New basketball player brings ‘high energy’ to court

Kaylen Shane joins the men’s basketball team in the fall. Photo: The Southern Illinoisan

The men’s basketball team welcomes another center to the court this fall: Kaylen Shane from John A. Logan College.

The 6-foot-10, 270-pound center was recruited by Wichita State, Illinois State, UAB, Washington State, Southeast Missouri State, Marshall and Tennessee State.

Shane graduated from Crane High School in 2012 and played two seasons at John A. Logan College. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“Kaylen brings great size and ability to our frontcourt,” head coach Howard Moore said. “He works well with his back to the basket and uses his tremendous strength to finish around the rim. His aggressiveness on the defensive end and high energy is a perfect fit for our program.

“Our staff is excited that Kaylen decided to further his playing career at home in Chicago with the Flames.”

Shane collected five double-digit scoring efforts at John A. Logan, including a career-high 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting against Lewis & Clark College.

He tallied two double-digit rebound performances with the Volunteers, including a career-high 11 rebounds at Three Rivers Community College. Shane also had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting against Three Rivers for his first collegiate double-double.

As a senior at Crane High School in 2011-12, Shane averaged 15 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks. He was an All-Chicago Public League performer and was invited to play in the Chicago United Hoops Classic, which features the top players from Chicago’s South and West Sides.