The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

JANUS Shepherd will have the opportunity to further both his academic and athletic career at the collegiate level.

Shepherd officially announced his commitment to the Western Oklahoma State College Pioneers at the NJCAA level in Altus, Oklahoma.

The former Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins star signed his letter of intent alongside head coach Denycko Bowles earlier this week.

“First, I would like to thank God for allowing me to play the game that I love and placing me in this position while guiding me through many different obstacles. It was a hard and long journey but through the grace of God I made it,” the sharpshooting guard posted to social media. “I want to thank my family, coaches and trainers who have helped me through this long journey. I appreciate you all a lot.”

The Eleuthera native transitioned to New Providence and completed his high school career with the Mystic Marlins. He led the Mystic Marlins to an historic season of milestones in 2019 as the team captured both the GSSSA Senior Boys and Hugh Campbell titles. Shepherd scored 14 in the clinching game of the GSSSA series and a team high 19 in the Hugh Campbell final.

The COVID-19 pandemic hindered his recruitment following the season, but Shepherd continued to train alongside Quentin Demeritte and Bowles in preparation for his long-awaited opportunity.

“I would like to thank Doris Johnson for the two remarkable years I had there as a student athlete. I would also like to thank my mother for sticking by my side no matter what the situation was. I owe these people the world and this is a huge step in that direction that I’m taking,” Shepherd said. “I would like to thank coach Bowles for helping me as an individual to make myself better on and off the court, pushing me through the odds and for guiding me through my last two years in high school.”

The Pioneers finished last season 5-17 and compete in the NJCAA Division I, Region Two.