PAIR OF SECTION CHAMPS HEADLINE COMMITMENTS

PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Paul Zamora (Fresno Bee)

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-- Cosumnes River head men's basketball coach James Giacomazzi announced the addition of three freshmen to the 2014-15 roster today.  In addition to two guards already committed, the Hawks 2014-15 recruiting class now consists of five players.

Today's additions are headlined by teammates from Edison High School in Fresno, forward Tyquan Neal and guard Daylon Potts (pictured).  Both players enjoyed large roles in leading Edison to the 2014 Central Section Championship and the second round of the CIF State Championship playoffs.  Another addition to the men's basketball program for 2014-15 is guard Elijah Calloway from Valley High School in Sacramento.

Neal, a six-foot-six 220-pound forward from Madera, was recently named to the All-State second-team by Cal Hi Sports after leading Edison to a state record-tying 22nd section title.  He was also named the Central Section Most Valuable Player following a senior season where Edison finished 27-8 overall, and advanced to the Southern California regional quarterfinals.  Neal averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest during the 2013-14 season.  The forward scored 23 points in the section championship game, following a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double performance in the semifinals.  Neal was also named to the All-Fresno Bee first-team this season, in addition to appearing in the Central Valley North-South All-Star game.

"(Neal) is a player we are excited about because he has the ability to rebound very well, has a face up game versus bigger defenders, and can post up smaller defenders," said head coach Giacomazzi.  "He fits in at the four-spot for us very well and we're looking forward to seeing him develop over his time here at CRC."

Daylon Potts, a six-foot-five 180-pound guard from Fresno, was another key member on Edison's section championship team.  Potts, an All-Fresno Bee first-team selection, averaged 9.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals for the Tigers.  He was also an All-State nominee and an All-League selection this past season.  Potts played a pivotal role in the Tigers section championship run, scoring nine points while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing six assists in the Central Section championship game against Bullard.  The guard was also a participant in the Central Valley North-South All-Star game.

"(Potts) is a very long and athletic player who probably has the best motor we've seen this year," said Coach Giacomazzi of the guard.  "He always puts forth his best effort, and with that, we think he has a very high ceiling in regards to his development at the wing position.  We've had a lot of success with players like Daylon in the past so it leads us to believe he'll be very productive in his time here."

Also committing to the Hawks for the 2014-15 season is guard Elijah Calloway.  Calloway, a six-foot-two 170-pound guard from nearby Valley High School in Sacramento, played four years of varsity basketball for the Vikings.  He served as team captain this past season, finishing in top-20 in scoring in the Sac-Joaquin section the past two seasons.  Calloway was also a two-time All-Metro conference selection.

"Elijah is a player who can flat out score the ball.  His versatility provides him the opportunity to score in a variety of ways, which translates well at this level."  Giacomazzi also spoke highly of Calloway's character and work ethic.  "With the willingness to get better everyday, he should develop into a solid college basketball player," said the veteran head coach.

Neal, Potts and Calloway join freshmen Kenneth Daye and Phil Morgan in the Hawks 2014-15 recruiting class.  All are currently enrolled in school and will join the team this summer for off-season conditioning.

2014-15 COSUMNES RIVER HAWKS MEN'S BASKETBALL FRESHMEN (as of 5/6/2014)