Albany, NY—Russell Sage College's department of athletics announced their award winners for the 2021-2022 academic year at the annual awards banquet. In addition to several honors bestowed for athletic and academic excellence, Sage also selected the Gator of the Year Award for the department's 21 varsity sports for the 2021-2022 year. In addition, the award as the 2021-2022 Sage Male Athlete of the Year for a Team sport was given to senior guard Jalon Borders (Bartow, FL/Bartow).
Head men's basketball coach Brian Barnes remarked Borders, "Our coaching staff is incredibly proud of Jalon for being recognized as a Male Outstanding Student Athlete for the second time in his four-year career at Sage." He added, "His competitive drive and will to keep getting better has been truly impressive. We thank Jalon for leaving his mark on our program's record books and for his help returning us to a consistent post season team. Congratulations, Jalon!"
Borders, who earned three straight selections to the Empire 8 First Team for his play on the hardwood, led the Gators to a third straight Empire 8 Tournament appearance as well. He led the Gators in scoring with 15.4 points per-game and also ranked third in the E8 with his 3.8 assists per-game. The senior, who scored in double figures in 21 of the 26 games this season, became just the fourth RSC player to reach 1,000 career points on February 6 at St. John Fisher. He registered three double-doubles this season, and graduates third in program records with 1,095 career points. He also ranks among the program's all-time leaders in several categories, including fifth with 72 starts, 12th in appearances (78), eighth in rebounds (388) as well as third in scoring average with a 14.0 ppg average.