RECRUITING: Cheyenne’s Henry signs with Eastern Washington

Another Cheyenne boys basketball player is headed to a Division I program.

Desert Shields post player Jaylen Henry signed with Eastern Washington on Wednesday, the final day of the early signing period.

 

Henry followed Cheyenne guard Chris McCall, who inked with Montana State earlier in the week.

The 6-foot-7-inch, 230-pound Henry is Cheyenne’s fourth Division I signee in the past two years. Guards Elijah Johnson (Kansas) and Demetric Williams (Wichita State) signed last year.

“I feel really good about it,” Henry said. “It’s just a big weight off my shoulders to know I’m going to a Division I school with a scholarship.”

Eastern Washington was the first program to offer Henry a scholarship, though Montana and San Diego State also expressed interest.

 

Henry averaged 9.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game and shot 52 percent from the floor as a junior to help Cheyenne to a 22-5 record and the Class 4A Sunset Region semifinals.

The senior, who said he’ll probably play power forward for the Eagles, made an official recruiting visit to Eastern Washington last weekend.

“I’m looking forward to having a fun (senior) year, going to college and getting my education,” Henry said.

 

Henry played on the summer tournament circuit with Las Vegas Dogcatchers Elite.

Dogcatchers coach Henry Thorns said there is a chance that Henry could see immediate playing time, with the Eagles (1-2) losing five seniors — including three frontcourt players — at the end of the season.

“He’s got a good chance of going in there and starting,” Thorns said. “Jaylen will probably be a power forward or, in the future, a big three.”

Also Thursday, Cheyenne coach Teral Fair said senior swingman Paul Gentle has given an oral commitment to Division II Lincoln University (Mo.).

CLAY TO SOUTHERN UTAH — Clark senior running back Andre Clay said he has given an oral commitment to Southern Utah.

 

Clay picked the Thunderbirds over scholarship offers from North Dakota, North Dakota State and South Dakota State.

 

"SUU showed the most interest," said Clay, who plans to make an official visit to Southern Utah in January. "What made me commit was, they told me how bad they wanted me. I'm solid with them no matter who comes around."

The 5-foot-8-inch, 200-pound Clay rushed for 864 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, helping the Chargers to a 5-5 record.

“He’s been a part of this program for four years, and he’s gotten better every year,” Clark coach Don Willis said of Clay. “He’s a tough, inside-the-tackles runner.”