SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Portland State Signs Ash Knowlton
& Steve Hamilton--(Nov. 11, 1998)

The official National Letter of Intent signing period is now upon us, and we have been receiving word of several signings, and expect that we'll receive quite a few more as the next few days unfold.  Among the first notices was an official news release from Portland State concerning two SoCal players, Ash Knowlton (5'-11" Sr. PG) from Fresno Clovis West and Steve Hamilton (6'-11" Sr. C) from Upland High School.  Rather than paraphrase it, here it is, verbatim as we received it via e-mail from Mike Lund, in Porland State's Athletic's Office this afternoon:

VIKING BASKETBALL SIGNS THREE PLAYERS TO LETTERS OF INTENT

Portland State Head Basketball Coach Joel Sobotka has announced the signing of three student-athletes today to letters of intent for the 1999-2000 academic year.

The Vikings have signed:
Ashley Knowlton, 5-11, 160, PG, Fresno, CA (Senior at Clovis West HS)
Matt Elliott, 6-8, 230, F, Tigard, OR (Tigard HS/Sophomore at Columbia Basin CC)
Steven Hamilton, 6-11, 270, C, Upland, CA (Senior at Upland HS)

Knowlton was the co-Most Valuable Player of the Valley League last year at Fresno's Clovis West High School. He has led the team to back-to-back Valley League Championships. Last year, Knowlton averaged nine points and 10 assists per game as Clovis West set a school record with 31 wins against three losses. His coach is Vance Walberg.

"Ashley is the first player to commit to our program since I have been the head coach," said Sobotka. "He is a true point guard in every sense of the word. The qualities I like most about him are his feel for the game and his fierce competitiveness. He comes from a great high school program, under a great coach. I expect him to be the point guard of the future, and a leader for PSU after he makes the transition to college ball."

Elliott, who prepped at Tigard High School, is currently a sophomore at Columbia Basin Community College. As a freshman he averaged 15 points and 9.6 rebounds for CBCC. His coach is Tim Collins.

"I'm really excited to have Matt be an immediate impact presence for Portland State next year. His size and scoring ability will greatly improve our inside game," Sobotka said. "Matt has made incredible improvement under Coach Collins at Columbia Basin. I look forward to his continued improvement and upper-class leadership when he gets here."

Hamilton is considered one of the top post players in the Los Angeles area. He was being recruited by three other Big Sky Conference schools. Hamilton did not play as a junior as he was recovering from a back injury. His coach is Jeff Klein.

"We're are excited to get someone with Steven's size and work ethic. With his competitiveness and low-post ability, Steven has a chance to come in and help us right away," said Sobotka. "As hard as Coach Klein will push him this season, Steven should be ready to come in and contribute."

Portland State, currently 1-0 in the 1998-99 season, will play an exhibition game on Monday against Hoop USA. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Peter W. Stott Center. The Vikings next counting game is Monday, Nov. 23 when PSU hosts the University of San Diego in the Rose Garden. Tip-off is 7:05 p.m.

Mike Lund
Portland State Athletics

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