SALEM, Ore. – Corban University head men's basketball coach Austin Johnson announced his first wave of recruits for the 2016 class on Tuesday evening, naming five players that would be joining the Warriors for the 2016-17 campaign. Johnson began as the head coach at Corban on April 1.
"We are very fortunate and appreciative to have this collection of young men be the first group of signees," said Johnson. "This group gives us a good mixture of rebounding, shooting ability, and length. As they spend more time in the weight room while competing against college level players, I expect each of them to take another step athletically."
A second wave of Warrior recruits as a part of the 2016 Corban men's basketball recruiting class will be announced soon.
"This first group of recruits all come from great families and fit the mission of Corban University spiritually, academically, and athletically," Johnson continued. "I am excited that they are on board as we start a new chapter of Corban basketball. Each of them will have an impact on our program and community from the time they step foot on campus. They are positive additions on and off the court to go with our great group of returners. I can't wait to work with them!"
Hayden Nelson – 6' 8" – F – Kamiakin High School – Kennewick, Wash.
Nelson joins Corban after an accomplished high school career in Washington. While garnering First-Team All-Conference honors and leading his team to a 17-7 record, Nelson averaged 15.1 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, blocked 35 total shots on the year, and shot 56% from the floor. Having played for Brian Meneely at Kamiakin High School, he finished his high school career as the fifth all-time leading rebounder in school history.
"We are very excited about Hayden joining the program here at Corban," said Johnson. He is an accomplished student and athlete. He comes from a great high school program, coached by Brian Meneely, which has produced numerous college basketball players at all levels. He is a very skilled player that has a high IQ both offensively and defensively. As he continues to grow and invest in strength development, he has the opportunity to be a very good player in the CCC."
Kasey Crossland – 6' 3" – G – Buhl High School – Buhl, Idaho
Crossland joins the Warriors after a highly successful two-sport athletic career in high school, playing both basketball and golf, both of which he will compete in at Corban. While leading his team on the court to an 82-22 overall record during his four years on Varsity, he was selected to the 3A All-State Second Team twice. During that time, he led his team to the 3A State Championship in 2014, a second-place finish in 2015, and a third-place showing in 2016. A versatile player, Crossland averaged 10.7 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 2.8 made three-pointers per game.
"Kasey joins us from a very successful high school program," said Johnson. "Coach Dan Winn does an unbelievable job at Buhl High and the on-court results speak for themselves. Kasey bounced back from a season-ending ACL injury his junior year to have a very productive senior year. He has a ton of postseason experience and has hit big shots in big games. He is improving as an athlete and a ball-handler to go along with the great shooting ability that he already possess. We can't wait to work with him and help him continue to grow his game."
Seth Kessi – 6' 5" – F – Crook County High School – Prineville, Ore.
Hailing from central Oregon, Kessi comes to the Navy and Gold after a standout high school career. While landing on the All-League First-Team twice, he collected team MVP honors two times as well. While playing for his Dad, Darin, he averaged 15 points per game to go with 7.2 rebounds per game and three assists per game. In addition, he racked up a school record 17 charges during his senior season.
"Seth is another player that will give us some height and length," said Johnson. "He can really shoot the basketball and I liked how he competed with the older players on his visit to Corban. He has a quick release and is improving with his game off the dribble. Seth did it all for his high school team, so he knows what it is like to have the pressure to perform and lead. He is just starting to scratch the surface of who he is as a player and has a chance to work himself into being a very solid player at the wing position."
David Crossland Jr. – 6' 6" – F – Geneva School of Boerne – Calallen, Tex.
Crossland Jr. comes to Corban all the way from Texas after averaging 18.3 points per game to go along with 7.3 rebounds per game as a senior. During his time in high school, he garnered First-Team TAPPS All-State plaudits as a senior, and Second-Team honors as a junior. He holds multiple school records, including making 99 three-pointers in a season, 11 three-pointers in a single game, as well as holding the career total points record.
"David had a very successful high school career from both a team and individual standpoint," said Johnson. "He helped his team to a 28-11 record this year which included a 9-1 record in District. David is a great fit for the culture of our program and the campus community here at Corban. I think his best basketball is ahead of him as he get acclimated to the college level and competition. He will add size and shooting which will be a great asset moving forward."
Denis Kirichenko – 6' 6" – F – Union High School – Vancouver, Wash.
Hailing from just north of the Columbia River in Vancouver, Wash., Kirichenko joins the Warriors hoping to make an impact immediately. Serving as an athletic force for his high school team, Kirichenko averaged 12.4 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, and totaled 23 blocks on the year. He holds the school record for rebounds in a single game with 18 and in a season with 274.
During his high school career, Kirichenko led his high school to a 64-14 overall record, three District Championships, and a third and fourth-place finish at the State Tournament in 2015 and in 2016. He was then invited to play in the WIBCA All-State Game and the Truax Memorial Northwest Shootout (Washington-Oregon All-Star Game).
"Denis comes to us from Union High School which is currently one of the best high school programs in the state of Washington," said Johnson. "They have finished third and fourth in the 4A State Tournaments the last two seasons, and Coach Conley does a great job developing players both on and off the court. Denis is one of the best rebounders I have seen at the high school level due to his instincts and athleticism. He had a great senior season as he continued to develop and find his niche on the court. Denis has shown good skill on the perimeter offensively and has a great feel for the game. The versatile skillset that he brings will hopefully have an impact right away.