The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men’s Basketball team has announced some recent signings for the 2011-2012 season. New players joining the Golden Rams in the Fall will be Matt Lanier (6’4” Forward, Minnesota Transitions), J.J. Buter (6’6” Forward, Fordyce High School, Arkansas), David Hicks (6’0” Guard, George Washington High School, Indianapolis, IN), and LeDarian Horton (6’1” Forward, St. Paul Central High School/MSCTC Fergus Falls).
Additionally, Max Wessel (6’6” Forward, Rogers High School) is returning to the Golden Rams after last competing in the 2009-2010 season.
Matt Lanier – 2011 graduate of Minnesota Transitions High School – 6’4” Forward
Accomplishments: Averaged 16.2 points per game for 20-6 team; seven games over 20 points including 28 points vs. Robbinsdale Cooper
From the Coaches: “Matt is a versatile forward with the ability to score inside as well as shoot it from the perimeter. He’ll give us some added depth and strength on the inside while also being able to stretch the defense. He’s also strong enough to defend and rebound inside as well. We're happy to add him to this recruiting class.”
J.J. Butler – 2008 graduate of Fordyce (AR) High School – 6’6” Forward
From the Coaches: “J.J. is a very athletic forward who will bring another inside/out presence for us this season. He’ll disrupt things around the basket defensively with is long arms and leaping ability, and offensively can step out and shoot it consistently from 17 feet while also being able to finish around the rim. He’ll be a nice complement to our other posts and forwards.”
David Hicks – 2008 graduate of George Washington (IN) High School – 6’0” Guard
From the Coaches: “David is an exceptional athlete coming off an ACL tear but is close to 100 percent. He finds his way through the defense and gets to the rim quickly. He can really get up and down the court in transition and can cause a lot of problems on the defensive end. He has a nose for the ball defensively and is a good offensive rebounder for his size.”
LeDarian Horton – 2010 graduate of St. Paul Central High School/MSCTC Fergus Falls – 6’1” Forward
From the Coaches: “LeDarian was the leading scorer for a good Fergus Falls team last season and is a versatile forward. He can shoot it well from the perimeter and has a great feel for the game. He's more perimeter-oriented but can play anywhere from the 2 to the 4 and will be able to post up smaller wings. He gives us something that we feel will be a big benefit next year.”
Max Wessel – 2009 graduate of Rogers High School – 6’6” Forward
From the Coaches: “Max had a good start to his career at Anoka-Ramsey averaging over 7 points and 4 rebounds per game as a freshman. He can shoot it from the three-point line as well as anyone and added a lot of muscle to his athleticism so he can now better absorb contact around the basket. He’ll be able to stretch defenses and cause matchup problems at the forward position. We’re excited to have Max back with our program.”
Previous signings include Michael Stephens (Big Lake High School), Lemuel Doe (Madison West High School), Jimmy Sauser (St. Paul Central High School), Corey Barrett (Patrick Henry High School), and Antone Darrington (Brooklyn Center High School/Central College).