Wheeling Jesuit University has recently announced their men’s basketball recruiting class for 2010. The Cardinals will welcome seven new faces to their basketball program for the 2010-11 season. “We needed to bring in some key pieces to the puzzle for next year and I think that we have done that,” said Wheeling Jesuit head coach, Danny Sancomb.
The Cards signed two players from Ohio in the early fall signing period and added five more commitments this spring. The early signees are Brad DuPont of Massillon, OH and Tyler Ferrell from Brunswick, OH. DuPont, a 6’1” point guard, led Massillon Jackson High School to the prestigious Ohio State Division I title, averaging 10 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals for the 25-2 Polar Bears. He earned Ohio Division I Honorable Mention All-State, 1st Team All-Federal League, 1st Team All-Stark County, and 1st Team All-District IV honors this past season. In addition, he is the school’s all-time leader in assists and 3-pointers made while second in career steals.
Sancomb noted, “Brad has the ability to play multiple positions. He is a great 3-point shooter but can also get into the lane to create for others. His attitude and toughness will help the team right away. He’s a winner”. Ferrell, a 6’6” power forward, was a three-year starter and averaged 16 points and 9 rebounds per game, leading Brunswick High School to a 17-5 record. He was an Ohio Division I Special Mention selection and garnered 1st Team All-Northeast District, 1st Team Northern Ohio Conference, and Medina Gazette MVP honors. He also holds the school record in career points and rebounds.
“Tyler will add a new dimension to our team. He is a low post player who can score with his back to the basket, rebound, and bang with the bigger guys in our conference. He is a tough, physical player who can also step outside and hit the three,” said Sancomb.
The spring period was a busy time of year for WJU basketball as five additional players have committed to the Cardinal program. Local standout, Justin Andes (Shadyside High School) will continue his career at Wheeling Jesuit. The 6’2” 3-point marksman led Shadyside to a 25-1 record and a trip to the Ohio State Division IV Elite Eight. He was tabbed the Ohio Eastern District Player of the Year, the District Twelve Player of the Year, and the OVAC AA Player of the Year after averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds. He was also named Division IV 1st Team All-Ohio.
“Justin is an outstanding shooter and has a good understanding of the game. His ability to shoot the three will enable us to stretch defenses more,” remarked Sancomb.
William Marrow, a 1st Team All-Senate League and 3rd Team All-Northeast District selection in Ohio, will also don the Cardinal red next year. Marrow, a 6’3” combo guard from Cleveland John F. Kennedy, averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals this past season.
“William is a big, strong guard that can guard multiple positions. He does a nice job of getting to the rim and creating for teammates,” said Sancomb. The Cardinals picked up another shooting guard in 6’1” Lucas Mosca from Towson High School in Maryland. He enjoyed a stellar all-around year as he averaged 20 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds.
“Lucas has a high basketball IQ and really knows the game. He has the ability to score in a variety of ways,” commented Sancomb. Nathan Hedrick, a 6’2” guard, from Huntington St. Joseph’s High School in West Virginia also announced his plans for WJU. He scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds a game while leading his team to a 17-5 mark during his senior year. He was named West Virginia A 2nd Team All-State.
“Nathan is a smart player who shoots the ball well. He knows the game and has a great work ethic,” stated Sancomb. Rounding out the Cardinals’ 2010 class is Jibri Banner, a 5’9” point guard, from traditional prep power Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, ME. He started every game at the point guard position and averaged 10 points and 5 assists during his prep year, leading his squad to a 15-11 record. Sancomb stated, “Jibri is a very quick guard with a good handle. His ability to get into the lane will definitely create open shots for teammates”.
“I am very happy with the new guys we have coming in next year. They all bring different qualities with them that I am looking forward to meshing with the returning team. I am confident that this group of young men will fit right in with the Cardinal basketball program,” Sancomb concluded.
