Wheeling Jesuit Announces 2007-08 Recruiting Class

The Wheeling Jesuit University Men’s Basketball Team has released the names of its incoming recruits for the 2007-08 season.

Adam McFerran is a 6’4”, 185-lb swingman from Stow, OH who enjoyed a very successful high school career at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.  He averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks during his senior year.  McFerran was named 1st Team All-PAC 7 Team, 2nd Team Northeast Ohio, and Honorable Mention All-State.

“Adam is a strong, athletic wing who can consistently knock down the long-range shot,” said Interim Head Coach Chad Dickman.  “He was named one of the top 15 shooting guards in Ohio’s 2007 class by Prep Spotlight while he was a junior.  He has the potential to be a very good player in the WVIAC.”

Jamell Walker, from perennial Baltimore Catholic power Mount St. Joseph’s High School, is a 6’2”, 175-lb left-handed guard who averaged 10 points, 3.5 assists, and 3 rebounds throughout his senior campaign.  He was named to the prestigious “Charm City Challenge” All-Star roster.

“Jamell comes from a highly respected high school program where he played in one of the best conferences in the country,” Dickman stated.  “He is a solid combo guard that can get to the rack and hit the 3.  Jamell was a bit of a sleeper because he attended a prep school in Connecticut his sophomore and junior year, then returned to Baltimore for his senior year and stayed under the radar.  We are very happy to have him as part of the WJU program.”

Brian Yahn, younger brother of former Cardinal standout Ricky Yahn, will also be joining the WJU program.  Yahn, a 6’3”shooting guard, averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds while leading Wheeling Central Catholic to a 19-4 record this past year.  He was named 1st Team All-Valley, 1st Team All-OVAC, and 2nd Team All-State.  He was also a McDonald’s All-American nominee his senior year.

“We’re very excited to have Brian choose to continue his playing career at Wheeling Jesuit,” Dickman declared.  “He is a great shooter and has a tireless work ethic.  His athleticism will allow him to add several more dynamics to his game while he is in our program.  We’re hoping that Brian enjoys the same kind of outstanding career that is older brother had.”

Ben Hodkinson, a 5’9” point guard from Harrison Central in Cadiz, OH is the final 2007-08 recruit for the Cardinals.  Hodkinson enjoyed a stellar senior season as he averaged 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists while being picked 2nd Team All-State in Ohio.  He was also named District 5 Player of the Year, 1st Team All-OVAC, All Times Leader 1st Team, Buckeye 8 1st Team, and played in the celebrated Ohio North-South Game. 

“We were lucky to get a guy like Ben Hodkinson,” said Dickman.  “He is a hard-nosed player that does whatever it takes to win.  Ben is the type of kid that every coach wants to have in their program.  He is fundamentally sound, has a nice midrange game, and constantly gives 100%.  He will provide needed depth at the point guard position.”

“We are incredibly happy with the four players we have coming into our basketball program,” exclaimed Dickman.  “We have addressed several needs that developed with the graduation of Ricky Yahn, Colin Howard and King Miner.  I believe that these young men will fit in very well with our team and that they will be significant contributors to our continued success here at Wheeling Jesuit University.”