SDM men’s hoops team tab recruit from Colorado

By Brad Blume

Sports Information Director

RAPID CITY --- South Dakota School of Mines men’s basketball head coach Jason Henry is pleased to announce the signing of new recruit Jaryd Francis to the 2008-09 Hardrocker hoops program.

Francis is a 6-foot-5-inch forward from Wolcott, Colo., who played high school basketball for the Vail Christian Saints.

“Jaryd is a very strong and mature freshman coming in physically,” Henry said. “He is one of the most explosive and athletic kids that I have seen since I’ve been at the School of Mines.”

Francis helped his high school team finish with a 14-7 win-loss record this past season. He was the team captain for the Saints where he averaged 20.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.8 assists per game in his final season. He also holds the school record in career rebounds (605), career steals (140) and career assists (178) --- and was the first 1,000-point player in Vail Christian history. Francis closed out his high school hoops career with 1,221 markers.

Francis earned All State Honorable Mention both his junior and senior year, was a three time All League selection, and was First Team All Tournament as a junior and senior as well. Along with basketball, Francis lettered in football and track as well.