WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Yancey Walker, head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team, didn’t have to go far to find his first two recruits for the 2015-16 season. On Wednesday, April 8, Walker signed West Plains High School’s Justin Davis and Licking High School’s Lane Duncan in ceremonies at their respective high schools.
“It’s great to sign these two young men and have them start their college careers as Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies,” Walker said. “I’m anxious to see how both are able to translate their games to the next level. Both of these young men were well coached and are very focused. They will put in the work it will take to play at our level.”
Davis averaged 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Zizzers this season and helped guide them to a 16-12 overall record and a 5-4 finish in the Ozark Conference. He earned all-conference and basketball media all-district honors and participated in the Grizzly All-Star Classic April 4 at the West Plains Civic Center.
“From the start, I was impressed with Justin’s shooting ability,” Walker said. “It is consistent, and he has the ability to get his shot off quickly. In addition, he played hard and rebounded the ball well this season. Those traits will be an asset to him as he begins his college career.”
“Justin is an exceptional shooter that I think will flourish in Coach Walker’s system at Missouri State-West Plains,” said Zizzer Boys Head Basketball Coach Kevin Smith. “Having an opportunity to further his education and athletic career in his hometown is quite an opportunity. I’m looking forward to seeing him succeed in a Grizzly uniform.”
Duncan averaged 28.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists with the Wildcats this past season and helped guide his team to a 24-5 overall record and its first district win in 18 years. He earned numerous individual accolades this season, including MVP honors in the Cabool and St. James tournaments, as well as the Frisco Conference. He also earned several all-district and all-state honors during his high school career and was the KJEL Player of the Year during his junior season. In addition, he was the MVP of the boys game at the Grizzly All-Star Classic April 4.
“Lane takes good shots and really attacks well by using angles,” Walker said. “He can score, but he also plays well in a system. On his high school team, he averaged almost half of their points, but he also was third in assists and first in rebounds. Lane is a young man who does what it takes to win, whether there is a stat for it or not.”
Licking High School Boys Head Basketball Coach Ben Glasgow said Duncan’s decision to join the Grizzlies is a good one. “He’s going to a program that has the promise of developing him into the player he needs to be. His upside is very good. If he develops the things he needs to develop, he will be a great contributor to the team, and after being around him for four years, I know he’s going to be willing to do what it takes to make those adjustments.”
Davis is the sixth Grizzly to exchange his Zizzer red uniform for Grizzly blue. Other Zizzers-turned-Grizzlies include Eric Judd (1996-1998), Lonnie Hardin (1997-1998), Brent Roberts (2001-2002), Andrew Boyce (2002-2004) and Koddy Fredrick (2005-2007).
Duncan is the first Wildcat to join the Grizzlies’ ranks.
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit the team’s website at http://wp.missouristate.edu/grizzly/bb.htm or call the Grizzly Basketball office at 417-255-7993.