"Cougars Land Northridge Basketball Standout"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

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

   Nick Zarley, a 6-foot-3 forward from Croton, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to further his education and continue his basketball career at MVNC next year. As a senior at Northridge High School, Zarley led the Vikings to the district semifinals with a 17-6 record. He averaged 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. As both a junior and a senior, Zarley was named to the Mid-Buckeye Conference First Team, the Central District Second Team, the District 11 First Team, and the All-Ohio Honorable Mention Team. He finished his career as Northridge's all-time leading scorer and three-point shooter.

   "It is great to sign another local prospect," said MVNC head coach Scott Flemming, who earlier added Mount Vernon High School standout Andrew Thompson to the team's roster. "Nick is a very gifted athlete who brings a lot of versatility to his game. He can score inside or outside as well as being a strong defender."

   "Nick is a fine player now, yet I see the potential for him to even get much better," Flemming added. "He is an outstanding student and a great young man. I look forward to coaching him over the next four years."

   Zarley, who was also a standout on the Vikings' baseball team, has been active in student council for four years as well as being the freshmen class treasurer. In addition, he was a two-year member of National Honor Society.

   "There were several reasons why I chose MVNC," said Zarley, who plans to major in education. "I like the Christian values that the school stands for and the pleasant campus atmosphere. The basketball program has been very successful, and the reputation of the education department and its placement rate for teachers were all important factors."

   MVNC finished the 2001-2002 season with a 24-11 overall record as the Cougars won 12 of their final 14 games. The team also captured its first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association national title as MVNC defeated NCAA Division I Gardner-Webb (N.C.) University 103-94 in the championship game.