2 Saltillo players to play at next level

SALTILLO- Last Wednesday, a pair of student athletes from Saltillo expressed their intent to continue their playing careers at the next level. Chris Boekhorst is intent to play at Angelo State University, and Brittney Peeples at Jacksonville College.

Boekhorst, who is a three-time District MVP, a three-time All-Region member and an All-State player, signed his letter of intent to play at Angelo State University Wednesday. Boekhorst averaged just short of 23 points per game, 14.5 rebounds per game, five blocks and four assists this season. He did so on an efficient 56.5% from the field.

Boekhorst intends to be a business management major while continuing his playing career. When asked what he was most looking forward to, Boekhorst said, “The competition that they bring in practice as well as during games and a very good coaching staff, along with the great players on the team.”

“He is probably the most talented player that I have ever coached. Over the past four years I’ve seen a huge development in him, not just as a player but as a leader on the court and a young man,” head coach Casey Riddle said. “He is going to a great school with a great tradition of winning, and a very good coach who I have a lot of respect for. I hope to see him accomplish everything that he sets out to accomplish in athletics, but also in his academics as well.”

Also continuing their career at the next level is Brittney Peeples, who will be going to Jacksonville College. Peeples helped lead the Lady Lions to the Regional Finals this year, taking home the Defensive Player of the Year, as well as making the All-Region team.

“I am looking forward to the new friendships I will make at college; as well as the opportunity to continue my basketball career,” Peeples said. “I am blessed to have been given this opportunity to compete and play and I am grateful for the chance.”

Peeples said she plans to major in nursing and would like to eventually become a travel nurse. When asked what advice she would give upcoming seniors who hope to play at the next level, she said, “This probably sounds cliche but what upcoming seniors really need to do is work super hard and ignore the naysayers that bring them down. Basketball is a really mental game. So, when your mind is right the performance will be spectacular.”

“Brittney will do well in college, academically and within the basketball program. Planning on a career in nursing is admirable,” head coach Bill Giles said. “Brittney’s shot blocking ability made it possible for the success of our defense. I believe our defense carried us to the Regional Final game this year. She improved every year in all phases in the game. I’m very proud of the player she became. Our program will miss her.”