AAC Men's Basketball Awards Announced

WALESKA, Ga. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference announced the 2025-26 Men's Basketball All-AAC Team and Awards on Tuesday.

Bradley Bunch of Pikeville is the Player of the Year. Zion Blevins of Pikeville is the Defensive of the Year and the Freshman of the Year, and Aden Taylor of Montreat is the Newcomer of the Year. Tigh Compton of Pikeville is the Coach of the Year.

The awards were voted on and selected by the men's basketball coaches of the AAC.

Bunch is fifth in the AAC in scoring at 16.5 points per game and fifth in rebounding at 7.8 rebounds per game. He also dished out 70 assists, had 29 steals, and blocked 17 shots.

Blevins leads the AAC in blocked shots with 41, while averaging 12.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He also has 23 assists and 18 steals.

Taylor averaged 15.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game and has 59 assists, 37 steals, and 20 blocks.

Compton led Pikeville to a 18-1 conference record en route to winning the regular-season championship.

Twelve players earned a spot on the All-AAC First Team with 12 making the second team. There are 10 members of both the All-Freshmen and All-Defensive Teams. Dozens of players made the grade to earn a spot on the All-Academic Team, while 12 were named to the Champions of Character Team.

For a complete look at the awards, click here.