"Tallmadge Standout Signs with MVNC Men's Basketball Team"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

   The Mount Vernon Nazarene College men's basketball team has signed a point guard to join the program for the 2002-2003 season.

   Alan Bock, a 5-foot-6 native of Tallmadge, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to further his education and continue his basketball career at MVNC next year. As a junior, he led Tallmadge High School to a 25-1 record by averaging 11.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.2 steals per game. For his efforts, Bock was selected as an Honorable Mention All-Ohioan in Division II.

   During his junior season, Bock set school records for most steals in a game (13), most steals in a season (108), and most assists in a season (194).

   "Alan is a special player," said MVNC head basketball coach Scott Flemming. "He is a prototype point guard. He has great quickness and strong guard skills. I believe he will flourish in our up-tempo style of play."

   "Alan has led his high school team to two outstanding seasons," Flemming added. "He is an outstanding student and a fine Christian role model. I have no doubt that he will be a leader on our campus and on our team. I look forward to coaching him over the next four years."

   In addition to playing basketball, Bock has served as class treasurer for three years and is a two-year member of National Honor Society. He has also been a Fellowship of Christian Athletes officer.

   "There were several reasons why I chose MVNC," said Bock, who plans to major in Pre-Optometry. "I felt very comfortable around the coaches and all the players. Academically, I know that I will be prepared for my future. I see MVNC as a place where I will grow spiritually as well. I think this is the Lord's will in my life, and I look forward to playing for the Cougars."

   MVNC is currently 20-11 this season, which marks the fifth time in the past six years that the Cougars have reached the 20-win mark. The team will host Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College on Saturday in the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region championship game at 2:00 p.m. The winner will receive an automatic berth in the NCCAA National Tournament.