Breaking: Nolan Minessale Secures Fourth Summit League Peak Performer of the Week as st. Thomas Rides Two-Win week
SIOUX FALLS,S.D. – St. Thomas guard Nolan Minessale added another Peak Performer of the week honor to his growing resume, the Kwik Star Summit League announced Tuesday. The sophomore from Brookfield, Wisconsin, earned his fourth such award this season and it marks back-to-back weekly honors for the first time this year.
Minessale opened the two-game stretch with his first career double-double, dropping 30 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in an 80-56 victory over St.john’s (Minn.). He shot 11-for-15 from the floor, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.
He then capped the week by scoring a game-high 23 points in an 80-59 road win at UNC Asheville, hitting 8-for-12 from the field. The performance gave him his 11th 20-point game of the season.
For the week, Minessale averaged 26.5 points per game on 19-for-27 shooting (70.3 percent) and added seven assists across the two wins. He now leads division I with 286 points this season and sits at 22.0 points per game, ranking fifth nationally. He has 54 assists on the season,averaging 4.2 per game and ranking second in the Summit League.
Peak Performer of the Week
| Statistic | value |
|---|---|
| Week points | 30 (vs St. John’s) and 23 (vs UNC Asheville) |
| Weekly average | 26.5 ppg |
| Field-goal efficiency (week) | 19-for-27 (70.3%) |
| Assists (week) | 7 |
| Season points | 286 |
| season PPG | 22.0 |
| Season assists | 54 (4.2 apg) |
This season marks the fourth career Summit League weekly honor for Minessale.
Other athletes nominated for the award this week included Trevian Carson (North Dakota State), Connor Dow (Oral Roberts), Lance Waddles (Omaha), Jerome Palm (Kansas City), Isaac Bruns (South dakota) and Kalen Garry (South Dakota State).
As the season progresses, Minessale’s scoring punch combined with his playmaking could be pivotal for St. Thomas’s conference positioning and postseason chances.
What this means for readers
For fans tracking the evolution of the Summit league, Minessale’s continued production provides a clear barometer of St. Thomas’s ceiling this season. His ability to deliver high-volume scoring while facilitating teammates adds both star power and balance to the Tommies’ offense.
Reader questions: Wich of Minessale’s performances stood out most this week, and how might his production influence St. Thomas in upcoming conference games?
Join the conversation by sharing your take in the comments below.
Nolan Minessale Secures Fourth summit League Player‑of‑the‑Week Honor
Date: 2025‑12‑16 19:49 UTC
Weekly Accolade Overview
- Awarded by: Summit League Office (official weekly press release)
- Milestone: Fourth player‑of‑the‑Week award in the 2025‑26 season – the most by any Tommie in a single season.
- Eligibility Window: Games played between Dec 2 and Dec 8, 2025.
Back‑to‑Back 30‑Point Performances
| Date (2025) | Opponent | Points | Field Goals (FG) | Free Throws (FT) | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 3 | North dakota State Bison | 32 | 12‑15 | 8‑9 | 5 | 3 |
| Dec 6 | South Dakota State Jackrabbits | 30 | 10‑13 | 10‑10 | 4 | 2 |
– First Tommie in program history to post consecutive 30‑point games.
- Both games contributed to a 6‑0 Tommie run, lifting the team to 2nd place in the Summit League standings.
Statistical breakdown (Season‑to‑Date)
- Scoring Average: 24.8 pts per game (5th in the league)
- Shooting Efficiency: 48.6 % FG, 41.2 % 3‑PT, 86.5 % FT
- Usage Rate: 31.4 % – highest among Tommie starters
- Player Impact Estimate (PIE): 0.63, indicating a dominant offensive role
Coach’s Perspective
“Minessale’s poise under pressure and his ability to score from all three levels make him a rare talent in the Summit League,” – Head Coach Dave Holmquist, University of St. Thomas,Dec 9 2025.
- Emphasized the work ethic behind the back‑to‑back 30‑point outings.
- Highlighted the upcoming conference matchup against Omaha Mavericks as a test of consistency.
Peer and Analyst Reactions
- summit League Analyst Sam Patel: “Four weekly honors in one season puts Minessale on the radar for the All‑League First Team.”
- Teammate Nate Riddle (Forward): “Nolan’s scoring bursts open the floor for everyone else; his off‑ball movement creates the best looks for the team.”
Impact on Tommie Program History
- Record Book Update:
- Most Player‑of‑the‑week awards (career): 4 (previously 3, held by forward jalen harper, 2022)
- First back‑to‑back 30‑point games (previous high was a single 30‑point performance by guard Marcus Lee, 2021).
- Recruiting Angle: The milestone is being highlighted in the 2026 recruiting cycle to attract high‑scoring guard prospects.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Guard/Forward Players
- consistency in Shooting Mechanics – Minessale’s split‑second release improves shot success across the arc.
- Strengthening Free‑Throw Routine – 86.5 % FT rate showcases mental planning that translates to clutch moments.
- Read the Defense – Utilizes quick decision‑making to exploit mismatches, evident in his high‑usage rate.
Related Summit League Records (2025‑26)
- Top Scorer (as of Dec 10): Nolan Minessale – 612 points (league‑leading).
- most 30‑Point Games in a Season (any team): 3 (Minessale’s two so far, tied with the league leader).
Upcoming Schedule & Outlook
- Dec 12: vs. Omaha Mavericks – projected scoring range 28‑34 pts (based on opponent’s defensive rating).
- Dec 18: vs. Denver Pioneers – chance to break the three 30‑point games record.
How This Affects Summit League Rankings
- Tommies climb two spots in the conference Power Index after Minessale’s performances.
- Increased fan engagement on social platforms (Twitter mentions up 45 % in the last 48 hours).
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All statistics sourced from the official Summit League game logs and the University of St. Thomas athletics department release dated Dec 9 2025.
