One of the best kept secrets in these parts is that there is a college nearby that plays some of the best junior college basketball in the country. The College of Eastern Utah plays in the Scenic West Athletic Conference with Snow College, Salt Lake Community College, Colorado Northwestern College, College of Southern Idaho and North Idaho College. This conference over the years has been one of the best on the junior college scene and this year was no different. Four of the six men’s programs have been ranked in the top 25 during the season.
Emery County is well represented with four basketball players on the two squads. Chandler Pearson is a sophomore starter for the boy’s program and averages eight points per game and seven rebounds per game. A couple of weeks ago, Chandler had an 18 rebound game against Colorado. His best game of the year was 13 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
Rachel Rasmussen, a senior starter on Emery’s championship team a couple of season’s ago, starts for the Lady Eagles. Rachel was noticed by the college coaching staff as a sophomore and was recruited because of her ability to play long. Coach Dave Paur talked about Rachel, “She has a great attitude and she has done a good job for us this year. Rachel has great passion for the game and works hard to get better. I just like the way she plays and the effort she gives. She has worked hard, has got stronger and has got better.”
Rachel is called to play an inside position for the team but can step outside and nail a 3-pointer. Several four-year colleges are looking at her as she nears the end of her two-year stay at CEU.
Also starting for CEU is Green River High graduate Adrianna Cordova. According to Coach Paur, “Adrianna is an athlete. She didn’t get a lot of playing time as a freshman but she hung in there and just got better and better. It took a while for Adrianna to play at the college level and now she has talent to continue on. After she found out that she had to push herself, her quickness and her strength really helps the team.”
Also playing for CEU is freshman Meagan Pearson. Meagan also started on the championship team for Emery. Coach Paur said, “Meagan is a good shooter. She gets minutes and she works hard. Meagan needs to work on her ball handling. Meagan works hard and is getting better. We look forward to next season.” Meagan plays behind six sophomores at the two and three position but should be an asset next season. Meagan scored 11 against CSI and scored 11 points in nine minutes of play in another game.
CEU concluded the season with games against Salt Lake CC.
Emery County players continue at CEU
"Rachel Rasmussen at left, plays tough in the middle. She is a former EHS player."