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Mayes, a seven-foot center from Edgewood, Kentucky, has signed a letter of intent to further his education and continue his basketball career at MVNU. So far this season, Mayes is averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots per game as a senior at Dixie Heights High School. He also recorded the most blocked shots and made the All-Star Team at the Blue Chip Camp this past summer.

"Stephen has a tremendous amount of potential and we are excited to sign him," said MVNU head coach Scott Flemming. "He is making an impact on a very good high school program this year. He has a soft shooting touch and runs the floor extremely well for a player of his size."

"Stephen has improved greatly over this past year, and I just see that improvement continuing," Flemming added. "Although he has the opportunity to go to larger schools, he wants to be at a smaller Christian-based institution like MVNU. With some work, he has the chance to be a special player."

In addition to playing basketball, Mayes has excelled in the classroom. He has been named to the National Honor Roll and selected to Who's Who Among American High School Students. He has also been involved in peer tutoring.

"I chose MVNU because of the great Christian atmosphere and the quiet feeling when surrounded by the community at MVNU," said Mayes of his college choice. "It is a great new place to call home and form a new family. The basketball team really made me feel welcome and part of their family, and I cannot wait to join them."

Over the past six seasons, MVNU has compiled one of the best records in NAIA Division II with a 146-55 mark (.726 winning percentage). The Cougars have won one National Christian College Athletic Association national title (in 2002) and made three appearances in the NAIA Division II National Tournament (1998, 1999, and 2000) during that span. This season, the team is off to a 10-0 start and ranked ninth in the latest NAIA Division II poll with an offense that is averaging 97 points per game.