July 4, 2009
Powell is a Bulldog
Word early on was that Damon Powell of McClymonds High was headed out of state to the College of Southern Idaho, the national junior college power located in Twin Falls. That isn’t true -- the 6-foot-5 forward will be bolstering a Western Athletic Conference power as part of a youth brigade foundation instead.
Powell is ‘flying’ to Fresno
Powell is now a Fresno State Bulldog -- but he really was all along. "It was just a matter of my paperwork getting cleared and that just happened," Powell offered. He met NCAA eligibility requirements when the McClymonds school year concluded and it simply took longer than expected for official clearance from the NCAA.
"I wanted to stay close to home," the 6-foot-5 Powell said, "plus I felt real comfortable in Fresno. The coaching staff and the fans showed me a lot of love when we [McClymonds] played down there."
The Warriors played in tournaments the last couple of seasons in the Fresno area, events in which Powell took home most valuable player honors both times. He will be positioned at the three spot with the Bulldogs.
In conference play, Fresno State -- which is a quick drive from the East Bay -- visits rival San Jose State and even Nevada is a relatively short drive up to Reno. Plus, Steve Cleveland’s squad typically plays more road games in northern and central California than any other geographical area so Powell’s family and Bay Area contingent of supporters will have ample opportunities to see him play.
He averaged 12.7 points and 9.2 rebounds game for McClymonds last season, in addition to nabbing 51 steals. A spectacular player due to his phenomenal leaping ability and non-stop motor, Powell’s human highlights moments weren’t tracked but certainly numbered many.
McClymonds went 29-2 last season, under longtime assistant and first year head coach Brandon Brooks. A year after winning a state championship, Brooks’ team beat Franklin High, Newark Memorial and Monte Vista in the playoffs before falling to eventual champion Westchester.
In addition to Powell, former Drew Gooden Soldier Greg Smith, a 6-foot-10 center, and Sacred Heart’s 6-foot-6 Jerry Brown, are players with Bay Area connections who have signed on in Fresno.
Powell wished to thank "all my coaches and all the people that helped me, plus the fans in Oakland and Fresno."