DeShazer excited for opportunity with Avila basketball

By Andy Brown
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: April 16, 2019

Andy Brown / Louisburg Sports Zone

Louisburg senior Dylan DeShazer will continue his basketball career next season at Avila University as he signed a letter of intent with the Eagles on April 3.

Dylan DeShazer has been playing basketball for most of his young life, and with college in his near-future, he wasn’t ready to leave it behind just yet.

In fact, playing collegiate basketball has always been a goal of DeShazer’s and he found the perfect opportunity for him. On April 3, DeShazer made his decision known in front of family and friends during a signing ceremony at Louisburg High School.

DeShazer signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Avila University and he is excited to take the next step in his journey with the Eagle program.

“It is definitely a big step,” DeShazer said. “It is a little scary, but it is exciting too because I get a chance to go to a different place, meet new people and do what I love, which is playing basketball.

“Playing college basketball has been a big goal for me for a long time. Now that it is actually happening, it is just awesome. It really is an undescribeable feeling and am looking forward to getting started.

The Louisburg senior started most of the season for the Wildcat program and averaged eight points and five rebounds in 22 minutes a contest. DeShazer, who stands at 6 feet, 5 inches, played a lot under the basket for the Wildcats and will have a similar role next season with Avila.

“They see me as a big man that can play in and out, but mostly working inside,” DeShazer said. “He said he really wants someone that will work hard and go all out for the team and I think that I am that person.”

Dylan DeShazer recently signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Avila University. Sitting next to Dylan are his parents Dennis DeShazer and Amy Goode. Standing (from left) is Louisburg head coach Ty Pfannenstiel and Avila head coach Bill Sloan.

Avila is an NAIA program in Kansas City, Mo., and is currently a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Although the Eagles struggled last season, DeShazer is excited for the opportunity to fit in with the program, and the school.

“I did like how small and convenient it was,” he said. “They definitely have a good program and I have watched them for a while. They have a friendly environment and something I wanted to be a part of.

“I just want to get comfortable and get to know people. I would like to get a good amount of playing time, but really I want to just go and improve my skills.”

DeShazer had his best game of the season in the Wildcats’ final game of the year in the sub-state tournament as he scored a game-high 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds against Anderson County.

He was a part of a Louisburg senior class that helped turn around a program that had two wins a year ago and helped the Wildcats to a 9-12 record. DeShazer’s four years with the program was a special time for him.

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” DeShazer said of his high school career coming to a close. “I can’t even remember all these experiences the last four years because I have had so many, but the stuff I do remember will stick with me forever. It was a good experience for sure.”