Declan Peterson has committed to Lethbridge College's men's basketball team. (Photo supplied by Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Kodiaks announce commitment of basketball centre Declan Peterson

Apr 29, 2022 | 10:36 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s basketball team has added a big man to its ranks. Six-foot-ten centre Declan Peterson has committed to the post-secondary team.

He will be joining the Kodiaks from Lacombe Composite High School.

Head coach of the Lethbridge College team, Ryan Heggie said, “Declan brings size and rim protection to our program. He’s also a gym rat with a willingness to get better.”

“He showed very well at our ID camp last month with his aggressive play. He has a very high ceiling and we are excited about him being here.”

Peterson was a two-sport athlete growing up. He also played lacrosse until he transitioned to focus on basketball in grade 11. He credits Shane Stumpf, his assistant coach in high school and a former ACAC all-star, for helping him develop his game and helping him get ready to transition to the college level.

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During the recruitment process, Peterson said he was impressed by the culture within the Kodiaks organization and is excited to join the program.

He said, “it means a lot that the Kodiaks coaching staff trust in me to come in and perform and compete at a high level.”

“It’s great to be welcomed into a strong program with a group of guys who strive to be better on and off the court.”

The centre knows he can be a key difference maker on both sides of the ball.

“I bring size and length to hold down on defence, and the ability to get points and draw and-one opportunities. I also have the ability to draw double teams and find the open teammate for a shot and drive.”

Coach Heggie said Peterson’s size will be especially valuable in filling a void at the post position, left by six-foot-seven Jack Henry Fox Grey, who has transferred to the University of Lethbridge, and six-foot-six Dawson Atwood, who is recovering from an ACL injury but is expected to return during the 2022-23 season.

Peterson added, “I look forward to putting in the work and competing with a group of guys who have a similar goal in mind, and that’s bringing an ACAC Championship to Lethbridge.”

Last season, the Kodiaks finished in second place in the ACAC south division and will tip off the 2022-23 regular season in October.

Peterson has enrolled in Lethbridge College’s Business Administration diploma program. He plans to continue training with his Lacombe assistant coach Shane Stumpf throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming season.