Year by the school’s athletic department, an award reserved for students who, in addition to athletic success, show strong contributions to the campus community and represent the institution well outside of athletics.

“I love everything about Malcolm,” said Hesston coach Dustin Galyon. “His leadership continues to make history, and our program and Hesston College couldn’t be more proud of him.”

It seems Mann’s well-rounded contributions, along with his basketball skills, transferred smoothly to his new surroundings.

“Malcolm has an outstanding campus presence and serves as a spiritual leader for our team,” said Mid-America Christian coach Josh Gamblin. “He’s our most important player and does so much to tie our guys together.”