JACKSON, Miss. – The 2017 C Spire Howell Trophy, presented annually to the most outstanding men's basketball player in Mississippi, will be awarded next week to one of the three finalists named today. The winner of the annual C Spire Howell Trophy is selected by a statewide media panel vote with a fan vote conducted by C Spire accounting for 10% of the overall vote. To vote for your favorite player via social media or text message, visit www.csopavoting.com beginning at 8:30 am on February 27 until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 4.
 
The 2017 C Spire Howell Trophy nominees (listed alphabetically by school):

Delta State University - Senior guard Devin Schmidt ranks second in the Gulf South Conference averaging 22.6 points per game as well as second on the team with 6.5 rebounds per game. In the 26 games played, Schmidt is shooting 38 percent from the floor, but boasting a career-best 84 percent from the free throw line. Schmidt has scored 2,505 points in his career and needs 65 points to become the GSC all-time leading scorer.

Mississippi State University - Sophomore guard Quinndary Weatherspoon is averaging 16.5 points per game in the 29 games played for the Bulldogs. Weatherspoon is shooting 46% from the floor and leads the nominees with 44 steals.

University of Mississippi - Senior forward Sebastian Saiz is second on the team averaging 15.1 points per game, but leads the team with 10.8 rebounds per game. Saiz is shooting 48% from the floor and 75% from the free throw line for the Rebels.

This year the C Spire Howell and Gillom Trophy Presentation will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.  The award ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m.and the winners will be announced at that time. Tickets are available online at www.msfame.com or at the Hall of Fame offices. For a list of previous C Spire Howell winners, visit msfame.com/events.