High Academic Commits

When many student athletes look back at their high school experience whether it be a year after or many years from now, they often think of things they would do differently. There is also those that would do everything the same. With many students athletes announcing their decision to attend certain colleges to continue their education. There is a lot of pride and joy in those decisions as there is in those same students that choose to enter the workforce. Then there are the few that are given the opportunity to experience college as a student-athlete at the next level. The next level is completely different for each individual although they might be attending the same college. There are players that decide to attend a school in the Northwestern Athletic Conference (NWAC) where some athletes will have to pay a minimal price to receive their education and play. We at times see players from Utah or other states make their way to California to attend a Community College. California Community Colleges do not offer athletic scholarships but some out of state athletes make the move because it can be a great opportunity going forward. The intricacies of what different schools have to offer are at times complex. Not all schools can offer the same future for every student that attends their institution, let alone any athlete that sets foot on campus. There are some players that take advantage of their talents to take them to the next level. Then there are those student-athletes that use their talents to set themselves up beyond their playing careers. In the long run it is the opportunity that drives these student-athletes to move away from home to chase their dreams on and off the court. When you have a 3.9 GPA and score a 35 ACT score those opportunities to play at the next level open up a bit more. Highland High School G Christian Rich has an opportunity to play at the next level at one of the more prestigious schools in the country. Chris has been accepted to MIT in Cambridge, MA. The Division III school excels on the court as they posted a 23-5 record. What makes them more impressive is the majors that their athletes are studying. From Mechanical Engineering, Computational Economics, Aerospace Engineering to Business Analytics. These young men have an opportunity to be successful after the basketball stops bouncing. Chris will enroll in MIT in two years as he will head to Hong Kong in July on a two year church mission. He averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assist his senior year. Pleasant Grove High School PG Kawika Akina has committed to play at New York University, NY. Kawika is also headed to a prestigious school that competes at the Division III level. Kawika unfortunately had to battle through injuries his senior year so his numbers were a bit skewed. The bottom line is that Kawika can play as he shoots the ball at a high level.