Two 2015 Mr. Basketball semifinalists from Eastern Maine high schools will join the Husson University men’s basketball program in the fall.
Justin Martin, a 6-foot-6-inch forward from Winslow, and 6-foot guard Kyle Johnson of Calais have committed to the Eagles beginning this fall, as has former Old Town High School standout Garrett Libby, a transfer from Maine Maritime Academy in Castine.
Martin was a starting tight end and linebacker for Winslow High School’s Class B state championship football team last fall, then followed that up by leading the Black Raiders’ boys basketball team to the Eastern Maine Class B championship game last winter.
Martin averaged 19.8 points and 14.8 rebounds per game in helping Winslow to a 19-3 record, and was named to the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference all-star team as well as to the Maine McDonald’s senior all-star squad.
“Justin is very competitive,” said Husson head coach Warren Caruso. “He is long and athletic with the ability to shoot the 3 and mix it up inside.”
Johnson averaged 15 points, five rebounds and five assists per game in helping Calais compile a 20-2 record and win its first Class C state championship since 2009.
The versatile guard and three-year starter for the Blue Devils was named to the All-Penobscot Valley Conference first team as well as a Maine McDonald’s senior all-star.
“Kyle has really good basketball instincts at both ends of the floor,” said Caruso. “He can play both guard positions and has a very good skill set.”
Libby, a 6-3 forward, was a two-time Big East Conference player of the year and a Bangor Daily News All-Maine third-team selection after averaging 22.3 points per game as a senior at Old Town in 2013.
He then played at MMA during the 2013-14 season before sitting out this winter.
“Garrett is a great shooter with good size at the wing position,” said Caruso. “We like Garrett’s maturity and he has experience at the college level.”
Husson finished its 2014-15 season with a 20-8 record — the program’s 30th consecutive winning season.
“We have some work to do as we need to reshape our roster,” said Caruso. “This is a good beginning. Our program has a lot to be proud of over many years, but this season we fell short of what we thought we could accomplish. We have a lot of work to do to get back on top.”
