College Commitment: Kelton Samore (2018 Grant HS)
At season’s start, Kelton Samore was all ready to get his college career going. The skilled 6-foot-9 forward had come off a solid prep year at Bridgton Academy in Maine after helping lead Grant to a 6A state title in 2018, and he was set to be a contributor at American University. But injury delayed the start to his season and it actually became a mixed blessing. Samore decided the East Coast wasn’t the right fit anymore for him and he entered the transfer portal.
After finishing out the first semester academically at American, Samore fielded plenty of calls, made some campus visits and decided that he would continue his school and playing career back in the Pacific Northwest at Seattle Pacific.
“It felt like the best fit academic and athletic wise and after my experience that mattered most to me,” Samore said. “I had multiple other Division I schools reach out and talk about possible visits but decided to stay with SPU which felt right. And I still have the chance for a grad year to transfer back up and get my MBA so it worked out pretty well.”
Samore has four years of playing eligibility left having not played a single minute during the 2019-20 season. He’ll play next season as a redshirt freshman, where he’ll join fellow Oregon native Payton Richardson of Western Christian as newcomers to the Falcons.
“I’m excited to join the program,” Samore said. “We’re going to have a massive lineup next year. I personally don’t think any team will be able to hang with us.”
Samore finished high school ranked as the #5 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2018 rankings.