First-year head men’s basketball coach Dave Paulsen announced the signing of three National Letters of Intent this afternoon. Joining the Patriots will be Ian Boyd (Apex, N.C./Apex High School), Justin Kier (Spotswood, Va./Spotswood High School) and Karmari Newman (Detroit, Mich./East English Village Prep).
“We’re very excited to have Ian, Justin and Karmari join our Mason family,” Paulsen commented. “They have all distinguished themselves as individuals with high character who will make a positive contribution in the classroom and community as well as on the court. Collectively they have proven to be dynamic and versatile scorers and unselfish teammates and have all played in tremendously successful high school programs for excellent coaches.”
Ian Boyd (Apex, N.C./Apex High School)
6’4” – Guard
A State Champion and three-year starter from Apex, N.C. under the guidance of head coach David Neal, Boyd was tabbed All-Conference First Team and MVP after leading the Cougars to a NCHSAA 4A state championship as a sophomore and averaged 15.0 ppg and 6.3 rpg. He entered his junior season as an East All-Regional Team, News & Observer All Metro and NC All District 5 Third Team recipient. After averaging 21.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.4 apg and shooting 75 percent from the free throw line as a junior, Boyd was selected Third Team All State, NC All District 5 First Team and First Team SWAC All-Conference. He was also named the MVP of the MLK Holiday Classic and was invited to Phenom Hoops Report NC Top 80 Elite Camp. Also a strong student, Boyd has been named to the All-Conference Academic Team each year.
A multi-sport athlete, Boyd also competed in football at Apex High School, while also traveling with CP3 AAU Team under Coach John Adams.
“Ian brings a winning pedigree to our program, both as a winner of a state championship with his high school and playing for one of the top AAU programs in the nation,” noted Paulsen. “He has the ability to score in a variety of ways and will be able to defend multiple positions at the collegiate level. He is a relentless competitor and should continue to improve once he turns his focus exclusively to basketball at Mason.”
Justin Kier (Spotswood, Va./Spotswood High School)
6’4” – Guard
Kier has helped Spotswood High School and head coach Chad Edwards to two state runner-up finishes and a semifinal appearance as a sophomore. Last season, Kier averaged 21.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5.1 apg and 7.2 bpg while shooting 52.0 percent from the field and a team-best 86.0 percent from the charity stripe as Spotswood posted a 29-1 overall record and finished as the State Runner-up. He was tabbed the Daily News Record All-Area Player of the Year in addition to First Team Valley District Player of the Year, Conference 29 Player of the Year and Region 3 West Player of the Year. Kier also earned First Team All-State VHSL, VHSCA and VA Preps after his junior season.
As a sophomore, Kier garnered First Team All-District and All-Conference honors and Second Team All-Region and All-State VHSCA after averaging 18.1 ppg, 6.0 bpg, 4.3 rpg and 4.3 apg. Spotswood reached the state semifinals and Kier was named to the Daily News Record All Area Team. Kier competed with his AAU team, Spectrum Sports, with Coach Ron Clary.
“Justin has led his team to the Final Four in the state each of his first three years in high school while playing a bigger role each season,” Paulsen added. “In addition to his well-established ability to score, Justin is the consummate team player who makes his teammates better with his ability to pass and his leadership abilities. His size and athleticism will enable him to guard multiple positions for us.”
Karmari Newman (Detroit, Mich./East English Village Prep)
6’4” – Guard
East English Village Prep’s all-time scoring leader with 1,175 career points, Newman owns a 19.5 ppg career average. Last season he led the Detroit Public School League in scoring, averaging 23.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg and 1.5 spg. He recorded 19 games with 30+ point performances and was tabbed First Team All-City and Second Team All-State. Newman has recorded 66 games scoring in double-figures and is the school’s all-time 3-point leader with 191 made. The Detroit, Mich., native has helped East English Village Prep to two District Championships and two Detroit Public School League East Championships under the direction of head coach Juan Rickman. Off the court, Newman earned Academic Honor Roll honors as a junior. Newman played AAU ball for Detroit Showtime under head coach Chris Rollins.
“Karmari has set virtually every record at the school as he has helped East English Village since its inception his freshman year,” said Paulsen. “His team will be a strong candidate to win a state championship and Karmari is a legitimate candidate for Mr. Basketball in Michigan. He is a natural scorer with deep range and the ability to score in bunches. His best days are ahead of him as he continues to mature physically. He has a high basketball IQ and a very strong work ethic.”
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Chris Graham
