Ferris State Lands Two Talented Prepsters As First Signees In Class Of 2020
Scholler Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/v/2BDCRj
Hazelton Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/profile/2173047/Reece-Hazelton
Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's basketball squad, which is off to a nation-leading 5-0 start this year and has won 20 games or more each of the past five seasons, has bolstered its program with the official signings of two talented prep prospects as the National Signing Day period began on Wednesday.
The Bulldogs inked talented West Michigan combo guard Jimmy Scholler (Forest Hills Central) along with Northern Michigan wing Reece Hazelton (Glen Lake) in an announcement made by head coach Andy Bronkema.
"This is a wonderful start to our recruiting class," said Bronkema. "Pairing them up with the underclassmen we have gaining experience this year, the ones we have currently redshirting and the future 2020 signees, it has me very excited about our future moving forward."
The 6-3 Scholler has had a standout prep career at Forest Hills Central High School under head coach Kyle Carhart. Last year, he averaged 18.4 points along with 6.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game while earning all-state accolades in addition to all-conference recognition. A team captain, he's also been the starting quarterback on his school's football squad.
Scholler competed on the AAU circuit for the Grand Rapids Storm under coach Jason Martin and was a teammate of Hazelton. His uncle, Thomas Scholler, served on the Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. He's ranked as the #3 wing in the Michigan class by Inside Prep Hoops.
"Former Ferris State coach and alum Cory Anderson gave us a lead on Jimmy the summer going into his junior year," said Bronkema. "After a successful elite camp, we knew that he was an all-around fit for Ferris State. Most of our recruits have Division 1 dreams and that always seems to be the sticking point. We worked out an agreement that was best for Jimmy and us and at the end of the day we are getting one heck of a young man."
Meanwhile, the 6-7 Hazelton was an all-state selection a year ago for Glen Lake High School under coach Rich Ruelas. He totaled 16 points along with six rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 55% from the floor. Hazelton also attained all-conference and regional dream team laurels as a prepster and competed for the Grand Rapids Storm where he was also coached by Jason Martin in AAU basketball.
Hazelton led Glen Lake to a Michigan class C state runner-up finish in 2016 and was the starting quarterback on Glen Lake's playoff football team. Also teammates on the AAU circuit with Scholler, his mother, Joanie, is an assistant professor of social work at Ferris State. He's currently listed as the #7 power forward in the Michigan class by Inside Prep Hoops
"I am always looking back home in Northern Michigan for talent and when that talent fits our need we want to make sure we get the deal done," said Bronkema. "Reece has been coming to camp for years and before that his father was bringing the team to camp. We got to watch Reece grow and when his skill caught up to his competitive spirit, we knew we wanted him on our team."
The two signees represent the first additions in the Bulldogs' class of 2020.
"After the obvious required skill, talent and character level of the recruits, I am most excited about the families, coaches and people surrounding them," Bronkema said. "When building a program, it is important to have support systems and extended program members. The Northern Michigan and Grand Rapids areas can continue to follow and support the Bulldogs through Jimmy and Reece.
"There are so many talented basketball players out there and so many universities with great selling points so I am thankful that Jimmy and Reece both chose Ferris State University," he added.
Ferris State will host Illinois Tech on Wednesday (Nov. 13) night at 7 p.m. (ET) before entertaining Findlay in a regional showdown on Saturday (Nov. 16) starting at 3 p.m. (ET) inside Jim Wink Arena.