Submitted
Tillman Etchison, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Marian University in Indianapolis. Marian University is a member of the Crossroads League and is a NAIA athletic institution. He is the son of Tony and Toby Etchison.
Marian University was the top pick for Etchison. He said they have an amazing business program, it’s close to home and it allows him the opportunity to play with his brother, Gus. Etchison plans to study business management and pursue a career in finance.
Etchison, who was also a member of Hamilton Heights Unified Football team, holds the school record for the most basketball assists. He was named to the All Hamilton County Team for two years, First Team All Conference for three years, Indiana Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Top 60, IBCA Scholarship recipient Top 100 his junior year, and Third Team All State.
“Ever since I was young, I loved basketball,” said Etchison, who practices constantly and trains at M14 Hoops. He credits his father as the most influential person in his life in everything he does.
“I am really excited for Tillman getting this opportunity to play at the next level,” said Chad Ballenger, Hamilton Heights Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach. “He is going to be able to play a true point guard position and excel at it. He leaves high school as our single game assist school record holder, and I look forward to watching him do the same at Marian. He has played the last two years for us with a lot of injuries, and I can’t wait to see him get healthy and how far his game will grow. He has put a lot of time into his game and deserves this opportunity.”
“Tillman has played a very important role in the boys basketball program the past four years,” added Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “His strengths and skillset have provided the team with additional scoring and ball handling and those skills will be sorely missed next year. We’re very happy that Tillman gets the opportunity to continue to play the sport he loves at Marian University.”
When Etchison is not in the classroom or on the court, he can be found working on the family farm or golfing. He is also a member of the board for his father’s foundation, the Tony Etchison Memorial Foundation. “I am looking forward to the next four years at Marian and the journey ahead,” noted Etchison.