PREP BRIEFS: Hempsey's college career to take flight at Air Force

By JOHN MAFFEI - Staff Writer | Tuesday, May 6, 2008 11:39 AM PDT ∞

La Costa Canyon High guard Shawn Hempsey has signed a letter of intent to play college basketball at the Air Force Academy.

Hempsey, who averaged 18.6 points with 53 3-pointers as a senior, chose Air Force over Santa Clara, Pepperdine, Columbia, Brown and several Big West Conference schools.

"Air Force contacted me, and the interest was mutual," Hempsey said. "They saw me play against El Camino in the playoffs (a game in which he scored 25), and I played well. I visited the campus and really liked it.

"I haven't decided if I want to fly, but Air Force offers so many opportunities. It's an honor they wanted me."

Air Force plays an up-tempo offense with players free to shoot 3-pointers.

"That suits me just fine," Hempsey said. "I think I'll have a chance to contribute right away."

Hempsey reports to campus on June 25.

More commitments

-- Offensive lineman Josh Feely, a main cog in Oceanside's run to a CIF Division II state title, has committed to Humboldt State. "They haven't been good, but they have a new coaching staff, a staff that is very aggressive and wants to build the program," said Oceanside coach John Carroll. "So this is a good deal for Josh."

-- Former El Camino basketball player Marquis Navarre, who played last season at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa, has signed to play next season at Montana State. Navarre, a guard, averaged 16.3 points and 4.6 assists last season at Marshalltown.

-- La Costa Canyon wrestler Dustin Hernandez has signed with San Francisco State. Hernandez was a first-team All-Avocado League and All-CIF pick at 140 pounds.

-- Torrey Pines girls golfer Kaitlin Vrolson has committed to play at Pepperdine.

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