Trailblazer freshmen Justin Archer and Brevin Jefferson named to All-Region 24 team

VINCENNES, Ind – Vincennes University freshmen Justin Archer and Brevin Jefferson have played well above their first-year experience level this season and it all culminated in the pair receiving All-Region honors earlier this week.

Archer stepped into his role of being the Blazers go-to scorer in the low post this season, leading the team with an average of 11.7 points per game, while also averaging 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 block per game this season.

Archer got his VU career started with a bang, scoring in double-figures in his first six games for the Blue and Gold, including a 21-point outing against Triton in the third game of the season.

Archer set his career-high in points for VU in the Trailblazers' road win over Lake Land, when Justin came away with a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

"It is definitely an honor, coming into the season, it was one of my goals to be recognized as one of the top players in the Region, so it's for sure a blessing," Archer said.

"My favorite part of this season so far was making the Region 24 Championship game," Archer added. "Even though it is something that they are accustom to here, for me it's a great moment to accomplish that as a team."

As for what advice he would give to a future VU player who wants to achieve this honor, "My advice is to work hard at your craft and absorb the information the coaches give you."

Brevin Jefferson was one of many new faces at the guard position at VU looking to earn playing time this season and quickly caught the eye of the coaching staff.

Jefferson earned a spot in the Trailblazer starting lineup in just his fifth game at the collegiate level and remained in the lineup throughout the rest of the season, so far.

Jefferson didn't waste time proving the coaching staff right as in his second game in the starting lineup he set his career-high of 24 points in VU's 80-73 win over Lake Land.

Brevin has served as VU's point guard this season and is currently averaging eight points, three assists and two rebounds per game while running the Trailblazer offense.

"Being recognized on the All-Region team is a huge honor," Jefferson said. "I am just grateful to see my name in that category."

"My favorite memory so far this season was hearing our name called to be apart of the National Tournament next week," Jefferson added.

"My advice for anyone who wants to be named to the All-Region team would be to just continue to work hard and just try to be better today than you were yesterday."

The freshman duo has led VU to a 17-6 record so far this season and led the Blazers to the NJCAA National Tournament for the ninth year in a row.

Vincennes is now preparing for their first round matchup with Holmes (Miss.) and the Blazers will take to the Hutchinson Sports Arena floor Monday, April 19, with tip-off set for 3 p.m. eastern.

ALL REGION-24 TEAM

Sydney Curry – John A. Logan

Jamarion Sharp – John A. Logan

Cam Alford – John. A Logan

Elijah Farr – Olney Central

Cobie Montgomery – Olney Central

Ahmad Price – Lincoln Trail

Blaise Beauchamp – Lincoln Trail

Everett Stubblefield – Lake Land

Jejuan Weatherspoon – Wabash Valley

Trevon Smith – Wabash Valley

Shomari Tillett – Kaskaskia

Jack Marinko – Southwestern Illinois

Luke Davis – Southwestern Illinois

Justin Archer – Vincennes

Brevin Jefferson – Vincennes

Adrian Cohen - Shawnee