Lane Lands a Pair

After reaching the NWAC Championships, Lane needed to keep the momentum going. Head coach CJ Edwards has hit the recruiting trail ever since and part of the goal was to protect the home turf. As a result, the Titans have started off this cycle with a couple of in-state commitments in Thurston forward Nate Stiffler Nate Stiffler 6'4" | SF Thurston | 2025 State OR and Phoenix big man Lucas Withol.

Thurston is of course right in Lane's backyard in Springfield, and Stiffler has been a long-time target. The steady 6-foot-5 forward with the sweet jumper earned Midwestern League Player of the Year honors as a junior and then fought through injuries to post a solid senior campaign, averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting over 40 percent from distance. He had earned a number of college options at varying levels but in the end, it was the relationships that put Lane up on top.

"The coaching staff was the biggest factor in my decision," Stiffler said. "Along with being great people and coaches, coach CJ and Crosby have a big emphasis on developing me and getting me to the next level. From an education standpoint, I have been taking credits at Lane through my high school that I can continue towards my degree when I get to Lane."

In Withol, Lane picks up a big man who was a critical piece in Phoenix's run to the 4A state tournament. At 6-foot-8, the transfer from North Medford was an absolute beast in the paint but also was capable of stepping outside and knocking down open jumpers. Withol noted that he hopes to continue working on his body and mind to get ready for the college level and broke down his decision.

"There were a lot of factors that went into my decision to commit to lane; the campus, the coaching, the team, and the location of the school," Withol said. "Lane checked a lot of those boxes for me, but so did other schools. I think that there were 2 factors that heavily contributed to my decision to commit, that really separated Lane from other schools, and that was; 1: the energy that Coach CJ brought to my recruitment and visit, as he left a great impression on me and what he brings to his program as not just a coach but a person. 2: the chemistry and competition that his players brought, as they all made sure they talked to me and got to know me a bit at the beginning, and then during the runs weren't only looking for they're own shot but looking for the best shot on the floor, no matter who's hands that came from."

Our congratulations go out to Stiffler and Withol on their decisions. As always, stay tuned to PrepHoops Oregon for the latest recruiting news.