Recently, Charlestown senior Anthony Fresh was joined by teammates, coaches, family, and friends as he signed his letter of intent to attend school and play basketball at Miami University (OH) this fall.

Founded in 1809, it is the second-oldest university in Ohio and the tenth-oldest public university in the United States. It is named for its location near the Miami Valley, in turn named after the Myaamia people. Miami is about 30 minutes northwest of Cincinnati. The university enrolls over 18,000 students in Oxford and also has regional campuses in nearby Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester. Miami also operates the international Dolibois European Center in Differdange, Luxembourg. The university offers more than 100 majors, 48 minors, and 11 co-majors with the most popular majors being finance, marketing, psychology, computer science, and biology.

Miami is a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and sponsors teams in nine men’s and ten women’s NCAA sanctioned sports at the Division I level. The RedHawks men’s basketball team has made 17 appearances in the NCAA tournament and they have eight former players who have gone on to play in the NBA. They are currently 16-0 and just broke the record for the longest home win streak in program history with 24 wins. There is extensive information on the program that you can dive further into at https://miamiredhawks.com/sports/mens-basketball

When asked about his choice to play for the RedHawks, Fresh said, “The reason I chose Miami is because of my visit there. It felt like home, and I loved the campus. Coach Steele showed how hard of a coach he was in practice and didn’t try to sweet talk anything. He told me nothing but the truth, and that’s a coach I need to make it professionally after college. The assistant coaches were the same way. Hanging out with them at the football game and eating with them made me see that outside of basketball, they are amazing people. The players did the same thing. When I asked the players questions, they told me how it was in their eyes. They didn’t try to sugarcoat anything. All of these factors played a big role in why I chose Miami. I can see myself getting better there; academically, athletically, and most importantly as a person. ”

Charlestown basketball coach Matt Lynch has coached Fresh for 2 years now. He has guided and allowed Fresh to be a key player on the team for these last couple years. This is what he had to say about Fresh: “We are beyond excited for Anthony Fresh. He has worked hard to give himself this opportunity to play at the Division I level. He immediately fell in love with Miami on his official visit and knew it was the right place for him to further his basketball career after high school. We cannot wait to see Fresh play at the collegiate level, but first we have unfinished business here at Charlestown.”

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network.

Front (L to R): Kali Crace (sister), Angela Crace (mother), Ty Crace, Trey Crace (brother)
Back: Ryne Loggins (ALC Assistant Coach) and Sean Smith (Charlestown Basketball Coach)

Recently, Charlestown senior Ty Crace was joined by teammates, family, and friends as he signed his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play basketball at Alice Lloyd  College next year.

Alice Lloyd College is a private work college in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. From the early Native Americans to the brave settlers to the small family farms to the proud coal miners there is no doubt that the Appalachian Mountains are rich with history. Alice Lloyd College resides in the heart of Appalachia and has over one hundred years of history. ALC offers eighteen majors under a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

Alice Lloyd College teams are nicknamed the Eagles. The college is a dual member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the NCCAA primarily competing in the River States Conference (RSC). They compete in the Mid East Region of NCCAA Division 1.

When asked about his choice to play for the Eagles at Alice Lloyd, Crace said, “Alice Lloyd is a good fit me because they’ve allowed me to follow my dream of playing college basketball as well as my college being paid for towards a great education that will prepare me for my future endeavors. Charlestown High School is for sure my home and I’m thankful for everyone that’s been there for me throughout my journey.”

Charlestown basketball coach Sean Smith has coached Crace for 2 years now. He has guided and allowed Crace to be a key player on the team for these last couple years. This is what he had to say about his former player: “We would like to congratulate Ty on the next chapter of his basketball career at Alice Lloyd. Ty has a great deal of passion for the game of basketball and has worked hard to earn this opportunity. He is a skilled player who can score in a variety of ways and who can also create scoring opportunities for others. We are happy for Ty and wish him and the Eagles the best of luck!”

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Matthew McCoy and Kyle Craig.