BYUH coach Wagner honored by PacWest

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Ken Wagner never gave up.

Even when the numbers didn't stack up in his favor. Even when critics argued that the Pacific West Conference would only get one automatic bid to the NCAA Division II West Regionals.

The head coach at Brigham Young-Hawai'i remained confident, telling his players that beating Chaminade Saturday would get them an at-large bid to the post-season tournament.

And he was right.

That unwavering confidence in his team was just one reason Wagner was named PacWest co-Coach of the Year. (Montana State Billings head coach Craig Carse was also honored.)

"Anything like that is a result of the players," said Wagner, who guided the Seasiders to a 19-9 overall record (10-5 in the PacWest). "Coaches don't have a whole lot to do with that."

Two BYUH players were named to the PacWest first team for the first time in their careers. Junior forward Alexus Foyle, who led the league in scoring with 20.4 points per game, earned PacWest Player of the Year honors. Junior center Scott Salisbury, who averaged 10.2 rebounds per game, also was honored.

"Scott has been such a workhorse all year long," Wagner said. "He's consistent and a team leader. Alexus is emotional and yet he's really matured. He's why we've been so successful. We're a good team without him, and yet when he really focuses as part of the team, we're an exceptional team."

After securing a share of the conference title with an 86-82 win over the Silverswords, the Seasiders were awarded the at-large berth to the regionals, mostly due to the team's power rating based on its tough schedule. Montana State Billings, which shared the title with BYUH, earned the automatic bid, making its fourth appearance in the tournament.

BYUH faces Seattle Pacific Thursday in the first round at San Bernardino, Calif.

"A lot of people said we had the best talent in the league, and that may have been true," Wagner said. "But talent isn't always what it takes to win."

The Seasiders shifted offenses mid-season, as the coaching staff figured out how the players meshed and what their strengths were. The Seasiders ended the regular season having won nine of 11 games.

"To be honest, I really think we could be in the final game, the championship," Foyle said. "If we go there and stay focused and play like we've been playing, I don't think anybody could beat us."

PacWest honors

Co-Coaches of the Year: Ken Wagner, BYUH; Craig Carse, Montana State Billings

Player of the Year: Alexus Foyle, BYUH

Newcomer of the Year: Joey Ramirez, Western New Mexico

First Team: Foyle (BYUH), Scott Salisbury (BYUH), Scott Prather (UH-Hilo), Igor Beljanski (Chaminade), Danny Phillips (MSUB)

Second Team: Brian Cook (MSUB), Kyle Bartholomew (UH-Hilo), Nash Subotic (HPU), John Avilla (HPU), Kashif Reyes (Chaminade)