Simpson’s men’s basketball signs 10 letters of intent
For Immediate Release
05.26.10
REDDING, Calif. – Simpson University men’s basketball coach Jon King announced the signing of 10 student-athletes to letters of intent this week. Andrew Baxter, Phillip Templeton, Kevin Martin, Jordan Vargas, Ian Corella, Michael Silliman, Josh Wright, Rob Frank, Bryce Butcher, and Andre Nichols will join the Red Hawks for the 2010-2011 season.
Baxter, a forward from Redding, played four years of varsity at Redding Christian High School, where he scored 1,348 career points and had school records of 653 career rebounds and 168 career blocks. He was on the 2009-2010 All Northern Section Third Team and averaged 20.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He will major in business at Simpson.
“He’s a nice young man who does very well in school and is a good ball player,” said King. “We’re glad we could sign him.”
Templeton, a 6-foot-6 forward from Anderson, played at Liberty Christian High School and Shasta College. He assisted Liberty Christian to two straight section championships while averaging 12 points, eight rebounds, and five assists per game.
Martin, a 6-foot-4 guard from Bermuda Dunes, Calif., played three years of varsity at Desert Christian High School, where he was the Division VI-AA Player of the Year, was on the All-Victory First Team, and was an All-Riverside County Team Honorable Mention. He is undeclared and will enroll in the fall.
“The addition of Kevin to our program is great. He is a very positive person and a hard-working individual,” said King.
Vargas, a 5-foot-11 guard from Victorville, Calif., played four years of varsity at Hesperia Christian School, where he led the team to the CIF Tournament four times, was on the All-CIF First Team, and earned league MVP his senior year. He will major in mathematics.
King said, “We are extremely excited to have Jordan as a member of our basketball program. He is a great student, great athlete and, more importantly, a great person.”
Corella, a 6-foot-7 forward from Corona, Calif., joins Simpson after playing two years of varsity at Chino Hills High School. He averaged 11 points and nine rebounds per game. He is undeclared and will enroll in the fall.
King said, “Ian is a great kid and will be a great asset to our program.”
Silliman, a 6-foot-6 forward from Sequim, Wash., played two years at Peninsula College. He will major in cross-cultural studies.
“We look forward to having Michael. He has good size and is a very skilled athlete,” said King.
Wright, a 6-foot-2 guard from Santa Monica, Calif., joins Simpson after playing two years of varsity at Turlock Christian High School, where he averaged 12.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He is undeclared and will enroll in the fall.
“Josh is a tremendous student-athlete. He will bring more than just basketball talent to our program,” said King.
A 6-foot-3 guard from Roseville, Calif., Frank played three years of varsity at Valley Christian Academy, where he averaged 10.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 4.3 steals per game. He will major in business at Simpson.
“Rob brings us size at the guard position. He will bring depth to our basketball program,” said King.
Butcher, a 6-foot-5 forward from Tigard, Ore., played two years at Portland Community College. He is undeclared and will enroll in the fall.
King said, “Bryce is a great individual. He has high character and will be a tremendous teammate.”
Nichols, a 5-foot-7 guard from Merced, Calif., played at Merced College, where he averaged three points, two assists, and one steal per game.
King said, “Andre is a solid floor leader and has a great knack for the game.”
Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson’s athletic department offers intercollegiate programs in women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, cross-country, golf, baseball, and, most recently, women’s softball. For more information about Simpson University athletics, please visit athletics.simpsonu.edu, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737
