May 25, 2019

Santa Monica, Calif.

Santa Monica College Men's Basketball Coach Joshua Thomas announced the recent national letter of intent signings for two of his players.  Sophomores Kyle Young (Beverly Hills High) and Marcus Harris (Santa Monica High) signed Full Ride scholarships to Florida Memorial University, which is about 35 minutes from South Beach Miami.

Young was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Western State South Conference. Young averaged 9.6 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, 2.03 blocks per game, and 1.09 steals per game during the 2018-2019 season. He was a huge defensive and shot-blocking presence for the Corsairs, finished ranked 9th in total blocks in CCCAA Men's Basketball this season. In four postseason games this season, Young upped his play and scored 11 points per game, grabbed nine rebounds per game, and blocked 2.25 shots per game, while shooting 78.2% from the field.

"Kyle was instrumental in our success this season and postseason. Kyle anchored our defense and controlled the glass. He was a tremendous leader, and we had a young group this season. He was very vocal and gave all of our freshman positive reinforcement on a daily basis," says head coach Joshua Thomas. "Our coaching staff and our team are extremely happy for Kyle signing his scholarship. He has worked diligently on and off the court and I am thankful to have coached him."

Harris, a 6'8" forward, was selected to the Western State South Conference first team this season. Harris averaged 11.5 points per game, and 6.2 rebounds per game, and he shot 49.1% from the field. In the post season, Harris averaged 12 points per game and 7.25 rebounds per game.

"Marcus was a huge difference maker for our group this season. He missed some time this season with an injury, but he was ever present in all the games and he brought the same intensity as if he was playing", says Coach Thomas. "Marcus scored everywhere on the court and our team relied on him to get us buckets. He was our "go to guy" and he delivered for us. Harris was one of the most talented players in the state this past season, and we are really happy to see him matriculate on."

Young and Harris led the Corsairs to the State Tournament (Elite 8) this season. The Corsairs had not won a playoff game in 16 years, and these young men helped secure three postseason wins this season.

"Our coaching staff are forever indebted to Kyle and Marcus. Despite a very rocky first season, both Kyle and Marcus believed in myself and our staff. We were able to turn our program around from three wins the previous season to an Elite 8 appearance this season with those two at the helm of our success," says Coach Thomas.

Young and Harris are expected to be major contributors to Florida Memorial University next season.

"This is what we are about. We want to see our players move forward and continue their education and athletic careers. Our team is proud of Kyle and Marcus and we are looking forward to follow their success at Florida Memorial University," says Coach Thomas.