A pair of NIU guards have received preseason MAC All-West Division honors.

Mike McKinney and Stephanie Raymond return for the their respective junior seasons with recognition from the MAC News Media Association as top performers in the league.

In 2004-05, McKinney led NIU in scoring at 12.6 points per game and rebounding at 6.1 rpg. The 6-foot-4 junior guard was an Honorable All-MAC selection last season.

A Third-Team All-MAC selection in 2004-05, Raymond was the statistical leader for NIU last year. The Rockford native averaged team highs with 15.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.39 apg and 3.82 steals.

HEATIN’ UP THE HARDWOOD

The NIU men’s and women’s basketball open practice this Saturday at Victor E. Court in the NIU Convocation Center.

The men have a public scrimmage set for noon Saturday, while the women will host a scrimmage with Lewis University Nov. 8 at 7:05 p.m.

HERE COMES THE SUN

The NIU golf team will close out its fall season with a trip to sunny Florida. Nick Schenk and company have an 8 a.m. tee time at he MAC/Big East Challenge. The 54-hole tournament takes place at the Orange County National Golf Club Nov. 5-6.