Class Sets Foundation for Future Pirate Success

Jim Hayford announces men's basketball incoming class for 2010-2011

SPOKANE, Wash. - Coming off of four straight trips to the NCAA Division III basketball tournament, the Whitworth men's basketball welcomes a class that sets a strong foundation for future success. Five freshmen and a transfer will join the team in the fall, looking to help Whitworth build on the 2010 Northwest Conference title and NCAA Division III sweet 16 appearance.

"This group's accomplishments speak for themselves," said Pirate head coach Jim Hayford. "I am eager to coach them as they are all quality individuals. Our team looks forward to enjoying the Whitworth journey alongside each of them."

Michael Taylor is a 6'-3" guard from Brewster, Washington who transfers to Whitworth for his senior season from the University Montana. Taylor was a key player on the Grizzlies' NCAA Tournament team last year. Taylor started his career at Eastern Washington University where he was the runner up for Big Sky Freshman of the Year honors. He was the 2006 Washington State 1A Player of the Year for Brewster High School after leading the Bears to back-to-back state runner-up finishes.

Robby Douglas is a 6'-2" guard from Shadle Park High School in Spokane. He averaged over 20 points per game, earning First Team All-Greater Spokane League honors and a selection to the WIBCA ALL-State Team. Douglas led the Highlanders to a sixth place finish at the Washington State 4A Tournament in 2010.

Colton McCargar is a 6'-1" guard from Richland High School (Richland, Wash.). McCargar was named Second Team All-Columbia Basin Big Nine and First Team-Area by the Tri-Cities Herald. He led the Bombers in scoring in 2009-10 and to a district championship.

Dustin McConnell is a 6'-0" guard from Clarkston High School (Clarkston, Wash.) who is the two-time Great Northern League Player of the Year. He led the Bantams to a first place finish in the GNL in 2010 and was also an All-GNL Football and Tennis Player.

Matt Roth is a 6'-4" forward from West Valley High School in Spokane. One of the leading rebounders in the state, Roth was a two-time All Great Northern League selection for the Eagles who helped lead his team to back-to-back state 2A tournaments.

Austin Snavely is 6'-7" forward from Wilbur, Washington who was a two-time Bi-County League Player of the Year at Wilbur-Creston High School.

Whitworth went 26-3 in 2009-10, setting a school record with 25 consecutive victories. The Pirates were 16-0 in the Northwest Conference and advanced to the NCAA Division III round of 16 for the second time in school history. Whitworth was ranked 7th in the final D3hoops.com top-25 poll.