Koontz commits to Pfeiffer
Mike Duprez
mike.duprez@the-dispatch.com
Jackson Koontz didn't let playing for a small Christian school stop him from achieving his dream of playing college basketball.
The 6-foot-4 senior standout from Union Grove Christian School in Arcadia has committed to Pfeiffer.
"I am extremely blessed and I know I have put in the work for it," Koontz said. "I have had a lot of help along the way though. Late nights, early mornings, hours after practice, it all has come down to this and I couldn't be more thankful. I know I can't expect anything to come to me, now is not the time to stop getting better."
Koontz also had offers and interest from Davidson County Community College, William Peace University, Catawba and Covenant College in Georgia.
Pfeiffer, coached by Pete Schoch, is a Division III program in Misenheimer. The Falcons were 11-14 in the 2019-20 season.
"I felt like coach Schoch believed in my level of play and trusted in me enough to comment that I would be a building block for the program going forward," Koontz said. ."...Overall, I just felt like Pfeiffer was the best decision for me at this point in time."
The news was welcomed at Union Grove, where Koontz is the career scoring leader.
"Jackson called me personally after he made his decision," said Union Grove coach Chris Byrne. "He sounded excited and I am excited for him. Several smaller colleges showed interest in him last season. Coach Schoch couldn't make a game but he was the only coach to show up and watch a practice."
Koontz was a four-year varsity player, the last three under Byrne, who is a longtime high school coach.
"Jackson is the most talented and hard-working varsity player I have ever coached," Byrne said. "In my opinion, his performance comes from his work ethic more than his natural giftedness. I'd say that's an asset and it makes Jackson attractive and inclined to success anywhere he goes."
Koontz elevated his profile as a senior by averaging 23.0 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Patriots.
A consistent performer who can play all five positions on the court, Koontz recorded 20 double-doubles and exhibited his athleticism with 19 dunks. He was named to the 2019-20 Dispatch All-Davidson County team and to the North Carolina Christian School Association all-state team.
The Patriots reached the NCSSA 2-A state championship game. Among the season's was a 71-46 win over NCHSAA school Elkin in the MLK Classic at North Davidson.
"Coming from a small Christian school, we didn't get a lot of exposure and me and my teammates have done our best to get our name out there for the years we have played. Coach Byrne and our athletic director Addison Calley have done a lot in helping us get in bigger games and bigger tournaments, too."
Mike Duprez can be reached at (336) 249-3981, ext. 218 or sports@the-dispatch.com. Follow Mike on Twitter@LexDispatch_md.