KINDER HEADED TO EAST CENTRAL JUCO

Delta High senior Shawn Kinder is prepared to take his basketball career to the next level after signing a letter of intent to attend East Central Junior College in Union.

Kinder, a 5-foot-11 point guard, averaged around 20 points and seven assists in helping the Bobcats to the Class 1A quarterfinals this past season. Despite his impressive offensive numbers, Delta boys basketball coach Nate Crowden always liked Kinder's play on the other end of the court.

"The best part of his game was his defense," said Crowden.

With an immediate need at point guard, Kinder will likely have an opportunity to display his talents right off the bat.

"I look for Shawn to step right in and lead them next year," Crowden said. "(East Central's coach) was really high on (Shawn) and felt he could step right in and be his point guard."

Kinder earned second team all-state honors in his second season as a varsity starter. Delta finished the season one game away from the state's final four with a 22-8 record.