By JOHN BOHNENKAMP

Western Illinois guard Trenton Massner was named to the Summit League men’s basketball preseason first team on Tuesday, while guard Elizabeth Lutz was named to the women’s basketball second team

The Leathernecks were picked seventh in the men’s and women’s preseason polls.

Massner is Western Illinois’ returning leader in all five major statistical categories, averaging 16.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.6 blocks last season. Massner, who was named to the all-conference second team last year and to the conference’s all-defensive and all-newcomer teams, ranked fourth as in the Summit League in scoring, was second in assists, and led the league in steals.

“It’s an honor to be named to any team and earn that recognition,” Western Illinois coach Rob Jeter said. “It shows the respect people around our conference have for Trenton and what he has been able to accomplish.”

Oral Roberts’ Max Abmas was named the preseason player of the year. Joining Abmas and Massner on the first team were South Dakota State’s Luke Appel and Zeke Mayo, Omaha’s Frankie Fidler and North Dakota State’s Grant Nelson.

Lutz led the conference in steals and was named to the Summit League’s all-defensive team. Lutz started 29 games, averaging 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.2 steals.

“It’s great to see Elizabeth get some recognition for her on-court achievements over the past four years,” Western Illinois coach JD Gravina said. “She is an experienced and competitive player who is sure to be one of the top point guards in the league.”

South Dakota State’s Myah Selland was named the preseason player of the year.

South Dakota State was picked the favorite in the women’s basketball poll. Oral Roberts was the preseason men’s favorite.

Photo: Western Illinois’ Trenton Massner drives to the basket in a game against Iowa last season. (Keith Gillett/Icon SportsWire)