LANCASTER, Pa. - The Atlantic East Conference announced the Men's Basketball All-Conference teams and major award winners on Tuesday afternoon, as Neumann and Marymount each earned major honors.

Neumann’s top talent, Jalen Vaughns earned his third straight Player of the Year honor. Marymount’ s CJ Highsmith Jr. took home Defensive Player of the Year recognition while leading the Saints to a conference title. Rookie of the Year honors went to Neumann first year Jarell Keel.

Vaughns led the conference in points with 503 and was second in rebounds with 217. The senior averaged 21 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season. The Knight’s forward had a 51.4% FG, while averaging a double-double in conference play with 18.7 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Marymount’s Highsmith had an incredible season to lead the defense for the Saints. The center led the league with 1.6 blocks per game and 44 on the season. The Saints were the top defense in the league allowing just 67.8 points per game. Highsmith also averaged 5.8 rebounds per game to help the Saints to the most rebounds per game in conference play with 39.

Jarell Keel made an impact in his first season with the Knights. The shooting guard averaged 10.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.5. steals per game in conference play. His rebounds and blocks lead the league in conference only stats.

Marymount was awarded Coaching Staff of the year for the second straight season after winning back-to-back Atlantic East Conference titles. They are coached by Chris Rogers, and assisted by Antonio Rouse, Josh Arruda, and Ted Bardach.

Finally, the Atlantic East Elite 20 award winner for men's basketball, which is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average competing at the finals site at each of the Atlantic East's 20 team championships, is Jack Bifano from Marymount. Bifano earns this honor for the second straight season as he maintains a 4.00 GPA majoring in biology with a minor in pre-dentistry.  For the entire selection criteria and process, click here.

For the full list of All-Conference teams, check out below...

Player of the Year: Jalen Vaughns, Neumann
Defensive Player of the Year: CJ Highsmith Jr, Marymount
Rookie of the Year: Jarell Keel, Neumann
Elite 20 Winner:  Jack Bifano, Marymount
Coaching Staff of the Year: Marymount 

All Conference First Team: 
Montell Cooper, Marymount 
Brendan Franko, Marywood 
Aziz Parker, Gwynedd Mercy 
Tyler Tillery, Immaculata 
Jalen Vaughns, Neumann 

All Conference Second Team: 
TJ Lewis, Neumann
Donoven Mack, Cabrini 
Mason Mendygral, Marywood 
Marcus Stubbs, Marymount 
JoHaan Vinson, Gwynedd Mercy