Courtesy: Dave Mayo (Appalachian, 1983)

BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University men’s basketball head coach Buzz Peterson announced the signing of four players for the 2010-11 season. Jonathan Frye (Greensboro, N.C./Northern Guilford), Petey Hausley (Marion, N.C./Iowa Western CC/McDowell HS), Anthony Thomas (Winston-Salem, N.C./Winston-Salem Prep) and Mitch Woods (Naples, Fla./Naples Community School) signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period.

“We are extremely excited for all four of these guys joining our family,” Peterson said. “This class accomplished a lot and we filled our needs. These guys wanted to be here and I am very happy for the future of the program and look for big things from them.”

Jonathan Frye, G, 6-4, 190 (Greensboro, N.C./Northern Guilford HS)
Frye averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals last season as a junior and helped lead his team to the 3-A state title. Through three seasons, he has racked up 1,157 points. As a junior he was named the team’s most valuable player and earned first team all-conference honors. Frye played for coaches Stan Kowaleski and Ryan Freeman.

“He is an intelligent player and a student of the game. He is sneaky athletic and comes from a strong local program,” said Peterson.

Petey Hausley, F, 6-6, 245 (Marion, N.C./Iowa Western CC/McDowell HS)
Hausley was named second team all-region for coach Jim Morris’ Iowa Western squad and was the only post player to earn all-region honors. He finished fourth on the team in scoring with 10.9 points and second in rebounds, with 164. He was a three-time all-state performer at McDowell High School under coach Lloyd Church.

“Hausley was second team all-conference in one of the toughest leagues at that level, so when he wanted to commit to ASU again, we were happy to take his offer to come back,” said Peterson. “He will get a lot of rebounds and help us inside.”

Anthony Thomas, G, 6-6, 195 Winston-Salem, N.C./Winston-Salem Prep
Thomas scored 16 points per game and averaged seven rebounds at Quality Education Academy last season. He is playing this season for Andre Gould at Winston-Salem Prep, where current Mountaineer Marcus Wright also starred for coach Andre Gould. Thomas was an all-conference honoree his sophomore season.

“Anthony can play three different positions and is a talented player from a strong local program. We are lucky to have him, as he had offers from ACC and SEC schools as well,” Peterson said.

Mitch Woods, G, 6-3, 195 Naples, Fla./Community School of Naples
Woods averaged an impressive 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals as a junior last season. The point guard led his team to the regional finals of the state playoffs in 2008-09 as well,

“Woods is a heady point guard with good size,” noted Peterson. “My college coach taught me to always take a long look at kids that are the sons of coaches, and Mitch definitely fits into that mold.”

The incoming class, along with transfers Anthony Breeze and Omar Carter, will have to fill the void of five seniors on this year’s squad.