TodayVan Scyoc to play hoops for Red Raiders
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Former Shippensburg High School star Craig Van Scyoc has committed to playing basketball at Shippensburg University according to the school’s Web site Thursday night.
Van Scyoc couldn’t be reached Thursday, but joins Lackawanna’s Stephon Draper and Roman Catholic’s Wes and Will Kirkland as the Red Raiders’ recruiting class.
“I think (Craig) brings a real strong work ethic, a blue-collar player,” said Shippensburg University coach Dave Springer. “I think he was second in rebounding at the guard spot at (Shippensburg High School) in school history, I think he does a lot of things. He scores, rebounds, plays tough defense.”
Van Scyoc is the leading scorer in Shippensburg Area Senior High School history with 1,258 points and averaged 17 points and nine rebounds as a senior guard for the Greyhounds.
The graduation of Alex Jones left the university with a vacant guard position. Returning guards Dane Lauber, who made 10 starts last season, and Brian Oleksiak, who made seven starts, will be among those vying for the starting role.
However, Van Scyoc could still land himself playing time in his first season. In his freshman season with the Red Raiders, ‘07 Greencastle-Antrim High School grad Jaren Gembe started just one game but appeared in 24.
“Position-wise, (Craig) will have to try to find his position,” said Springer. “I think he can get bigger... he’ll have to figure out where he can play in out league, on our team.
“(Van Scyoc) wants to challenge himself, to kind of challenge himself to play at this level.”
Van Scyoc, was on The Sentinel’s Boys’ Basketball First Team, also finished his high school athletic career with 98 steals, 115 assists and 600 rebounds. As a senior, Over his career, he shot 52 percent from the field and 76 percent from the free-throw line. Van Scyoc was also the starting quarterback for the Greyhound football team and compiled 1,177 passing yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior. He also participated in track and field and was a member of the student council.
Ship now has an abundance of young talent at the guard position. Springer feels that youth may be the key to resurrecting the Red Raiders’ 2006 success, when Chuck Davis led Ship to a 24-7 record.
“We have a pretty talented freshman group all of a sudden,” said Springer. “This is what happened a few years back when we had Chuck Davis and built players around him.
“I think Craig fits into this group, you don’t become the all-time leading scorer (in high school) without knowing how to play a little bit.”
Van Scyoc will receive a partial scholarship to play at Shippensburg University next season, and Springer expects to get his money’s worth.
“We committed money to him and we’re counting on him,” said Springer.
