Clarion-Limestone And Rising Stars Standout Deion Deas To Continue Basketball And Academic Career At Point Park University (03/03/20)
(Photo Submitted) Seated (L-R) Mother Tracy Deas, Deion Deas, Father Joe Deas. Standing (L-R) Rising Stars AAU Basketball Head Coach Rogers Laugand, Clarion-Limestone Athletic Director Stacy Wiles, Clarion-Limestone Head Coach Joe Ferguson, Clarion-Limestone Assistant Coach B.J. Wrhen.
Clarion-Limestone and Rising Stars AAU Basketball standout Deion Deas recently committed to continued his academic and basketball career at Point Park University in Pittsburgh.
Point Park competes in NAIA Division II’s River States Conference, which includes teams from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The Pioneers’ are coached by Joe Lewandowski.
Deion has competed for the Rising Stars since he was in elementary school and is a four year starter for Clarion-Limestone and has been a member of two Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference Championship teams, four District Nine playoff teams and two PIAA State Playoff participating teams.
For this season, as of February 2nd, Deion has a 19.4 points per game and is shooting forty-three percent from beyond the three-point arc.
For his Lions’ career, to date, Deion has 1571 points, second only to R J Laugand. He has 200 three-point field goals, 250 steals and 267 assists. He has been a multiple All-KSAC and All-District Nine selectee.
What attracted Deion to Point Park? “The reason I picked Point Park University was because of my chance to be able to compete for a significant role on next year’s team. I also like the city and Point Park University is an excellent academic school. I’m undecided on a major, as of yet, but the majors they offer would all be good areas to pursue as a career.”
Point Park Associate Head Coach Daryn Freedman had some fine things to say about the Pioneers’ new recruit, “I have been watching Deion play for a number of years, on the AAU Circuit and in my mind, he is one of the most talented guards in the state of Pennsylvania.
“Deion is a strong playmaker and an excellent shooter. We are expecting great things from Deion at Point Park University.”
Deion shared about different individuals who have helped him along the way, beginning with the most important. “Two of the most influential people in my life are my mother and father. They have supported me and help guide on my journey to this point.
“Basketball-wise, the two most important people that have affected my basketball career are my dad and Coach Rogers. I have learned strategies and been given the opportunity to play in a lot of games across the country with Coach Rogers and the Rising Stars AAU program. I have also had the opportunity to watch and play with many many good players who have gone through the Rising Stars program.
“My dad has been with me every step of the way. He is an assistant coach with the Rising Stars and has taught me a lot about the game. He also is there with me, when I put additional hours on shooting and dribbling.
“I have appreciated the opportunities Coach Ferguson has given to me over the years. He used to let me come play with the team during open gyms, when I was in elementary and middle school. He also believed enough in me to start me as a ninth grader. One of my first memories playing for the Lions was our first tournament of my freshman year at the Brookville Tip-Off Tournament, when I was selected to the All-Tournament Team.”
Clarion-Limestone Head Coach Joe Ferguson said, “Deion has worked hard at being the best player and teammate he can possibly be. He works hard, all year long and has earned this opportunity to play at the next level, because of that hard work.
“Beyond his playing skills, Deion has done well academically and most importantly, has strengthened his character each year. I have no doubt that he will continue his success as he moves on. And I could not be more proud of him and his accomplishments.”
Rising Stars Head Coach Rogers Laugand stated, “I have known Deion since he was in elementary school and coached him since he was in fourth grade.
“I have truly witnessed his growth as a person and player. He has become an outstanding student-athlete and an outstanding young man. As a player in the Rising Stars’ AAU program, Deion has excelled and competed against some of the top talent in the country.
“It’s no surprise that he has developed into a collegiate player. (Deion), being an excellent three-point shooter and exceptional ball handler, along with possessing a high basketball IQ, makes confident that he will excell at the college level.
“I am very proud of Deion, as he has fulfilled his dream of becoming a college basketball player. He has worked so hard and put in countless hours developing his skills. I look forward to seeing him at Point Park University.”
Deion’s parents couldn’t be prouder of their son. Joe Deas said, “My wife and I are very proud of Deion. He has put numerous hours into being the best player he can be. But most of all, he has excelled in the classroom and has become a very mature, responsible and respectful person.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to be presented by Point Park University and can only wait to see him flourish on and off the court.”
(Congratulations to Deion, mother Tracy, father Joe, C-L and Rising Stars, and Point Park University!!!!)