WHITEFISH, Mont. – For the third straight week,
Zaccheus Darko-Kelly has been named the Frontier Conference Player of the Week. He is the first men's basketball player in Frontier Conference history to win the player of the week award three times in a row.
The junior from Great Falls scored a career-high 40 points on Friday
against Montana Western. He shot 62.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc while also grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out 7 assists. 40 points is tied for the second most points scored in a game in program history. Argo Hall of Famer Mike Geniesse did it during the 1971-1972 season
Darko-Kelly followed up his 40-point performance with his second career triple-double in a
win over Rocky Mountain, finishing with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
"He's playing at another level right now," head coach
Steve Keller said. "He's doing whatever it takes to help our team win. Whether it's scoring points, dishing out assists or playing defense and blocking shots and getting rebounds. As long as it's what best for the team, he'll do it."
This is the sixth time Darko-Kelly has been named the Frontier Conference Player of the Week this season. This is also the third straight time he's won the award, which coincides with Keller's decision to move him to the point guard position. During that time, he's averaging 30.8 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game and 7.7 assists per game while shooting 59.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. His play has resulted in
back to back National Player of the Week awards.
"The last six games are one of the best stretches I've ever seen," Keller said. "Moving him to the point made our team better. He's making our team better. The best part about it is we're still a team. Nothing is selfish. He's elevating the play of everyone on our team."
The Argos will need another big performance from Darko-Kelly this Thursday, when they take on Carroll College. Both teams are tied for second place in conference with an 11-5 record. The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m.
