Ty Orton had a list of players who he believed could be "difference makers," when he began recruiting in April.
Now, Dickinson State's first-year head men's basketball coach has landed one of those players.
DSU announced the signing of four players, including 6-foot-11 Brazilian center Fred Scheltinga to letters of intent on Monday.
Scheltinga played for Eastern Wyoming College last season and, according to the current rosters of other Dakota Athletic Conference teams, would be the tallest player in the DAC when he puts on a DSU uniform.
"We're extremely happy about signing Fred," Orton said. "With his size and the way that he plays the game, it's going to bring a lot to our team. He's as fundamental post player as I've had, especially at that size."
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Orton also announced the signing of three high school graduates, including former Lemmon, S.D., standout Matt Schackow.
"He can score," Orton said. "I really liked the way he moved with the ball. ... He's going to develop into a great player. To have that scoring ability, you really like to find that and develop it."
Schackow, who said he plans to major in physical education, averaged 18.3 points per game for the Cowboys last season.
"It's close to home and it's a good major for me," he said. "I like the head coach, he sounds like he's pretty good."
Mikey Adams, a 6-1 guard from Spring Creek, Nev., and Brady Smith, a 6-4 small forward from Glasgow, Mont., also signed letters of intent to play for DSU.
Adams played point guard for Spring Creek High School and averaged 12 points, seven assists and four rebounds last season.
Orton was impressed with Adams after watching his game film.
"He'd always find the person who'd make the easy pass for the assist," Orton said. "The kid can really come in and do some things."
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Smith is a bruising forward who averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game for Glasgow High School.
"He's going to work his tail off, do the little things," Orton said. "He'll step up and let somebody run over him for the good of the team."
Since Orton was hired at the beginning of April, he has signed 11 recruits. They others include: Guards Sean Burham, Jeremy Mallard, Ryan Kittleson, Brian Lebsock, Nathan Lebsock; and forwards Daniel Fagerlund and Mark Versen.
Mallard, Versen and Fagerlund transferred from McCook (Neb.) Community College, where Orton previously coached.
DSU has only four players returning from last season's roster - Ryan Bogner, Ryan Ernst, Nigel Sims and Drew Erhardt. However, other players from last year's team are still being evaluated to determine if they will receive a chance to complete for roster spots.
"They've got to follow rules," Orton said. "Those are the four guys who are coming back for sure and the guys I know are doing things right and will work their tail off for us."
