Hodge and Tigers add two more to '09 recruiting class
Posted: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Head coach Ralph Hodge had two more guards commit to the Tiger Basketball program right before the weekend and they will help add depth to the perimeter. 6'2" point guard Brandon Dressler of Princeton, Ill. and 6'5" Bruce Hendricks of Gibson City, Ill. Brandon prepped at Princeton High School for the Tigers and Bruce played his High School ball at Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School for the Falcons.
Dressler's career was highlighted by his team's 2009 Sectional championship over Illinois state ranked #1 Peoria Manual, Princeton's first Elite 8 appearance since 1954. Brandon started at point guard and averaged 7 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game, and shot over 40% from the three point line (lead the team) as a senior. His team finished with a 25-6 overall record, Princeton's 3rd all-time best record, and they won their Thanksgiving and Christmas tournaments.
During his senior campaign, Brandon was named to the All-Tournament team at the Weathersfield Thanksgiving Tournament. After the season he was named Second Team All NCIC Lincoln Conference, and Second Team All Bureau County.
Dressler will be asked to play point guard position and develop within the program. He handles the ball well and has the ability to make great decisions with passing. Brandon also has the ability to shoot the ball and play hard defensively. However, his most valuable ability is his willingness to lead from the point position, the position Coach Hodge feels that leadership is most important.
Hendricks's career is highlighted by his 2009 Illinois AP All-State Honorable Mention selection and his IBCA All-State Special Mention selection. He averaged 16.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists a game in his senior campaign.
Also in 2009, Bruce was 1st Team All HOI Conference, News Gazette All Area Top-10, News Gazette POW, Pantagraph All-Area 2nd Team, WGCY Radio All-Star, and he lead his team to the Sweet 16 in his junior season in 2008.
Also, Hendricks ended his career with 1,005 career points, 630 rebounds, and 331 assists. Bruce was selected All-Tourney in the Hawk Classic (2008, 09), All-Turkey tournament (2007, 08, 09), IBCA All-State HM (2008), All-HOI Conference (2008), and has been awarded a host of academic achievements.
Hendricks will be asked to play the off-guard positions and develop within the program. He is a big guard with size and handles the ball well. He also has the ability to make great decisions with the ball as he played different positions as a prep. Bruce also has the ability to rebound and find the open man. However, his most valuable ability is his versatility, which in Coach Hodge's system is exactly what is needed.
Nick Birkey
Men’s SID
