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McCook CC trio moving on to four-year programs
Butler headed to Regis;
Goldberg, Deines ink
with Black Hills State
Academics and basketball were dual priorities for three McCook Community College men's basketball players when making a decision about which four-year school to attend.
Brandon Butler, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from New Orleans, will play basketball at Regis University, an NCAA Division II program.
Andre Goldberg, a 6-foot guard from Boulder, Colo., and Jacob Deines, a 6-foot guard from Ravenna, both signed with Black Hills State University, an NAIA Division II school located in Spearfish, S.D.
Butler was the Nebraska Community College Activities Association Player of the Year and a First Team Region IX selection.
Butler received interest from seven NCAA Division I programs and 40 school altogether to attend Regis.
According to MCC men's basketball coach Ty Orton, Butler received a three-year, $100,000 scholarship. He will major in education.
"It was the best fit for me -- school- and basketball-wise," said Butler, who felt he could play right away.
He is projected as a 3 or 4 player (small forward or power forward) even though he played the 4 and 5 spots for MCC (power forward and center).
"They have three starters coming back and have much bigger players at my position. They have great academics."
Butler, the son of Idell Feazell and Matrice Butler, has a 3.1 grade point average.
Goldberg, who was an honorable metion NCCAC and Omaha World Herald selection, said he will play immediately at Black Hills State.
"They were not as strong last year as they have been in the past," Goldberg said.
"By playing here, I've strengthened my all-around game and it's opened a lot of doors."
Goldberg, the son of Karen Goldberg and Larry Porter, plans to major in education and English at Black Hills State. He has a 3.85 GPA.
Like he was at MCC, Deines will be a role player at Black Hills State. He said he is excited about the opportunity.
"I'm really excited to play alongside Andre -- we've been close friends for two years," Deines said. "I wanted to go to a program similar to McCook. I want to work hard and help the team win.
"I'm prepared to face the challenge. I've grown a lot mentally and physically. The program here helped me to learn how to succeed."
Deines, the son of Arlen and Cgeryl Deines, plans to major in sociology at Black Hills State. He carries a 3.95 GPA.
"All three are great kids and deserve their scholarships," said Orton, who was named Region IX Coach of the Year.
"Both schools (Regis and Black Hills) rank high in academics.
"Brandon and Andre both can come in as starters. Jacob Deines is going to be a vital part of the Black Hills team."
As many as four more MCC sophmore men's basketball players could sign letters of intent to play at four-year schools, Orton said.