Avila University Men's Basketball Signs Stockard

Avila University men's basketball head coach Anthony Hall, Sr. has announced that Austin Stockard has signed a Letter of Intent to play for the Eagles in the 2008-09 campaign.  Stockard, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound forward, recently completed his senior season at Archbishop O'Hara High School .

Austin is a talented player who will bring a great deal of enthusiasm to our team," Hall said.  He is a skilled player who could be good in the Heart of America Conference.  We look for him to contribute immediately."

Stockard averaged 12 point and 5 rebounds this past season and made honorable mention all-conference.  Stockard also shot 43 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

AU Signs Guard/Forward Dierkes

Avila University has signed Ben Dierkes to a Letter of Intent to play basketball, according to head coach Anthony Hall.

Dierkes, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound guard/forward, comes to Avila from Columbia Hickman High School where he averaged 11.6 point and shot 54 percent from the field last season.  Columbia Hickman is the largest high school in the state. 

"Ben is a strong, tough versatile player who has played against the best competition that Missouri has to offer, said Hall."  He has been a good 3-point shooter and has the ability to also score from mid-range.

Eagles Bring In Kapaun Mt. Carmel Standout/McDonalds All American Nominee

Avila men's basketball head coach Anthony Hall, Sr. announed today that Kevin Booker ( Wichita , KS . /Kapaun Mt. Carmel) will join the Eagle program. 

Booker, a 6'4", 195 lb guard/forward helped to lead Kapaun to the Class 5A State Tournament during the 2006-07 season.

Kevin is extremely good at getting to the basket and can pull-up and shoot the 3-pointer, "said Kapaun Coach Bernie Pearson.  Coach Hall also stated that Booker can be special.  "I am going to let him play", said Hall. 

Kevin averaged 14.5 point, 9 rebounds and 3 assist on this past season. He was Second-Team All-City and Honorable Mention All-State.

"We are excited to have and great player and a great student in our program," said Hall

Andover High Leader Joins the Eagles

Connor Gross, a 6'1" combo guard form Andover , KS helped to lead Andover High School to the Class 4A tournament each of the last two seasons. 

Andover finished the 2007-08 season with a record of 24-2.  During the 2006-07 season, Andover finished 23-2. 

"Connor is a very versatile player who can impact the game in a number of ways and is capable of playing multiple positions," noted Hall of his Kansas recruit.  Hall also stated that he is expecting to see Connor play immediately.

Eagles Adds 6-foot-9 Jason Stevens to its Men's Basketball Roster 

Jason Stevens, a 6-foot-9 post player from Lee's Summit High School in Lee's Summit , MO , has signed a letter of intent to attend Avila University and play for the Eagles. 

Stevens averaged 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in the 2007-08 season for Lee's Summit , which finished the season 19-7 and 9-1 in the Big Six Conference.

He's long and athletic, "said Lee's Summit Coach Keith Miller.

 "If Jason pays attention to his body and works as hard as he need to in the weight room, he has a chance to be a terrific player in our program, added Coach Hall.

Stevens was  born . 

Marshfield High Standout Signs with the Eagles

Kelby Phelps from Marshfield High School in Marshfield , MO , has signed a letter of intent to attend Avila University and play for the Eagles men's basketball program, AU head coach Anthony Hall has announced.

Phelps is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound point guard.  He averaged 15 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6 assist and 1.9 steals per game in leading his team to a 13-13 record.  He is the all time assist leader at Marshfield with 447 assist.

Among his many honors, he was selected as 1 st Team in the Central Ozark Conference and 1 st Team All-District his senior season.  He was also select as Gerald A. Pilz All-Star, Lion's Club All-Star, and KJEL All-Star. 

"We are very excited that Kelby has chosen to join our program," said Hall.  "He is exactly the type of person that we want to build our program around.  Not only is he a good player, but he is also an outstanding student who comes from a great family."