Sasquatch Announce 2008-09 Recruiting Class
The Community Colleges of Spokane has announced its recruiting class for the upcoming season. Following their 30-2 season and second place finish in the NWAACC tournament, the Sasquatch lost seven sophomores and one freshman and will have only two players returning from last year’s squad. In addition to the new players, Clint Hull will be assuming the reigns in his first year as the head coach at Spokane, replacing Mike Burns who took a job at the University of San Diego.
Although seven players have moved on to four year schools, CCS has signed a solid group of newcomers to reload and attempt another run in the NWAACC East Region.
Guards Luke Clift and Brad Johnson of Central Valley will join former teammate Kevin Cameron as members of the CCS squad. Clift comes in after a solid senior season in which he averaged 12 points per game and helped lead the Bears to a regional playoff appearance. Johnson returns to the hardwood after spending two years playing football where injuries cut his career short. Both players, along with Cameron, were key components of the 2006 Central Valley Washington State 4A second place team.
Sharpshooter Zack Humphrey from Shadle Park in Spokane will join the Sasquatch next year. Zack’s toughness and ability to shoot it from deep will provide a big boost to the squad. He finished his senior year averaging 16 points per game and earning first team All-GSL and All-State honors while helping lead the Highlanders to an appearance at the State 4A Tournament. Zack was also a McDonald’s All-American Nominee.
Talented scorer Brenden Ingebritzen from Mead High School is another local product to sign with Spokane. He finished his career with a solid senior campaign averaging 20 points per game to go along with six rebounds a game in helping lead the Panthers to a district playoff appearance.
Big man Griffon Jones brings athleticism and length to the Sasquatch front line. He finished his senior season averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds per game. The Blackhawks finished with a seventh place trophy at the state 2A tournament. In addition, Griffon was named athlete of the year at Cheney High School.
East Valley of Spokane’s Danny Marshall will also be joining the Sasquatch. The skilled 6’6” big man averaged 17 points per game for the Knights and earned Second Team All-GSL and Honorable Mention All-State honors.
Point guard Chris Pynch of Riverside Christian has also committed to Spokane. He was selected as the 2008 State 2B Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American Nominee after averaging 18 points per game and leading the Crusaders to an 18-5 record and the district championship, as well as a sixth place finish at the State 2B tournament.
Derek Gianukakis will join his brother Zach with the Sasquatch. Zach redshirted last season after undergoing back surgery, and Derek spent last year at North Idaho College. Derek was a standout at Republic High School where he averaged 27 points per game his senior season for the Tigers in helping lead them to a third place finish at the State 2B Tournament. He was also selected as the 2B Player of the Year his senior season. He and his brother were a part of the 2004 State B Championship Team. Derek brings a defensive presence, athleticism and an ability to shoot with range to the Sasquatch.
Cary Conklin of Clarkston returns to the hardwood after missing his senior season following an Achilles injury he suffered on the second day of practice. A skilled big man, Cary was an important piece to the Clarkston squad his junior season averaging 10 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and helping lead the Bantams to an appearance at the State 2A Tournament.
Cole Youngers comes to Spokane after finishing up solid career at Brewster High School. He averaged 12 points per game and helped lead the Bears to a seventh place finish at the State 1A Tournament. He was also an integral part of the 2007 Brewster team that finished undefeated and won the 1A State Championship.
Big man Kevin Bond adds some much needed depth in the post to the roster. Bond finished his playing career at Gonzaga Prep in 2002 where he averaged eight points per game for the Bullpups.