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May 12, 2009

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Two standout high school senior guards, Jarrell Banks from Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines and Richard Woodworth from Newport High School in Bellevue, have signed National Letters of Intent to play men's basketball at Western Washington University.

"We are extremely pleased with the addition of these two tremendous talents and exceptional basketball players," said Viking coach Brad Jackson, who announced the signings. "Their complimentary styles will serve to solidify our backcourt for several years to come."

Banks was a first-team all-Seamount League selection at Mount Rainier, averaging 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals. He led the Rams to a 16-7 record and a berth in the district playoffs.

"Jarrell is a gifted athlete who possesses great skills," Jackson said. "He brings a level of excitement to the game that is contagious. We are pleased to have a player of his caliber join our program and look forward to his college career."

The 6-foot-1 Banks scored a career-best 33 points against Tyee and later versus Union.

Woodworth was a first-team all-KingCo League choice at Newport, participating in the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-State Game. He averaged 15.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Knights.

"Richard has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court," said Jackson. "He is a welcome addition to our team and has the potential to be an outstanding player. He is a leader who makes those around him better. We are excited to have such a quality young man as a part of our program."

The 6-3 Woodworth was a three-time team MVP and twice team captain. He was second-team all-league as a junior and first-team all-league as a sophomore.

Last spring, Woodworth placed fifth in the high jump at the Class 3A state championships, clearing 6-6.

Western finished 21-6 last season, winning the school's first outright Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship and reaching the first round of the NCAA Division II West Regional.

JARRELL BANKS, Guard, 6-1, 180, 19, 11/1/89, Freshman, Des Moines, WA

HIGH SCHOOL: First-team all-Seamount League pick as senior at Mount Rainier High School ... Helped Rams to 16-7 record and berth in district playoffs ... Averaged 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals ... Shot 45 percent from 3-point range ... Team captain ... Scored career-best 33 points against Tyee and versus Union ... Did not play during 2007-08 season ... Honorable mention all-league and named team's Most Improved award as junior .... Averaged 14.0 points on squad that got to Class 3A state tournament and recorded school's first victory there, 71-69 over Seattle Prep ... Started and lettered three years ... Also lettered two years in football, starting at wide receiver.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in communications ... His brother, Kalen Canaday, played basketball at Willamette University.

RICHARD WOODWORTH, Guard, 6-3, 185, 17, 5/23/91, Freshman, Bellevue, WA

HIGH SCHOOL: First-team all-KingCo 4A League choice as senior at Newport High School ... Participated in Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-State Game ... Averaged 15.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists for Knights ... Three-time team MVP and twice team captain ... Second-team all-league as junior on squad that reached district playoffs ... First-team all-league as sophomore ... Three-year letter winner ... Also earned three letters in track ... As junior, placed fifth at Class 3A state championships in high jump, clearing 6-6.

PERSONAL: Plans to major in business management ... ASB President as senior in high school ... His father, Don, set season and career scoring records in basketball at Whitman College ... His sister, Lola, was a swimmer at North Carolina State University.