Harding’s Brogdon commits to YSU

He’s the first Warren player to be a Penguin since 1983.

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Steve Arnold says it’s long overdue that a player from either of the Warren high schools has been recruited by Youngstown State’s men’s basketball program — and followed through with at least a verbal commitment.

That would be Sheldon Brogdon, a 6-0 shooting guard for Warren Harding, who gave a verbal commitment to YSU on Sunday.

“It’s win-win,” the Harding coach said of Brogdon’s choice that would give YSU coach Jerry Slocum a lift.

“I’m pleased with his decision,” Arnold said. “They’ve been recruiting him since he was a sophomore. “I think they did great job.”

Arnold said Brogdon turned down Central Connecticut State and Liberty University in Virginia.

“It’s good news that he’s able to stay home and it’s good for our program — to have one of our kids attend YSU,” Arnold said. “It’s huge. I told Sheldon that he, hopefully, could be part of renaissance that’s going on a YSU.”

Arnold said that the last Warren city high school player to be recruited by YSU was Jim Gilmore in 1983.

“It’s weird that Sheldon is the first Harding or Warren Western Reserve player since 1983,” Arnold said. “That’s 25 years! For as much talent as we have, that’s kind of strange.”

Arnold said that Damian Eargle was the first player YSU seriously pursued. However, Eargle, whose last season at Harding was 2007-08, decided to attend North Carolina-Greensboro.

Arnold was asked if he thought there’s been a change in philosophy at YSU.

“My hat’s off to the YSU coaching staff and their recruiting process,” Arnold said. “This is big for the area. It’s should be a natural progression to follow Sheldon to Beeghly where he’ll be supported by family and fans who follow him at Harding.”

Brogdon made All-Ohio last season when he averaged 20 points.

“He’s bringing firepower to YSU,” Arnold said of the guard at the No. 2 position. “He has the athletic ability, but he’s got stronger over the years.

“Now he’s able to finish in the paint. A couple years ago, he would have gotten knocked around a bit taking the ball to the hoop. He was strictly a shooter before. Now, he’ll penetrate and drive and can score in various ways.”

Granted, players, personalties and a team’s needs have to be the right ingredients for a satisfactory outcome, but acceptance is a good first step.