Benedictine College men’s basketball coach Ryan Moody announced the signing of four new Ravens that will join the program for the 2014-15 school year.
Christian Hatterle from Bellevue West High School in Bellevue, Neb., Terryl Curry from Francis Howell Central High School in St Charles, Mo., Payton Heinen from Axtell High School in Axtell, and John Meyer from Shullsburg High School in Shullsburg, Wisc., will all join the Benedictine College basketball program as freshmen in fall 2014.
“We are excited to add these young men to our program,” Coach Moody said. “Each one of them is a high-character, quality individual that is committed to being the best student-athlete possible. They are a great fit for Benedictine College and we are excited they have chosen to be Ravens.”
Christian Hatterle – Forward – 6-7 – Bellevue, Neb. (Bellevue West HS): Hatterle was a standout for the Nebraska Class A State Champions Bellevue West Thunderbirds (21-6) and head coach Doug Woodard earning Bellevue Leader Class A All-Metro first team, Omaha World Herald Honorable Mention All-Metro and Lincoln Journal Star Honorable Mention All-Metro. Hatterle averaged 12.5 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game and 1.7 assists per game.
Coach Moody on Christian: “Christian is a tough and skilled big man. He can run the floor, score with his back to the basket and can shoot the outside jump shot. He comes from a great program and is a winner.”
Terryl Curry – Guard – 6-1 – St. Charles, Mo. (Francis Howell Central HS): Curry averaged 16.7 points per game for the Francis Howell Central Spartans and head coach Larry Anders and was named Gateway Athletics Conference South Division First Team.
Coach Moody on Terryl: “Terryl is a special athlete. He is fast, explosive, strong and has a great basketball IQ. He can play multiple positions and can attack the basket in both the full-court and half court. His ability to defend on the ball makes him a well-rounded player.”
Payton Heinen – Forward – 6-6 – Axtell (Axtell HS): Heinen was a two-time all-state performer for coach Lucas Dalinghaus at Axtell HS. Heinen was named to the Kansas Class 1A All-State Second Team both his junior and senior year and was named Twin Valley League First Team both years. Heinen helped lead Axtell HS to a state championship in the 2012-13 season. He averaged 15.9 points per game 9.3 rebounds per game and 3.4 blocks per game his senior year.
Coach Moody on Payton: “Payton is a tough minded, physical post player with long arms and great instincts. He plays hard at both ends and has a great feel for the game. He can score down low in the post but can also step out and shoot.”
John Meyer – Center – 6-10 – Shullsburg, Wisc. (Shullsburg HS): Meyer played for head coach Mark Lierman at Shullsburg HS and helped lead the team to a 17-7 record. He averaged 9.8 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game and 1.7 blocks per game.
Coach Moody on John: “John is a smart and talented big man. He runs well, scores down low and can protect the rim. He is still growing into his huge frame and it is easy to see his best basketball is in front of him.”
The incoming group joins a strong returning core from the Ravens 2013-14 campaign which finished with a HAAC Championship and trip to the 2014 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship.
— BC Sports Information —