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Hess, a 6-foot-6 senior forward from Ashland, Ohio, has signed a letter of intent to further his education and continue his basketball career at MVNU. As a junior at Ashland High School, Hess averaged 13.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting a team-best 64.1 percent from the field. Hess, who will be playing his fourth season on varsity this year, was named to the Ohio Heartland Conference First Team and District 6 First Team as both a sophomore and a junior. He was also named to the Ashland Times Gazette First Team, the Mansfield News Journal Second Team, and the Northwest Ohio District Third Team as a junior.

"I feel very fortunate to have Mark joining our program next year," said MVNU head coach Scott Flemming. "He will be a solid player in our program and an outstanding person representing our university."

"Mark is a very skilled offensive player inside as well as being an outstanding passer for his position," Flemming added. "He can play either the power forward or the post position. It is also evident that Mark's Christian faith is a priority in his life. I see tremendous leadership potential in him."

In addition to playing basketball, Hess has been a standout in the classroom with a 3.795 grade point average. He has been selected to the National Honor Society and received Scholar-Athlete and Academic Excellence recognition in addition to being a part of the Honors Math Program at Ashland High School. In addition, he has been a Student Council member, a PALS mentor, and an active part of the Park Street Brethren Church and youth group.

"I liked the whole school and Christian atmosphere," said Hess of his college choice. "I felt really comfortable with the players and coaching staff at MVNU. I also feel that I can get a good amount of playing time and have a solid career."

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 4-0 start with an offense that is averaging 97 points per game.