Top Colorado Guard Commits to Casper College

Joel Davidson and staff strike again with another verbal commitment from Boulder, CO native. 6’3", 180 pound guard, Nate McGinley, will be joining the Thunderbirds next season. Out of Centaurus High School, Nate is one of the top players and leading scorers in the state of Colorado and is considered to be one of the best shooters in this senior class. So far this season (2011-2012), McGinley is averaging 22.3 ppg, 4.8 assists a contest, and 2.8 steals a game, while pulling down 3.3 rebounds a game. 

As a junior, this sharp shooter averaged 18.7 ppg, 4.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds a game, and two steals. He was also named First Team All-Conference Team. With his length, quickness, and shooting ability, he puts himself right in the mix for what Coach Joel Davidson is looking towards for next season. “His ability to get out and guard defensively, plus his shooting ability obviously, and his strong handle, we have a player who can come in right away and help us.” Assistant Coach Dan Russell said of Nate.

“His athleticism and toughness are also a huge plus, because with his skill set, he can do a lot of things on both sides of the ball.”

While being a key recruit for the Thunderbirds, he is another highly touted guard who Davidson will add to the list of recruits he has coming in for the 2012-2013 season. Joel Davidson continues to add to what is looking to be a talented list of guards in this recruiting class. Nate is someone the T-Birds think will continue the long line of great guard play at Casper College.

Before deciding to commit to Casper College, McGinley was recruited by Colorado State, Colorado, American University, Butler, Yale, Portland State, West Point, Air Force, Sacramento State, Eastern Washington, Idaho State, and Northern Colorado at the Division I level, as well as being recruited by College of Southern Idaho and Cochise Community College in the Junior College ranks.

Sharp Shooter From Wyoming Commits to Casper College

Joel Davidson and his staff are happy to announce the first recruit to make a commitment to the Casper College Men’s basketball program for the 2012-2013 season. Ryan Madsen, a 6’2” guard from Wheatland, Wyoming, verbally committed earlier in the week while on his visit to Casper. Madsen is one of the top players in the state, and someone who the T-Birds really made specific efforts to find for the upcoming season. His ability to shoot the ball is above most of the kids in the entire country, and he will be a terrific addition to the long line of outstanding guards who have worn a Casper College Thunderbird jersey. ”He has the potential to be a Division I basketball player when he is done at Casper College.” Davidson mentioned of the Wheatland product.  With his shooting ability, athleticism, and toughness, he will be a huge asset to our team, and provide a huge boost for our team’s range in shooting the ball.

“We couldn’t be happier about getting a commitment from Ryan.” Coach Joel Davidson said in a public statement about Madsen making his commitment on his visit.  ”He was our number one target in the state and he brings a lot to the table.  He is an all-around player who can impact a game in all facets.” 

As a junior, Ryan was selected to 1st Team All-State and to the All-East Conference Team. Last season, Madsen entered the state tournament leading the entire class of 3A in points, assists, and steals. He finished the year averaging 21.1 points, 3.9 steals and 3.3 assists per game. Wheatland finished second in 3A State Tournament. 

Ryan is currently in his senior season, and he is a commanding presence for the Wheatland Bulldog. Ryan leads the state in scoring averaging 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals per contest so far this season. Joel Davidson finished with adding, “We think he will be a great fit here on and off the floor.”  He is a welcomed addition to the Casper College T-Birds!

Ryan Madsen Highlights

T-birds Finding Success Early After Christmas Break

The Thunderbirds have found a hot streak to boost energy coming back from Christmas break. Last night the Casper College Men’s Basketball squad won its third straight game against Little Big Horn College by a score of 132-74. Every player scored as well as 8 players being in double figures for coach Joel Davidson.  On Tuesday night, the birds beat Eastern Wyoming College by a score of 81-74 and last Saturday, Casper went on the road to beat Northwest Wyoming College in Powell, WY by a score of 85-80 while shooting 52% from the floor and 42% from behind the arch.

"Defensively, we have really picked it up and have been playing harder with more urgency on that side of the ball." Assistant coach Dan Russell said of the birds' from returning after break. "We have been getting after in practice and executing well both defensively and offensively. We must continue getting better night in and night out."

The record grows to 12-5 as they prepare for a tough Gillette College team this Saturday night in Gillette, Wyoming.  The following week Casper College plays Sheridan College Wednesday (1-25-12) at home and travel to play Western Nebraska on Friday (1-27-12). Make sure T-Bird fans get up to the “Swede” to catch the home game Wednesday against rival Sheridan College. We hope to see you all there.

Thunderbirds Back from the Break

Your Casper College Men's Basketball team is back from Christmas break and getting ready for their first test of the 2012 new year against Dawson Community College from Glendive, Montana. The T-Birds are getting back a healthy Dominique Lee (transfer from the University of Utah) and College of Southern Idaho transfer and former national champion in Jerrold Brooks for the second semester. Brooks is a 6" scoring guard that was a pre-season all-american by some college basketball publications will join Joel Davidson and company for the second semester. The Thunderbirds face Dawson Community College on Saturday night at 5 p.m. and follow up with Miles City CC in Miles City, Montana on the 11th. Come out and check out the 2012 version of the Casper College Men's Basketball squad for the new year. Our program wishes everyone a Happy New Year!!!