Bonita’s Tyler Poepping is headed to NAIA Midland University (Neb.) where he plans to compete in both basketball and golf.
Poepping was the second leading scorer for a Bearcats team that tied for the Palomares League title and advanced all the way to the Division 3AA championship game before losing to Oak Park.
A personal connection made all the difference. Kenny Walter, who graduated from Bonita a year ago, is at that same school. The two have kept in touch. Walter told his coach about Poepping and Poepping watched several of that team’s game on live-stream.
He hasn’t visited the school yet but plans to do so later this month.
“I really thought it was my best option and it will be nice to go play where I have a good friend,” he said. “It really was the best option for me.”
Poepping averaged 16 points a game. He was a first team All-Palomares League and second team All-Inland Valley selection.
Poepping, known of his long distance shooting prowess, said he also considered two community colleges close to home – Chaffey and Citrus, as well as Houghton University in New York.
Poepping is undecided on a major but wants to work toward a career as a firefighter.