Meteors’ Foster will star in post-Shaw era

Updated: May 5, 2011 6:56PM

The last four years, De La Salle basketball largely has been associated with Mike Shaw. The Illinois-bound senior was a four-year varsity player who had some name recognition heading into his first game of high school basketball.

Now that Shaw is moving on from the Meteors, De La Salle basketball will have a new group of players to rely on. Talented sophomores Alex Foster, Jaylon Tate and Alvin Ellis will be a big part of De La Salle and Catholic League basketball during their next two seasons.

With Foster being the interior presence, a lot of pressure is sure to fall on his shoulders.

“It’s a new beginning for us [at De La Salle],” Foster said. “It’s time for us to step up and take over this team and this program. Now it’s time to have everyone look up to us.”

Foster already is regarded as one of the best in his class nationally, having earned a spot in most rankings.

 Recruiting analyst Jeff Borzello believes Foster is one of the top sophomores in the nation, as well.

“Foster already has a very solid build and body for his position,” Borzello said. “He is long and athletic and is developing into a matchup problem for most opponents. Foster can face up from mid-range and knock down jumpers or drive past his defender to the rim. He runs the floor tremendously well and can catch and finish in transition.”

Foster also will continue to develop his game with Tate and Ellis throughout the spring and summer with the Meanstreets club basketball program.

“It’s a really good experience,” Foster said. “We’ve been together for a long time. It helps our chemistry a whole lot.”

Foster says that Purdue and Marquette are the schools he’s hearing from the most, and Arizona and the whole Big Ten are also heavily involved.

“I’m looking to make my college decision at the end of my junior year,” Foster said. “[I’m looking for] a good family atmosphere and a place that can help me develop my game.”

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