SPORTSBEAT by Peter Jakey: Former basketball athletes take the leap to another level
Two former high school basketball standouts have decided where they want to continue their college careers, while a third is still undecided. Matt Ponik and Aaron Hincka, who helped Alpena Community College earn its first playoff berth in seven years, will continue their playing days post-community college.
Hincka has signed a letter-of-intent to play for Ferris State University, while Ponik is expected to take on a major role with U of M Dearborn next season. Kyle Greene played for Glen Oaks Community College this past year and has a number of colleges interested in his services. Where he?ll go is still in doubt.
Hincka averaged 19.6 points and 12.4 rebounds a game for ACC. He received a full ride to the sprawling Big Rapids campus. The college will pay for his room and board, $200 in books, and pay for one free meal a day. I wonder if Big Rapids has a Red Lobster? More importantly, Hincka believes Ferris will give him an excellent opportunity to earn the degree he is pursuing in law enforcement. He has a meeting with the head coach in May. Ponik put in 16 points a game with the Lumberjacks. His college career started at Olivet, but he transferred to Alpena after one season. He wanted to get back on the hardwood with his old PHS teammate, Hincka
U of M Dearborn does not have dorms, but Ponik may stay with family or rent an apartment in the suburban Detroit community. Ponik said the Wolves were ?halfway decent last year.? The coach will be looking for him to become a leader on next year?s squad. He is expected to sign in May during a media event with the Detroit Free Press. He is pursuing a career as a high school teacher. Both Hincka and Ponik led Posen to its first ever Class D final four. They were 25-0 before losing to eventual state champ Detroit Rogers.
Greene has had some interesting offers from colleges in Kansas City, Missouri; West Virginia Tech; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Lakeland, Florida, but may ultimately lean toward a court closer to home. He was recently flown to Northern Michigan University in Marquette and may look at Lake Superior State University. He has been offered a full ride to Northern. Kyle?s mother, Deb, played for Northern, while his older brother Ryan played for the Lakers. Deb said her son is looking for the best possible program which will help him to earn a degree in the medical field.