By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor All his life, Joey Walsh has wanted and worked diligently to have the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level. The St. Francis captain and leader helped (along with his teammates) the Golden Knights to double their win total from a year ago. Walsh averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
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All his life, Joey Walsh has wanted and worked diligently to have the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level.
The St. Francis captain and leader helped (along with his teammates) the Golden Knights to double their win total from a year ago.
Walsh averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
He led the Golden Knights in field goals, free-throws and 3-pointers made.
The 6-foot-2 guard also led St. Francis in rebounds and scored in double figures in 23 of 27 games.
All of those things factored into getting a look at Azusa Pacific University, and after some interest and a work out, Walsh impressed the coaching staff enough to announce on Thursday that he’ll play his college ball at APU.
The Cougars have a rich history in athletics, especially basketball, and their education is as good as it gets for Walsh.
“I know APU is a good Christian school and that’s a big thing to my family and me,” Walsh said. “To surround myself with people that have similar morals and values means a lot to me.”
He’s also happy that his parents, Bob and Sloan Walsh will only have to drive 15-20 minutes to see their son play.
Walsh is also impressed with APU’s criminal justice program and he’s also looking forward to maturing at a university known for its high standards of academics and conduct.
While his career at St. Francis is over, Walsh said he’s a Golden Knight for life and that he’ll always appreciate the support his teachers, coaches and the administration provided for him.
“It really is a brotherhood at that school,” he said. “The most fun part about this season was being able to go to school and play basketball with my best friends.”
When asked to address his coaches, teammates and parents, Walsh said the following:
“To my coaches, thank you for supporting me in the hard times and good times, and giving me the keys to the truck, and allowing me to do everything I could to help us win games.”
“To my teammates, thank you for being the best group of guys I’ve ever played with. I’d do anything for you, and I’ll always be there for you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of you.”
And last but not least, Walsh got a little emotional when discussing his parents.
“Mom and Dad, I couldn’t ask for better parents. I wouldn’t be here without your support, love and guidance and always being my biggest fan. Even in bad times, you picked me up. You put food on my plate, you protected me and drove me to be the best person I can be. I’ll continue to try and make you proud. I love you both.”
For now, APU knows they’re getting a quality player who can score from anywhere on the court, but what they’ll find out in time is that they’ve gotten an even better kid from a great family.
Favorite moment of the year: His senior night, where he scored 33 points or so, and despite losing, the Golden Knights were in it to the end against eventual Mission League champion, Alemany.
Least Favorite moment: A buzzer beater loss to Palos Verdes in the title game at the El Segundo Tournament.
