State Fair Community College (SFCC) Roadrunners Head Basketball Coach Matt Brown has announced the additions of Isaiah Jackson, Steven Samuels, Alex Gunnels, Ben Miller II, and Elijah Edwards to his 2023-2024 recruiting class. All five have signed their National Letter of Intent.
Jackson is a 6'7 forward from Link Year Prep in Branson, where he averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game.
Jackson attended Paragould High School in Paragould, Arkansas and played under Head Coach Jace Watson. Jackson earned all-state honors and averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game as a senior
"Isaiah is a good student and high character person," said Brown. "Isaiah is extremely physical. He can score from the perimeter, as well around the basket. We are excited to have him in our program."
Samuels is a 5'10 guard from Jefferson City who playe for JHS Head Coach Josh Buffington. As a senior, Samuels averaged 17 points a game, five rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. Samuels helped his team to a third-place finish in Class 5, with a 28-6 record. Samuels shot 38% from the three-point line and 80% from the free-throw line.
"Steven played for a very good high school program at Jefferson City," said Brown. "He is really fast in transition. He is a tough, strong, heady point guard. I think he will be really good in Region 16."
Gunnels is a 5'10 guard who played high school basketball at North Kansas City High School for Head Coach Ed Fritz. As a senior, Gunnels helped his team to an 18-9 record and averaged 12.5 points per game, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals. Gunnels played his AAU basketball for Mentality by Michael Watson.
"Alex played AAU basketball for Michael Watson," said Brown. "Michael played at UMKC. I've had a long relationship with Michael. Alex is a tough and physical player. He will fit well in our league."
Miller is a 6'1 guard who played high school basketball at Pembroke Hill High School for Head Coach Jeff Hawkins. As a senior, Miller helped his team to a fourth-place finish in Class 5. Miller averaged 11 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and two steals per game. Miller played his AAU basketball for 816 Hoops and Marcus Denmon Elite.
"Ben played for another very good high school program," said Brown. "Ben will be another good addition to our program. All our guards will bring something different to our team."
Edwards is a 5'10 guard transferring to SFCC from Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Illinois. Edwards averaged 5.2 points per game and shot a team-high 82.4% from the free-throw line. Edwards played in 26 games and started in 13. Edwards dished out 2.6 assists per game last season. Edwards also made the President's List with a 4.0 grade point average.
Edwards played his high school basketball at Greater Beckley High School in Beckley, West Virginia for Head Coach Brian Helton.
"Elijah is a year older and brings our team some experience," said Brown. "He is a left-handed point guard. He knows what it's like to play at this level from his experience at Shawnee. We are excited to have him."
David Rohrbach SFCC Athletics