SCOOTER PURSLEY

Associated Press Writer

MINOT - All Cameron Malzer wanted to do in his senior year was bring Turtle Lake-Mercer back to the Class B state tournament.

By doing so, Malzer proved he was one of the best high school basketball players in North Dakota, and on Saturday, the 6-foot guard was named Mr. Basketball.

The award was presented at the completion of the state tournament by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. It is given annually to the top senior player from North Dakota.

Malzer received 10 first-place votes and 72 points in the voting. Brent Qvale, a 6-foot-7 center from Williston who's headed to the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship, got seven first-place votes and 65 points. They were the only finalists.

Malzer is the second straight Class B player to win the award, following Killdeer's Austin Default. Hunter Berg of Grenora was the last Class B winner before Dufault, taking the honor in 1995.

Qvale, whose brother, Brian, won the Mr. Basketball award in 2007, averaged 21.5 points and 12 rebounds for the Coyotes. He hit 62 percent of his shots and chipped in two assists and two blocks a game.

Turtle Lake-Mercer coach Joi Anderson said Malzer epitomizes the award.

"He deserves it because he plays basketball all of the time, 365 days a year," Anderson said. "Every year, his game has gotten better."

Malzer went into the state tournament averaging 24 points while shooting 55 percent from the field. He made 51 of 128 3-point attempts through 24 games. Malzer also averaged five rebounds and four assists.

Malzer said he never gave the award more than a passing thought.

"It comes along with playing," Malzer said. "It's an honor but something I haven't thought much about."

Malzer and the Trojans lost to Grafton 53-42 in last season's championship game. Malzer's desire to return to state started soon after that loss.

"Getting back to the state tournament was our team's goal. After we lost, it meant a lot to get back," Malzer said. "(Mr. Basketball) was not the most important thing."

But it's a fitting end to Malzer's high school career.

"It's definitely a team award, but each team has that one kid who stands out in every game you play," Anderson said.