Bevo Francis, Rio Grande

Scored 116 in one game in his freshman season (1952-53) and 113 in a game during his sophomore season (1953-54).  Scored 1,954 points his freshman season for an average of 50.1 ppg and led the team to a 39-0 record.  Scored 1,319 points in his sophomore season for an average of 47.1 ppg to lead his team to a record of 21-7, with many victories over major college programs (Wake Forest, Miami, Arizona State, Creighton, Providence, and more).  Scored 3,273 points, and shot 68% on field goals, in his two-year collegiate career.  Became the most popular player in the world during this period, and is credited with saving his school from bankruptcy.  The new award for the player with the finest season within Small College Basketball is now named after Bevo Francis (the Bevo Francis Award).