Lurleen B. Wallace sophomore foward Troyce Manassa was recently named Player of Year for Region 22.

Along with Region POY, Manassa was also named POY for the Alabama Community College Conference South Division for the second year in a row.

“I would have much rather won a championship,” Manassa said. “But this is just an example of how hard work pays off. I would like to stay humble, but to be recognized by the other coaches that I played against as the best player in the region is pretty awesome how hard work pays off. It really just shows how blessed I am.”

The 6-foot-4 210-pound forward is from Mobile where he played for Murphy High School.

“My senior year in high school after leading my team to a 6A state championship I knew I could play at the next level,” Manassa said. “I’ve always had love for the game.”

Manassa credits that love for the game as part of what makes him successful.

“I love the game so much, and it has always been so fun to me that I’m never nervous on the court,” Manassa said. “Before every game I say a little prayer, and just listen to some music.”

“Troy is a very versatile player,” Saints’ head coach Ricky Knight said. “He can play multiple positions, and play them well. He can handle, pass and shoot the ball. He is just a great all around player.”

Manassa was also selected to the first-team All-Region 22 and first-team South Division. It was the second year in a row Manassa was selected to both teams.

“The game that stood out to me for Troy this year was against Lawson State,” Knight said. “He had 37 points and 23 rebounds. It is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has always worked very hard in practice, and he is a very coachable player. He really worked hard this year to improve on both ends of the court.”

Manassa helped the Saints amass a 16-11 record, and helped guide them into the Final 8 of the ACCC state playoffs.

This season, Manassa led the ACCC in points per game with 19 and free throws attempted with 170. Manassa was fourth in free throw percentage going 137-for-170 for an average of 80.6 percent.

To go along with his scoring, Manassa also finished fifth in rebounds per game with 13.

Manassa was also credited with 53 assists and 42 steals on the season.

Although his time with the Saints has come to an end, Manassa has the chance to take his game to the next level.

“I really want to thank coach Knight for giving me the opportunity and trusting me to be one of the leaders on our team,” Manassa said. “My time at LBW has been great. The experience as a whole here is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

“He has several DI and DII teams looking at him, as well as some NAIA schools,” Knight said. “He will be a asset to any program he goes to, and he will help them win games.”

Manassa doesn’t just excel on the hardwood Knight said he is also a model student.

“I take pride in being a good student,” Manassa said. “As well as a being an athlete.”

“Troy is a kid that always goes to class, and works hard in class,” Knight said. “In May he will earn his degree from LBW.”