Ryan Sawvell Pulls The Trigger And Commits To Missouri Valley School

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

June 23, 2010

8:00 A.M. CST

Ryan Sawvell, the 6'8 class of 2011 forward from Mundelein High School in Mundelein, IL has verbally committed to the University of Evansville.  Sawvell offered up the commitment late last night after recently visiting the Evansville campus.  He chose the Purple Aces over offers and interest from several Missouri Valley, Horizon League and Mid-American Conference schools, including Illinois State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Valparaiso and Toledo among others.

Sawvell's commitment was confirmed by Mike Weinstein, the head coach and CEO of the Rising Stars traveling team that Sawvell plays for.  According to Weinstein, Sawvell was impressed with the campus environment at Evansville and also really hit it off with Purple Aces head coach Marty Simmons and his entire coaching staff.  Another huge factor in Sawvell's decision was that Evansville was the first school to offer Sawvell a scholarship.

Sawvell first burst onto the scene during the spring of his junior year and put up strong numbers at Mundelein last season.  He missed the majority of the recently concluded spring travel team circuit due to injury and is just beginning to round back into form.

We believe that Sawvell is an ideal 3/4 combo at the mid-major level.  That is because he is highly athletic, runs the floor well and finishes with consistency.  In addition, Sawvell has the ability to face up and knock down shots from beyond the arc and is also an outstanding passer from the top of the key and on the break.  There is no question that he is a key component on the Rising Stars Gold 17-Under squad which will be in action at marquee events throughout the July evaluation period, including the King James Classic at Waukegan High School and the Joy Of The Game Center July 9-11, the NY2LA Sports Summer Jam in Mequon, WI July 12-15 and both the 17-Under Super Showcase and the 17-Under National AAU Tournament in Orlando, FL from July 22-31.

In addition to coach Simmons, kudos also goes to Evansville assistant coaches Chris Hollender and Ben Wierzba, who are both tireless workers on the recruiting trail and also have the Purple Aces involved with countless other prospects in the state of Illinois from the class of 2011, including the Peoria Irish duo of 6'8 power forward Max Bielfeldt from Notre Dame High School in Peoria, IL and 6'2 shooting guard Hayden Hoerdemann from Central Catholic High School in Bloomington, IL as well as a pair of prospects who play for the Velocity traveling team--6'2 shooting guard Wes Koral and 6'7 power forward Luke Johnson, both from Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, IL.   

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