KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the first time in program history, the Oregon Tech women’s basketball team has earned a second-team NAIA All-American, as Tatum Schmerbach was honored today by the national office.
The junior, from Medford, had an outstanding year, leading the Lady Owls to the semifinals of the Cascade Conference Tournament and a first-round appearance at the NAIA Championships.
Four previous players – Nikki McElligott, Karly LeVeque, Nohea Waiwaiole and Olivia Sprague – had earned third-team NAIA All-America honors, while three others (Sprague, Karissa Dixon and Carmen Arroquero) previously earned honorable mention accolades.
Schmerbach had a dominant season, averaging 18.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists – leading the CCC in assists per game, ranking second in scoring average and fourth in rebounds per game – while converting 50% of her field goal chances. The 18.5 points per game is the highest scoring average by an OIT women’s player since the program returned in 2002, with Schmerbach setting a new school record with 238 made field goals on the season.
The forward scored in double-figures in all 31 games this season and has posted 10-or-more points in 37-straight games. Schmerbach had nine double-doubles on the year and became the first OIT player (men’s or women’s) to record two triple-doubles in a season (both in wins over Northwest) and was the first OIT player to be selected CCC Player of the Week on four occasions.
Schmerbach will enter her senior season No. 6 on the OIT all-time rebound list (652) and No. 8 in both points scored (1,240) and assists (358).
