Heinle, Carr Selected Co-MVPs by Matador Basketball Team

Center Brian Heinle and guard Markus Carr, who led the Cal State Northridge basketball team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in March, were selected co-most valuable players at the team’s annual awards banquet Sunday.

Heinle, a senior and the Matadors’ scoring leader, and Carr, a junior who led the nation in assists, shared the Andre Chevalier Award, presented annually by a vote of players.

Other award winners included Carl Holmes (defensive player of the year), John Burrell (scholar-athlete), Lionel Benjamin (most inspirational), Joey Busch (sportsmanship) and Marco McCain (most improved).

Carr, Holmes and forward Jeff Parris shared the Team Captains award, awarded by a vote of players. Holmes was presented the Pete Cassidy Coach’s Award, given to the player who best exemplifies character and integrity.

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Robert Smith has taken leave from the Northridge baseball team because of personal reasons, Coach Mike Batesole said.

Smith, a senior third baseman and designated hitter, did not play in a three-game Big West Conference series against Cal State Fullerton that ended Sunday with a 5-2 Fullerton victory.

A transfer from Oklahoma State, Smith ranks among the Matadors’ top power hitters, batting .385 with 10 home runs and 35 runs batted in.

Batesole declined comment but said he expects to speak with Smith today.

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Manny Hays of Northridge was selected Big Sky Conference men’s golfer of the week after shooting an eight-under-par 208 to finish tied for third in the Arizona State Invitational.

Hays’ 69-71-68-208 score was the best finish by a Northridge golfer this season and the best 54-hole round by a Matador this season.

Northridge will try to defend its conference championship this week in the Big Sky championships at Valley View Golf Course in Layton, Utah. The final round is scheduled for Wednesday.

Hays finished ninth last season with a 74-74-72-220.