Published on: Thursday, February 02, 2012

By Aaron Kasinitz

Avalon senior guard Richard Tyaba has impressed in the classroom and on the basketball court thus far in the 2011-2012 season, earning him a grant scholarship offer from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland and an opportunity to play at the next level.

Tyaba, a four-year varsity player, has sparked the Black Knights thus far this year. “I think I provide leadership here at Avalon. This is a quality program and I’m proud to  have been on varsity for four years now,” said Tyaba, who averaged 15 points per game in his junior and is on pace to average around 12 points per game this year.

Tyaba has been Avalon’s Swiss-Army knife all year long, he can, and does, do everything for the Black Knights. The six foot three Tyaba often handles the ball, is a prolific rebounder, a strong on ball defender, a terrific shot blocker, and can provide a scoring punch.

 Despite his talents, Tyaba’s 2011-2012 season has not been without struggle. Early in January Tyaba suffered a staph infection and missed a series of games. Now he is fully recovered and contributed to Avalon’s victory over Washington Latin Tuesday night.

“[Tyaba] is long and athletic and can really get up there and block shots,” said varsity assistant coach Kevin Davern, following Avalon’s victory over Washington Latin.