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Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jack Schrader has announced his first three signees for the 2010-2011 season. 

Justin Strickland, Patrick Sodemann and Isaac Gardner have signed National Letters Of Intent to play for the Truman State University Bulldogs.

Strickland is a 6-2 guard from Kansas City, Kansas and played high school basketball at Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The Sabres won the 2010 Kansas Class 4A State Championship and went 22-4 last season with Strickland averaging 10 points per game along with six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

In addition to being the team’s captain, Strickland was named to the Kansas City Metro Top 10 Scholar Athlete and was a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship recipient. 

Coach Jack Schrader on Strickland – “Justin is a leader and winner.  He brings tons of energy and enthusiasm to the court at the guard position.

He is well rounded offensively and could become a great defender in our system.  He will add to the competitiveness and toughness of our team.”

Patrick Sodemann, a 6-3 guard from St. Louis, Mo., should be no stranger to Bulldog fans as he follows in his brother Chip’s footsteps.

Sodemann was a four-time all-Suburban conference first-team selection at Parkway West High School and finished his high school career ranked third all-time in scoring.

Sodemann averaged 14.5 points per game as the Longhorns finished 21-6 and their second straight trip to the Missouri Class 5A Quarterfinals.

Sodemann averaged four rebounds, two assists and two steals at Parkway West and was a two-time all-district selection.  In addition, Sodemann is a member of the National Honor Society.

Chip was a four-year letterwinner for Jack Schrader and the Bulldogs and helped guide the team to their last NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006 with a 20-9 record.

Coach Schrader on Sodemann – “Patrick is a great leader that brings a lot of toughness, savvy and competitiveness to floor.

He is very familiar with our program and can play any of the perimeter positions with effectiveness.  He can score, defend, get to the line, make plays and find ways to win.”

Isaac Gardner, a 6-4 guard/forward from Washington, Iowa, averaged 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in 2010 and ended his high school career as the all-time scorer in terms of points per game for Washington High School.

Gardner was a 2010 McDonalds All-American nominee and was named second team all-State after leading the state in three-pointers made with 79.  The Demons finished with a 15-6 record.

Gardner was a three-time all-Southeast Conference selection and earned first-team all-state academic accolades

He is also a state qualifier in discus and shot put, will be the class valedictorian and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Coach Schrader on Gardner – “Isaac is the proto-typical ‘three’ that can really shoot, score and rebound.

He is very athletic and explosive.  He can run, jump and is very strong as shown by his ability to throw the disc and shot at a state class level 

He is one of the best shooters in the Midwest and his future is very bright with the Bulldogs

Courtesy Truman State University