News Summary

Shay Stephens, a standout basketball senior from Burlington Notre Dame High School, has officially committed to play for Western Illinois University. The announcement has garnered strong support from the Burlington community. Standing at 6-foot-4, Shay averaged nearly 21 points per game, showcasing impressive skills throughout the season. His commitment to Western Illinois follows a positive recruitment journey, with a visit that impressed him deeply. As he transitions to college basketball, the Nikes look forward to a strong upcoming season with returning talent.

Burlington Welcomes Shay Stephens to the Next Chapter of His Basketball Journey

Exciting news is sweeping through the halls of Burlington as Shay Stephens, a standout senior basketball player from Burlington Notre Dame High School, has officially committed to play for Western Illinois University. This announcement, made recently, has ignited a wave of support and congratulations for the talented athlete, who proudly shared his joy on social media with a simple yet powerful post declaring, “Blessed!!!”

Shay’s Shooting Star Performance

Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Shay has been a key player for the Burlington Notre Dame Nikes, leaving his mark in every game he played last season. He showcased his incredible skills by averaging nearly 21 points per game, while also contributing just under 8 rebounds and 6.5 assists each time he stepped on the court. His stellar performance helped lead his team to the substate final, a feat that speaks volumes about his talent and determination.

Shay’s shooting stats are equally impressive, with a shooting percentage of 51 percent from the field and 37 percent accuracy from beyond the arc. These numbers not only highlight his scoring ability but also his diverse skill set on the court.

A Sudden but Positive Recruitment Journey

In a recent interview, Shay described his recruitment experience as a bit surprising yet exhilarating. It all came together quickly, but a visit to Western Illinois University sealed the deal for him. His visit was a turning point, as he found himself genuinely impressed by the coaches and the warm welcome from the basketball team. Observing a practice session allowed him to envision his future at the university, ultimately helping him make the crucial decision to commit.

The All-Around Skill Set

Besides scoring, Shay proved to be dynamic in other areas of the game. He averaged nearly 3 assists and 1 block per game last season, making him a well-rounded player that any team would be thrilled to add to their roster. His growth from his sophomore to junior years has been remarkable, jumping from an average of 11 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game, while shooting at 39 percent during his sophomore year to his current standout season.

New Season Ahead for the Nikes

As Shay moves on to this new chapter, the Burlington Notre Dame Nikes are excited about what lies ahead. The team will also welcome back starting players like Eli Oleson and Payne Prottsman, as well as rotation regulars L.J. Harris, Tatum Warner, and Griffin Kies for the upcoming season. With a mix of returning talent and new energy, the upcoming season promises to be thrilling for the Nikes.

Continuing Development on the Court

This past summer, Shay further honed his skills by playing with the Murray Elite during the AAU circuit. This experience undoubtedly has set the stage for even greater success in his college basketball career. Shay’s commitment to Western Illinois University is just the beginning of an incredible journey ahead. Residents of Burlington can surely look forward to cheering for their hometown hero as he steps into the next big arena in his basketball adventure!

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