NATCHITOCHES – Sophomore guard Gary Stewart represents Northwestern State on the 2011-12 Southland Conference All-Academic Basketball Team, carrying a 3.44 grade point average along with playing an important role for the Demons on the court.

Stewart, who was valedictorian of his class two years ago at Vidalia High School, is majoring in pychology. A member of NSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he was one of 10 players from around the conference chosen for the team by head coaches, athletic academic counselors and sports information directors at the 12 member institutions.

Stewart played in all 32 games, starting three, this past season. He had averages of 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game while shooting 69 percent from the free throw line. He posted six double-figure scoring games, including season highs of 13 against Campbell and at Central Arkansas as he helped spark NSU wins.

He also scored 12 at nationally-ranked Mississippi State.