MIAC RELEASE

ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—Men's basketball junior guard Blake Schmitz, and women's basketball senior guard Colette Duininck each landed January 12 MIAC Athlete of the Week. This is the first career MIAC Athlete of the Week honor for both.

January 12 MIAC Men's Basketball Athletes of the Week
Offensive: Blake Schmitz (Bethel)
Defensive: Carson Koch (Gustavus)

Schmitz averaged 26 points on 18-of-28 (.643) shooting, 5-of-11 (.455) from the three-point line, and 11-of-15 (.733) from the charity stripe in a week that included an 85-83 victory over Saint Mary's on January 7, and a 93-81 decision over Carleton on January 10. 

The Hermantown, Minnesota native played the game of his life against Carleton with 36 points on 12-of-15 shooting and 3-of-5 from back deep, five steals, and four assists. He began the week with a 16-point performance against Saint Mary's. 

Through 10 games in 2025-26, Schmitz has a team-leading 16 steals and ranks second on the team with 13.2 points per game.

January 12 MIAC Women's Basketball Athletes of the Week
Offensive: Brianna Nusbaum (Saint Mary's)
Defensive: Colette Duininck (Bethel)

Duininck accumulated 11 steals, 12 assists, and 7.0 points per game in a week that included a 70-69 win over Saint Mary's on January 7, and a 62-55 decision over Carleton on January 10. The Prinsburg, Minnesota native had six steals, seven assists, and eight points against Saint Mary's. Duininck followed that with five steals, five assists, and six points against Carleton. 

Through 13 starts in 2025-26, Duininck ranks second in the MIAC with 41 steals and a 1.74 assist/turnover ratio while her 59 assists is third in the conference. She is fourth on the team with 7.8 points per game.