WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Jared Phay, head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Basketball team, has signed Riley Whiteaker of Calico Rock, Arkansas, for the 2023-2024 season.
Whiteaker put pen to paper Tuesday, May 9, during a signing ceremony at the school with his high school coaches Alex Skidmore and Jeff Whiteaker and his family by his side.
“We’re excited to add Riley to our team. He is one of the best players in Arkansas,” Phay said. “He can do a lot of things on the court. He can really shoot it, but he is very strong and tough, so he can rebound the ball, as well. He just has a good overall feel for the game.”
More about Whiteaker
Described as a “do-it-all” guard, the 6-foot, 3-inch Whiteaker averaged 24.5 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals per game while shooting 42% from the arc last season. He’s received many honors during his high school career, including all-region and all-state.
This spring, Whiteaker was selected to play in the Arkansas Activities Association All Star Game June 24 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The game will feature the best high school players in the state from all six classifications.
During his junior season, Whiteaker led the Calico Rock Pirates to a Final Four appearance at the Arkansas Class 1A State Championship Tournament and a 28-12 overall record.
Grizzlies also sign Arizona point guard
Phay also announced the addition of Lucas Prolla, a 6-foot, 2-inch point guard from the prestigious Arizona Compass Prep School in Chandler, which has been producing some high level talent in the past few years.
Prolla led his Dragons to a 37-4 overall record while averaging 16 points, six assists and four rebounds a game this past season. He is a prolific shooter, hitting 89% of his shots from the free throw line, and 42% of his attempts behind the arc.
Prolla, who has dual citizenship in the United States and Brazil, has played on the U18 Brazilian National Team and is recognized as one of the best young players in that South American nation.
“Although he is a point guard, Lucas will be one of the best shooters in the NJCAA next year, so he will play both point and off the ball,” Phay said. “He plays tough and hard, and comes from a program loaded with talent and has extensive experience in Brazil.”
Prolla’s parents are both physicians in Brazil.
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
For a Complete Look at All The Latest Sports CLICK LINK BELOW
https://www.ecommnewsnetwork.com/category/sports-daypop/