Austin Shell was a force inside the paint during his lone season in a Skippers uniform.

Shell, a 2011 Port Huron Northern high school graduate, set single-season and career records in blocked shots during his senior season in 2010-11, while averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also was recognized with the Port Huron Times Herald MVP award. Shell transferred to SC4 in the fall of 2012 after a single season playing basketball at Lake Superior State University.

“SC4 gave me the opportunity to further pursue my collegiate basketball career while staying close to the comfort of home.” Said Austin. “My year at SC4 was my most memorable year of college basketball, not because of the stats and achievements, but because of the lifelong memories held with teammates and coaches alike.”

The high-flying Shell brought the crowd to their feet with some thunderous dunks in the old Skippers gymnasium. Austin did everything a coach could want on the court, averaging 13.6 points on 46.2% shooting along with 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, which earned him First Team All-MCCAA Eastern Conference honors.

“Austin was a great athlete, a great teammate, and a great basketball player,” said head coach Dale Vos. “He really came into his own as a college basketball player in his year at SC4 which allowed him to move on and have success at the 4-year level. Because of his basketball IQ and his talent, he made everyone around him better.”

Shell continued his playing career after SC4, earning a scholarship to play at the NCAA Division 2 level for the University of West Virginia Wesleyan where he completed a master’s in business administration.

“I would be remised if I didn't thank my teammates and coaches throughout my basketball career who helped get me to where I am today. Coach Dale Vos was an absolute pleasure to play for and it was truly a year I won't forget. I would also like my parents - Jim and Kim - specifically to be recognized. They have always, without exception, been there for me.”

Upon completion of his degree Austin moved back to Port Huron where he became a licensed CPA and began work in public accounting. He also assisted former his former high school coach, Brian Jamison, with the Port Huron Northern varsity basketball team.