Oilers Ink 4

The University of Findlay men's basketball program inked four individuals during the early signing period as head coach Charlie Ernst announced his commitments on Nov. 9.

The four individuals who will be eligible to compete for the Oilers during the 2017-18 campaign include: Ethan Linder (Wayne Trace), Anthony Masterlasco (Liberty Benton), Tommy Schmock (Lakewood St. Edward) and Brady Wildermuth (Jackson Center).

"Today is a great day for our program," said Ernst. "While the present is both bright and filled with excitement, the future improved on Wednesday with the addition of these outstanding you men."

Linder is a 6'2, 180-pound guard from Wayne Trace High School. He averaged 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.5 steals per game last year as a junior. He was named the Green Meadows Conference Player of the Year and has earned all-Ohio honors twice.

"Findlay is a great fit for Ethan," said Wayne Trace head coach Jim Linder. "The coaching staff, university and community have been very gracious to him and our family during the recruiting process. He is looking forward to being a part of the basketball family at Findlay."

Linder has accumulated 1,413 career points and has helped lead Wayne Trace to a 65-14 record during his tenure with the program.

"Ethan is a highly skilled combo guard that can shoot and pass with the best of them," said Ernst. "We outdueled several NCAA Division I programs for his commitment and are excited about adding his incredible basketball instincts to our program."

Masterlasco is a 6'4, 195-pound forward from Liberty Benton High School. He averaged 20 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game as a junior.

"I am really excited that Anthony chose to go to Findlay," said Liberty Benton head coach Ben Gerken. "He is an outstanding athlete with the ability to guard different positions."

Masterlasco has also been named first team all-Blanchard Valley Conference twice and has led Liberty Benton to a pair of conference championships.

"Anthony is a very athletic wing who can play inside and out," said Ernst. "He has the ability to compete above the rim at the Division II level and we are glad that a local player of his talent level chose to be an Oiler."

Schmock is a 5'10, 170-pound guard from Lakewood St. Edward High School. He averaged 15 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals per game as a junior. He was also an all-Ohio pick last season.

"Findlay is a great fit for Tommy," said St. Edward head coach Eric Flannery. "He is outstanding in the classroom and on the court, but most importantly is a great young man who leads by example."

Schmock also earned third team all-Northeast Ohio honors and was selected as an all-tournament player at the BeachBall Classic, a national high school tournament.

"Tommy is a quick point guard with a motor that never stops," said Ernst. "He verbally committed to us before his junior year and his toughness and competiveness will undoubtedly make him a fan favorite very quickly."

Wildermuth is a 6'6, 195-pound forward from Jackson Center High School. He averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocked shots per game last season. He was a first team all-conference selection and earned all-Ohio honors as well.

"Brady and all of Jackson Center is extremely excited about his signing with the Oilers," said Jackson Center head coach Scott Elchert. "He is a perfect fit for the basketball program and I know he is honored to continue his basketball career at a nationally recognized institution known for excellence both on the court and in the classroom."

Wildermuth has scored 1,112 career points and has started every game since his freshman year. He has led Jackson Center to a 61-19 record during his time with the program.

"Brady is a hard-working forward who is quickly improving," said Ernst. "He can play multiple positions for us and has an incredibly bright future ahead of him."

"We began recruiting this class two years ago and the hard work of our entire coaching staff helped make this class possible," said Ernst. "All four of these individuals come from great families, are very good students and have made winning a habit at their respective schools.