Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay today announced the signing of two more players to the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) squad for the 2021-2022 season.
They are Sterling White, a 6-foot, 3-inch point guard from Catholic Prep in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Donovan Freeman, a 6-foot, the 3-inch guard who is transferring from Casper College in Casper, Wyoming.
“We’re excited to add these two young men to our roster this season,” Phay said. “Not only are they talented players, but they also will fit in well with the type of game we play.”
White averaged 16 points per game and shot 48% from 3-point range while leading his team to the Virginia VISSA Division I state title game this past season. He received the first team all-state honors and was named the male athlete of the year among all Catholic high schools in Virginia.
White played for Bobby Steinburg, who was on staff with Phay at the University of Idaho during the 2000-2001 season.
“Sterling is a leader and a true point guard, which is hard to find,” Phay said. “Bobby and I have been good friends for several years, and he has coached a lot of different levels in college, so I know Sterling will come here ready to play.
“I’m also impressed with Sterling’s work ethic and his ability to lead,” Phay added.
White also graduated with academic honors from Catholic Prep this spring.
Freeman averaged 6.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for a Casper team that was nationally ranked and finished the 2019-2020 season with a 25-6 overall record.
This isn’t the first time Freeman has signed with Phay. He originally signed with Phay during Phay’s tenure at the College of Southern Idaho in spring 2019. When Phay left to take a position at Idaho State University, Freeman followed Phay’s former assistant coach, Lester Stewart, to Casper. Freeman sat out the 2020-2021 season.
“Donovan is very strong and athletic and can play any perimeter position,” Phay said. “I have always liked his game, and I think he has a chance to be one of the better players in our region.”
Freeman starred at River Rouge High School near Detroit, Michigan. “It helped us that Assistant Coach Jason Owens and Donovan are from the same area, so this was a good fit all the way around,” Phay said.
Breland returns
The coach also announced the return of another Grizzly from last season, Byron Breland, a 6-foot, 4-inch guard from Hamden, Connecticut. Breland averaged 10.2 points a game and led the team in rebounding with 7.1 grabs per game.
“We are excited to have Byron back,” Phay said. “He played out of position last year, but still had a really good season. He also has done a great job of getting involved in our community in a year in which it was difficult to do so.”
For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.
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