Newsroom

Abriel Ryan Signs Letter of Intent to Join Basketball Team at Penn Highlands

East Stroudsburg North High School senior Abriel Ryan (Bushkill, Pa.) committed to join the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Men’s Basketball Team after signing his letter of intent at the College earlier this month.

Ryan, a 6-foot, 145-pound guard, is set to pursue a degree in Business Management when he enrolls this coming Fall.

“This feels great. I’ve always wanted to play college basketball,” Ryan said. “I’m glad that Penn Highlands is giving me this opportunity. I really liked the environment from when I first visited here. I can’t wait to get the process started.”

Ryan hopes to bring his long-range offensive skillset to the Black Bears after finishing in the Top 10 of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) in three-point field goals made.

He played in all 23 games this past winter for East Stroudsburg North, while scoring a season-high 20 points against Pocono Mountain West on Jan. 27. Ryan was voted Player of the Game twice during his senior season.

“Abriel has proven to us to be a great young man,” Penn Highlands Men’s Basketball Coach Quan Britt said. “He is very respectable, which is the type of player we want within our program. We’re very glad he’s now a part of our family. We look forward to watching him grow as an athlete and as a student while helping us compete on the court.”

Penn Highlands is coming off another successful season in 2022-2023. The Black Bears finished runner-up in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference. Penn Highlands then advanced to the semifinal round of the Region 20 Tournament before dropping a 106-105 double-overtime contest to Butler County Community College, ending the campaign.

Britt has six returning players from last year’s roster, giving new recruits like Ryan the opportunity to make an impact right away.

“I’m willing to do anything this team needs to help make it better, whether it be on offense or defense,” Ryan said. “I watched a lot of film on the team, and I like the way they play. I Feel I can be a great piece to add to the roster. I’m very excited to get to know my teammates and coaches. I definitely see a bright future.”

Abriel Ryan, front, poses for a photo with Pennsylvania Highlands Athletic Director Sue Brugh and Volunteer Assistant Basketball Coach Ben Mostoller after signing his Letter of Intent to join the Men’s Basketball Team.