Local Big Men Make D3 Pledges

Friday, February 8th, 2019

Matthew Niemczura isn't the only local product to commit to a division III school in recent days as two other Elite 75 alums have also come off the board. 

Balser Staying Home

Mt. Ararat (ME) big man Jared Balser will be staying close to home to star for Husson University for the next four years. 

Balser has game changing size at 6-foot-9 with a rock solid 230 pound build. He's powerful and virtually immovable inside the paint. 

At the time of his announcement last week Balser was averaging just under 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game while shooting 60% from the floor and 78% from the free-throw line for a Mt. Ararat team that was off to a 9-6 record in Class A South. 

He ran with the Maine Renegades during last year's grassroots season. 

Shea is NESCAC Bound

Glastonbury High School forward Jack Shea made a verbal commitment to Bowdoin College, pending admission, according to his high school coach Jim Vaughan. 

Shea is a three-year starter and two-time All-CCC selection for a Glastonbury team that went 14-6 during last year's regular season before then making a run to the semi-finals of the Division II state tournament. 

He's taken his game to new levels this year, continuing to build up his body and diversify his offensive attack, and is currently averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per night for a Glastonbury team that is 13-2. Shea was also named MVP of the Doc Hurley Pro-Am Classic earlier this year. 

Bowdoin is a top five national liberal arts school according to US News and World Report.