July 6, 2016

2016-17 Men’s Basketball Incoming Class Announced

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- Six players will join the Juniata men’s basketball team for the 2016-17 season. They will join 13 returners for an Eagles team coming off a 16-11 2015-16 campaign and an appearance in the Landmark Conference semifinals.

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- Six players will join the Juniata men's basketball team for the 2016-17 season. They will join 13 returners for an Eagles team coming off a 16-11 2015-16 campaign and an appearance in the Landmark Conference semifinals.

Zach Engle (Milheim, Pa./Penns Valley Area HS)

Engle was a four-year letterwinner at Penns Valley. He was an All-League First Team selection in both the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Engle was also an Honorable Mention in 2013-14 and his team was League Champions.

"Zach comes from a Juniata family and is a great fit for our program," stated head coach Greg Curley. "His size is something you can't teach and he is a willing passer who takes great pride in his defense. As with most big men, we feel his best basketball is in front of him."

Jacob Holsopple (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area)

Holsopple earned four letters at Hollidaysburg where he was a team captain in his junior and senior years. His team was District 6 champions in his senior year. Holsopple was named to the Hollidaysburg Roundball Classic All-Tournament team in his junior and senior years and the Tyrone Holiday All-Tournament team in his senior year.

"We are very excited about Jake joining our program," said Curley. "He is an outstanding student and a very focused young man, two attributes we really value in our program. On the court, his versatility, feel for the game, and size give him a chance to be an outstanding player in our program. We are super excited to get him in a Juniata uniform."

Kyle Krout (Hanover, Pa./Hanover)

Krout was a three-sport athlete at Hanover. He earned four letters in basketball, three in football playing quarterback, and two in baseball playing shortstop. He started all four years in basketball at guard and is a member of the school's 1,000 point club. He led the league in three point shots. Krout was a YAIAA First Team selection and a D.3 silver medalist. He was named both the Hanover Rotary Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and Hanover High School Male Athlete of the Year.

"Kyle is an outstanding student, who was captain of both his football and basketball teams," remarked Curley. "His leadership and competitive attitude will make him a tremendous asset in our program. He is a great fit for our program and will provide depth in the backcourt."

Nathan Markey (York, Pa./Central York)

Markey picked up three letters at Central York. He was a member of very successful teams that won 67 games in three seasons. Central York was a two-time division champion, three-time county finalist, a district finalist, and a three-time state qualifier during his time. Markey was a co-captain in his senior season.

"Nathan is an old fashioned gym rat who has grown up around the game," noted Curley. "He is an outstanding shooter with a great feel for the game. He comes from a very competitive high school program and he understands what it takes to win. He's our kind of guy and we are very excited to have him."

John Marold (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum Senior High)

Marold earned two letters at Plum Senior High. He was a senior team captain and a Quad A All-Section 2 WPIAL Honorable Mention. A two-year varsity letter award winner, his team won the sectional title in 2014 and 2015.

"Jack played for one of the top programs in Western Pennsylvania," says Curley. "He is a tremendous competitor with the ability to stretch the floor with his jump shot. He is a tough kid with a great approach to the game. We think he is someone that can help us moving forward."

Kody Trude (Morrisdale, Pa./West Branch)

Trude earned four varsity letters at West Branch playing guard and also had a letter in baseball. He was a two-time All-State selection on the Second Team in his junior and senior seasons. He ended his career as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,822 points and is the all-time leader in three-point shots with 239. Trude was a four-time Progressland Player of the Year, ICC All-Star, Mo-Valley League All-Star and MVP in his junior and senior years. His teams were a 2015 Sweet 16 qualifier and a 2016 state qualifier. Their record during his four years there was 73-29.

"First and foremost, Kody is an outstanding student and the type of person we want in our program, said Curley. "We think he has a chance to be a very special player. His length, versatility, skill, and understanding of the game, allow him to impact the game in a number of different ways. He's a guy that we think can make a difference, someone who can make an impact."