The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference released its basketball All-RMAC teams on Thursday, with Fort Lewis College redshirt sophomore men’s basketball guard Stewart Erhart achieving something that the Skyhawks program hasn’t had since 2014.
Erhart was named the 2026 RMAC Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year, leading the way as five Skyhawks from the men’s and women’s basketball teams were selected to All-RMAC teams.
On the men’s side, fifth-year forward Chuol Deng and redshirt sophomore guard Jaxon Smith made All-RMAC teams in addition to Erhart. Sophomore guard Katie Lamb and junior Makaya Porter were recognized from the FLC women’s squad.
Anyone who has seen Erhart and the Skyhawks men’s basketball team play can’t be surprised by Erhart taking home the hardware. He’s the heart of FLC’s pressing defense. Erhart’s demeanor never changes as he’s pressing into the back court. His hands are as quick as Bruce Lee’s, disrupting opposing offenses by creating turnovers.
When the ball is free, Erhart’s hands seem like they’re made of Velcro the way he always comes up with the loose balls. His anticipation skills are elite, making it seem like he has Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak on when opposing teams throw passes.
All of these skills have led to Erhart leading the conference and Division II with 3.5 steals per game. He’s had seven steals in four games this year.
On offense, Erhart has made a big improvement in his second season playing for the Skyhawks, leading the team with 17.4 points per game on 45% shooting from the field, 39% from 3-point range and 85% from the free-throw line. Erhart plays the game at his own pace and uses his body to finish through contact.
In addition to winning defensive player of the year, Erhart was also named First Team All-RMAC.
Deng was named to the 2025-26 Second Team All-RMAC: Men’s Basketball for the second consecutive year. He’s third on the team with 13.4 PPG and leads the team with 7.6 rebounds per game. Deng can be a mismatch nightmare with his size at 6-foot-7-inches and length. He can step out and hit tough 3-pointers from range, post up smaller defenders and drive by slower ones.
Smith was named to the 2025-26 Honorable Mention All-RMAC: Men’s Basketball squad. He’s been FLC’s most prolific 3-point shooter and the second-best free-throw shooter in Division II. Smith has really improved as a driver throughout the season. He’s second on the team with 14.5 PPG.
Black Hills State’s Cam Lowe was named the 2025-26 RMAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. Black Hills State head coach Ryan Thompson was named coach of the year in the conference.
On the women’s side, Lamb made the 2025-26 Second Team All-RMAC: Women’s Basketball. She’s tied with Porter for leading the Skyhawks with 11.8 PPG. Lamb is a great all-around scorer who has a great outside shot, making her a good 3-point shooter.
Porter also made second team all-conference after averaging 11.8 PPG. She’s one of the best defenders in the conference. She’s second in the conference with 1.2 blocks per game and seventh in the conference with 2.1 steals per game. Porter’s length is something FLC didn’t have last season, and she used it very well to score from all over the court.
Unsurprisingly, Colorado Mesa’s Olivia Reed Thyne won the player of the year for the third consecutive year. Colorado Mesa’s Taylor Wagner won coach of the year. Former Durango High School star Mason Rowland was First Team All-RMAC for Colorado Mesa.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
