Stockwell signs to play with Cards

Scott Stockwell’s dream is to play college basketball at the NCAA Division I level. So the Post Falls High senior figures the best route to the highest collegiate stage is through the junior college ranks.

To that end, Stockwell signed a letter of intent with North Idaho College just minutes after school ended Tuesday afternoon. NIC coach Jared Phay hand delivered the letter and watched as Stockwell signed.

Stockwell, a 6-foot-2 guard, was being recruited by NAIA schools Northwest Nazarene in Nampa and Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont. But he canceled visits after finally listening to his heart.

“I just felt like I was going to let myself down because I always felt I was a Division I basketball player,” Stockwell said. “I figured NIC would be a good way to get me where I want to be.”

A four-year letterman and three-year starter, Stockwell broke the Trojans’ all-time scoring record this season, finishing with 1,398 points. A 4A All-Idaho first-team pick, he averaged 19 points per game along with 7.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds and three steals to lead Post Falls to fourth at state.

Phay believes Stockwell will end up in a Division I program some day.

“I think those (Division I) schools think he can play, but he’s probably a year or two away,” Phay said. “It’s added motivation to him. I think he’ll be able to come here and prove them wrong.”

Stockwell is the second area standout to sign with NIC. Medical Lake 6-5 guard/forward Steven Wesley signed April 8, the first signing day for junior colleges.

“It’s real big,” Phay said of signing Stockwell. “His work ethic and basketball intelligence is going to help us out a lot. With his experience he knows how to score. We need some guys who can do that, obviously.”

Stockwell said three Division I schools – Washington State, Montana State and Eastern Washington – expressed interest. EWU has shown the most interest recently.

“(EWU) Coach (Mike) Burns told Scott that he’s happy he’s decided to go this direction,” Stockwell’s father, PF coach Dave Stockwell, said. “He told him he doesn’t have a scholarship right now, but that in a year they’re going to have a scholarship. They want to develop a relationship with him in case something opens up.”

Scott Stockwell has a plan.

“I’m going to keep lifting (weights) and getting bigger,” he said. “I want to put on another 15 to 20 pounds and get a little quicker so I can mature and get ready for the next couple of years.”