Lions sign forward

When Fred Litzenberger replaced Bob Wilson as Vanguard University men’s basketball coach, one of his first tasks was to fill the void left by four seniors.

Litzenberger has now taken the first step, with the announcement of the signing of forward Brandon Henderson to a letter of intent. Henderson is the first recruit landed by the Lions for next season and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Henderson, at 6-foot-8, averaged a modest 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds a game at Victor Valley College last season. However, he was an All-Foothill Conference selection as a freshman, when he averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in conference play. He also shot a conference-best 71.7% from the field.

As a sophomore, Henderson’s numbers slipped, but he did have 10 double-figure scoring games. His best game was a 23-point, seven-rebound effort against San Diego Mesa.

“We are very excited to have Brandon help us build a new tradition in men’s basketball at Vanguard University,” Litzenberger said in a press release. “He is an inside player who can post up, score inside and help us on the boards at both ends of the floor.”

Henderson, a two-time All-Desert Sky League pick at Granite Hills High School in Apple Valley, will get a chance to play early with the departure of seniors Levi Seekins and Tim Burnette in the middle.

The Lions are coming off their best season in nearly 10 years, having gone 20-13 and advancing to the NAIA tournament.dpt-vansign03.IMGGraphicInfoHV1QIJMQ20060503HV1QIJMQNo Caption