Getting 36 wins in the past two seasons has helped put Lake Orion basketball on the map. Now the program can add a Division I college basketball recruit to their list of recent successes.
Junior Drew Maynard announced last week that intends to play for Coach Greg Kampe’s Oakland University squad after his graduation from LOHS next year.
Maynard is believed to be the first Dragon to ever accept a scholarship offer at a Division I school.
‘It’s a lot of weight off of my shoulders,? Maynard said of announcing his decision before his senior year.
His verbal commitment came on the heels of Oakland announcing the signing of Pontiac Northern’s Tim Williams.
Romeo junior Blake Cushingberry made a verbal commitment to Oakland at the same time as Maynard, but Maynard said their decisions were independent of each other.
‘We’ve been playing together since sixth grade,? Maynard said. ‘When I told him my decision, we both laughed.?
Maynard said Oakland was recruiting him harder than any other DivisionI1 program, a list that includes Kent State and Michigan State.
‘Drew was their top priority,? Lake Orion Coach Jim Manzo said.
‘When you’re trying to attract a kid to your university, that’s quite a compliment,? he added.
Maynard said he will officially sign in November and will enjoy not having the distraction of recruiting during his senior season.
‘In the long run, I liked the coaches at Oakland and being close to home,? Maynard said.
‘They’re looking pretty good for the future,? he added of the other signings, saying Kampe has intentions of playing a more wide-open style in the future, another plus in his book.
‘Obviously he made a pretty good sales pitch,? Manzo said of Kampe. ‘For Oakland, that’s three pretty good commitments in a three or four day span.?
Manzo said the entire process of dealing with college coaches was an enjoyable one.
‘We got to meet a lot of coaches at the college level and they all saw Lake Orion,? he said.
Lake Orion went 17-6 this season, with Maynard leading the team in scoring (nearly 20 points a game) and rebounding.
‘He’s played a key role in resurrecting our program,? Manzo said. ‘When you’re the leading scorer and rebounder against some of the teams we’ve played against, that means you’ve got some talent.?
‘It’s nice to have him stay close to home where everyone will be able to see him play,? he added.