Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Valparaiso head coach Homer Drew announced this afternoon that guards Matt Kenney and Tommy Kurth have both signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Crusader program as freshmen for the 2009-2010 season.

Kenney, a 6’3”, 190 lb. guard out of Mooresville [Ind.] H.S., was an honorable mention All-State performer last year as a junior, averaging 18.7 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals per game for the Pioneers while also connecting at a 56% clip inside the arc.  He also earned All-Indianapolis Metro West First Team accolades, as well as All-Conference honors in 2008.

“Matt comes from a very athletic family and his sister Lauren is currently playing for Valpo’s women’s team,” said Drew.  “Matt is very athletic for his size and can play above the rim.  He can be effective slashing to the paint, and he has also worked hard on his shooting and has extended his range out to the 3-point line.”

Kurth, a 6’1”, 175 lb. guard out of Penn [Ind.] H.S., is ranked as the #54 point guard in the Class of 2009 by ESPN.com.  He has been among the top-25 scorers in the area the last two years and was also an All-State honorable mention performer in 2008.  A two-time All-Conference honoree, Kurth has been a part of two conference and sectional champion squads with the Kingsmen, who also captured the regional title and advanced to the semi-state final during his freshman year.  He was named sectional MVP as a sophomore and earned All-Sectional honors as a junior.

“Tommy also comes from a very athletic family,” said Drew.  “He is a true point guard who handles the basketball extremely well with either hand.  He has wonderful court vision as well.  He can also move over to the two-guard, as he has improved his shooting with dedication and hard work.”