OregonPreps
After helping lead Jefferson High School to the 5A title and showing off his quickness on the AAU circuit with Team Jones, Kalonji Paschal picked up his share of admirers on the recruiting trail. There was a hangup in getting through the NCAA Clearinhouse for the quick 5-foot-10, 175-pound point guard from Portland though, and quite honestly it was getting a bit tiring. So instead of waiting some more, Paschal decided to head the JC route by following an established Demo pipeline.
"I signed with Eastern Arizona," Paschal said. "Donte Bryant, Markhuri (Sanders-Frison), and Jonathan (Scott) all went there and they all enjoyed it. Donte told me it was a great experience for him and he was part of the reason I came to Jefferson from Benson."
"I haven't been to Thatcher before, but I've been to Arizona," Paschal continued. "They told me that it's a lot of run and jump stuff like Jefferson basketball, so that will be pretty good for me."
Paschal had an offer from Montana State, but it had been contingent on him getting through the NCAA Clearinghouse. He has another shot to get that done, but is focused on heading to Thatcher next season. "I have another ACT this Saturday," Paschal said. "But I didn't want to wait anymore and get it all done."
If Paschal were to qualify, he would only have to play at Eastern Arizona for a season before moving on. Otherwise, he'll be there for two years and he's hoping to bring along the tradition he was a part of at Jefferson. "I just want to go in and win," Paschal said. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Paschal noted that playing football at Eastern Arizona could be a possibility, but for sure he'll put on the pads at least one more time in next Saturday's Les Schwab Bowl. "I've been working out to get ready as I haven't touched a football since football season," Paschal said. "There won't be any pressure anymore, so I just want to go out and have fun."
