T-Bird Basketball Signs Three Recruits
PORTLAND, Ore. - Head men's basketball coach Anthony Baugher has announced the signing of three recruits for the 2008-2009 season.
AJ Kelsey is a 2003 graduate of Wendell High School in Wendell, Idaho where he was active in basketball and football. "AJ brings a wealth of basketball knowledge to our program," states coach Baugher. "He comes from a highly successful basketball family and is a proven teammate." AJ attended Pacific University after high school where he played basketball during the 2003-2004 season.
During his sophomore season, the 6'2 guard played at Yakima Valley Community College. "AJ is as high of a character person as I've had the opportunity to coach in my 15 years coaching basketball," YVCC head coach Ray Funk said. "He is a tireless worker who competes in all drills throughout the duration of practice - he wants to make himself better."
Last year AJ attended Idaho State University along with his wife, Kari, where he was an assistant coach for a local high school varsity team. AJ is excited for what this next season holds as he joins the Thunderbird squad. "AJ will provide leadership on and off the court for the Thunderbird program." added Coach Baugher.
Dakota Mason is a graduate of Eagle High School in Eagle, Idaho where he was a three year starter for the boys' basketball team. During his time at Eagle, he received the "Outstanding Post Player" award and led the team in 3-point field-goal percentage (40%). His senior year at Eagle High School he was selected all-conference and received the "MVP" and "Offensive Player of the Year" awards from his teammates and coaching staff.
After his high school career the 6'5 post played two years at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington. At CBC, Dakota averaged 4.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game. "We are excited to have Dakota join our basketball program here at Cascade. His size and quickness will provide depth at the post position," states Coach Baugher.
JD Repp is from Boise, Idaho where he attended Capital High School and played basketball and football all three years. In both sports, JD was second team all-conference two years in a row in the Southern Idaho Conference (SIC). In JD's senior season his basketball team won the SIC title and placed second at state.
After high school he moved to Pasco, WA and played basketball for Columbia Basin College. During the 2006 season CBC placed 4th in the NWAACC championships. The following year JD started every game and played a significant role for the team. "I look forward to attending Cascade College to further my career in school and also basketball and track," JD states. "JD is a gifted point guard who can play at this level," Baugher said. "He is a great team player with athleticism and skill. He is battle tested having played and started in the NWAACC. He had several teammates who were highly-recruited players as well. JD is a winner and ready to play right away."