Battlers Offer R.J. Sunahara Upon Completion of Elite Camp

The Alderson Broaddus men's basketball coaching staff brought in a lot of talented and impressive players for this past weekend's ABU Elite Camp. The staff was able to bring guards, swing players, forwards and centers to the campus of Alderson Broaddus. All of the players were able to show off their skills and abilities on the floor of Rex Pyles Arena. One of the more impressive players did enough to impress the ABU coaching staff and received an offer at the conclusion of the camp. Battler Beat has learned that R.J. Sunahara has received a scholarship offer to play basketball for the ABU men's team. Sunahara attends Bay High School in Bay Villiage, OH. He averaged 24 points and 12.4 rebounds this past season while shooting an incredible 63% from the field . For his efforts, R.J. was one of ten players named to the Associated Press All-Ohio Division II 1st team. 

We were able to talk to R.J. at the conclusion of the Elite Camp. When asked about how the day went, Sunahara responded: "I thought all things went well. It was a good event to be a part of." He measured in at a true 6'7" during the combine testing portion of the camp. "I project myself at the next level to play the three or out on a wing. I can also play the four at this level," stated Sunahara. He noted to Battler Beat that his dad is in his first year as the head volleyball coach at West Virginia University. "He taught me a lot about jumping as we worked at a young age on being able to jump. I know how to jump real well standing off of two feet." said R.J. Even though he is rated high in many  of the circles in the state of Ohio, the elite camp gave him a chance to show off his incredible talents and abilities. "I really enjoyed all the team stuff the camp offered. The team drills and the team play is what I liked. I thought our team played well." said Sunahara.

Battler Beat commented multiple times throughout the day on Sunahara's skill set. During the team drill session in update #1, we noted: 'RJ Sunahara of Bay (OH) has been impressive so far in every drill I have seen. Understands the game. Versatile from the wing but yet a tall player who can take a player off the dribble.' Sunahara was a part of the black shirt team coached by former ABU post player Tobias Dowdell. During the black shirt team's skill set drills, Battler Beat noted in update #2: 'RJ Sunahara of Bay (OH) and Josephi Zini of Trinity (WV) showing excellent ball handling skills.' While Sunahara was impressive in drills and skill-building sets, he took it to another level during team play. Battler Beat noted in update #4: 'RJ Sunahara with a nice flush in the half-court set. He has made four straight.' Sunahara showed a strong ability to attack the rim on transition where he impressed coaches and players alike with countless number of dunks in transition.

The website ohhoops.com has released their 2018 pre-season ranking of players. They rate Sunahara as the 9th best small forward in the state of Ohio. It should be noted that R.J. was a big part in leading Bay HS to a 24-4 record in 2016 and a bid in the Final Four of the Ohio Division II state basketball tournament in Columbus. His play in this weekend's camp caught the eye of Battler Head Coach Greg Zimmerman and Assistant Coach Josh Wamsley. News broke immediately after camp that Sunahara had an offer to become a Battler. We wish R.J. the best this upcoming senior season at Bay HS.  We are linking Sunahara's junior season highlight video below. It is well worth the time it takes to watch:

R.J. Sunahara's Highlight Video for his Junior Season at Bay HS

We thank all the readers that have read our profile stories so far on the players that competed at the ABU Elite Camp. We ask that you stay tuned for more as we will profile each player that attended the event.