SHEPHERD MEN'S BASKETBALL INKS FIVE

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University head men's basketball coach Ken Tyler recently announced a five-man recruiting class for this year. Chad Chambers (Stafford, VA/Hargrave Military Academy), Matt Deaner (Hedgesville, WV/Hedgesville HS), Derek Gallagher (Moon Township, PA/Moon HS), Corey Snell (Roanoke, VA/Hidden Valley HS), and Donald Thomas (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore City CC) have signed letters-of-intent to play for the Rams next season.

Chambers, a 6-6 forward, spent last season at prep powerhouse Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA. He joins current Rams Chad Myers and Thomas Carr as alums of Hargrave. His roommate at Hargrave was Joey Alexander, who has signed to play next year at WVU. As a senior at North Stafford HS, Chambers averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. He was a first-team all-district selection and was named to the Washington Post All-Met team as an honorable mention choice.

"Chad is a versatile player who has had the benefit of going against outstanding competition at Hargrave," noted Tyler. "He will be effective for us at both the small and power forward positions."

Deaner, a 6-2 guard, was a first-team all-area selection by The Journal, and helped lead his team to the AAA state championship game as a junior. As a senior, he averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists while earning 3rd team AAA All-State honors.

"We are very pleased to add a local player of Matt's caliber," said Tyler. "He has good perimeter skills and is surprisingly athletic. Coming from Kelly Church's program at Hedgesville, I have no doubt that Matt knows how to do two very important things‹play hard and win.²

Gallagher, a 6-2 guard, was a member of one of the best teams in PA, and won a state championship his junior year. As a senior, he averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. He was Fab 5 western section choice by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 1st team WPIAL All-District, and 3rd-team All-State.

"Derek plays as hard as anyone I've seen in a long time," said Tyler. "He is constantly moving and working on both ends of the floor. His high-energy style will be a great addition to our program."

Snell, a 6-7 forward, was the River Ridge District Player of the Year and Honorable Mention All-State after averaging 16 points and seven rebounds as a senior. He was also selected to play in the Virginia High School League all-star game July 12 in Hampton, VA.

"Corey is an extremely athletic post player," stated Tyler. "He is very strong, and will be an effective presence as a scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker."

Thomas, a 5-11 point guard, led BCCC in scoring and assists this season and was selected to play in the MD junior college all-star game.

"Donald is a prototypical WVIAC point guard," said Tyler. "He is quick and strong, and can score himself or set up his teammates. He is also an outstanding defender. Donald will combine with Thomas Carr to give us formidable depth and balance at the point."

"We are very pleased with this year's recruiting class, and we look forward to their many contributions in the classroom, on the court, and in the community," said Tyler. "We hope that they will be the foundation for future success for Shepherd basketball."

In other news, Tyler announced that assistant coach Andy Burkholder has resigned to accept a position at American International College closer to his fiance in Springfield, MA.