SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Staff Report

ST. PARIS — Add another accomplishment to Josh Schuler's already historic career.

Schuler, a 6-foot-2 senior guard from Graham High School, was named the Division II Ohio co-player of the year and to the all-Ohio first team on Monday, March 23.

"It feels great, but I wouldn't have been able to do it without my teammates," Schuler said. "I owe all of it to my coaches and teammates who made it happen."

He shared the award with Kenton's Garrick Sherman, a Michigan State University signee who averaged 23.4 points per game.

Schuler is the first player of the year in the progam's history. The last all-Ohio boys basketball player from Graham High School was Larry Baker in 1967.

"It's great," said Graham coach Brook Cupps. "It's been something that he's dreamed of. He's dedicated himself to be the best player he could be. He's definitely deserving of it."

Schuler averaged a team-best 22.5 points per game as the Falcons were named The Associated Press D-II poll champions and advanced to the Region 8 tournament semifinals. Schuler was named to the second team last season when the Falcons advanced to the state tournament.

"I'm just really glad the last two seasons were so successful," Schuler said. "I couldn't have asked to be in a better spot with great teammates and coaches. It's been a blast."

Although the team didn't advance as far this season, Schuler's numbers improved in every area, including scoring, rebounds (4.4 per game), assists (4.1), steals (3.2), field-goal percentage (54.2), 3-point shooting (40.3) and free-throw shooting (83.6 percent).

Schuler finished his career as the program's all-time leader in points (1,703) and steals (229). He has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of North Dakota next season, where he will likely redshirt.

Graham's Austin Jones earned all-Ohio honorable mention.