Two more of Independence basketball Coach Preston Davis players have recently signed their letters of commitment to North Carolina colleges. Matthew Statile and Victor Tshiona have made their decisions to attend the programs of their choice. Matt will be attending Guilford College to play Division III basketball and receive a solid education. While Victor will be playing junior college basketball at Catawba Valley Community College. He will work hard to transfer to a four year program to get a better education and pursue a basketball opportunity.
Matthew Statile is the sharpshooting senior guard who at 6’3″ is a real workhorse on the hardwood with a good feel for the game and has excellent basketball instincts with solid court awareness. He was the team Captain for the Patriots his senior year with four years of varsity experience. Matt is a leader on the court who is always hustling and led his teammates by setting an aggressive positive example throughout the season. He is not only a solid shooter offensively he is described as the hardest worker on the team by Coach Davis.  Matt is a selfless player and will do whatever it takes to win games, said Coach Davis.
Among some of Statile’s impressive statistics includes 260 points scored in 26 games played for a 10.0 PPG average, a 51% AFG, 84 rebounds, 31 assists, 22 steals, ranking him second to only Justyn Hamilton who is heading to Temple University.
Victor Tshiona is a 6’5″ forward who was the Patriots workhorse in the paint. He probably was the strongest player on the team and a rebounding machine. He has a can do attitude who plays bigger than his size. He is very physical and will go hard after loose balls. He was one of those players who will sacrifice his body for the team. A tough competitor who will out muscle his opponent and is a difference maker on the basketball court.  Victor is the type of player any coach wants on his team, said Coach Davis.
Victor’s statistics are excellent as well. He ranked third in scoring with 248 points in 27 games played for a 9.2 PPG average, a 50% AFG, 183 rebounds, 13 blocked shots, 10 assists, and 20 steals. His 183 rebounds and blocked shots was second on the team to Justyn Hamilton the 6’10’ senior who lead the team in all categories.
Matt Statile is extremely thankful to get an opportunity to play college basketball at the next level. While Victor is ready to begin another chapter in his life. Both players felt they were very fortunate to play under Coach Davis who really is viewed as a mentor and a person who has had a positive influence in their lives.
Matt’s family who was on hand for the ceremony said they were very proud of his accomplishments, he has worked hard and his dedication has given him the opportunity to play at Guilford. Coach Davis was very proud and happy to see his guys hard work pay-off for both of them. “Matt who for 4 years was committed to our program, he helped us grow and is now getting a well deserved opportunity,” said Coach Davis. “While Victor has matured over the past 3 years, we are all really excited for him,” said Coach Davis.
