Recruiting report: Dale Bonner (2018)

Dale Bonner just collected his second Division II offer, but that didn’t cause any slowdown in his high motor game. The 6'-2" wing was all over the floor for Shaker Heights in its win over Barberton on June 20 in Earl Boykins League action at the Word Church Sports Multiplex. Bonner, who has earned offers from Northwood University and Fairmount State, takes pride in his defense, and is working on improving his outside shooting this summer. Known for his strong handle and ability to break down defenses and get to the basket, he’s developing a mid-range jumper, which will make him more dangerous offensively. “Tough kid, high energy, ready to fight,” Bonner said when asked to describe his play. In his team’s win over Barberton Bonner scored 18. As a junior, he averaged 14.5 points per outing while collecting nearly four boards, 3.4 dimes, and just over two steals. This offseason he’s spent time working on the midrange jump shot, he said. “I workout every day to get better at my jump shot. They say I really can’t shoot so that’s what I’m working on,” Bonner said after the game against Barberton. “He has a lot in his game,” said his high school coach Danny Young. “He’s very elusive with the ball, a good ball handler who can find his teammates. He’s really improved his pull-up jump shot. Off a ball screen he doesn’t have to go all the way to the basket,” Young noted. But it’s one the defensive side of the ball where Bonner can make the most impact, according to his high school coach Danny Young. “His best attribute is on-the-ball defense, he will lock you up,” said Young. Bonner said “grit and hunger to play” drive him on the court. He plans to major in sports management, which is offered at both Fairmount and Northwood; said his game resembles that of NBA great Kawhi Leonard and count math as his favorite subject in school. “He has a lot of D-2s and low D-1s looking at him,” Young said. Shaker should be an improved team. Not only do they have Bonner returning, but also junior post player Kevin Bishop (2019) and scoring guard Christin Guess (2018), who has already collected D-I offers from DePaul, “He has a lot in his game. He’s very elusive with the ball, a good handle, can find his teammates. He’s really improved his pull-up jump shot. Off a ball screen he doesn’t have to go all the way to the basket. Now he’s starting to take it to the next level offensively. “Just a pleasure to coach,” Young said.