BOONE, N.C. – Head coach Dustin Kerns announced Wednesday the signing of two prep players to National Letters of Intent for the 2024-25 class.
 
The Mountaineers signed Michael Marcus Jr. (PF | Wesley Chapel, N.C. | Covenant Day) and Anthony Alston (SG | Fayetteville, N.C. | Grayson).
 
Michael Marcus Jr.
PF | Wesley Chapel, N.C. | Covenant Day
Marcus comes to the High Country out of Covenant Day High School in Charlotte, N.C., where he has had a successful career headed into his last season of high school. Marcus is a physical body in the post, but also has the ability to step out and hit the mid-range jump shot. He can impact the game on the glass both offensively and defensively and has the instincts to block shots at high level. He was a 4A State Runner-Up at Carmel Christian last season. Marcus has had numerous accolades on the AAU circuit, most recently playing for coach Curtis Wheeler in the Adidas Gauntlet Circuit, while also winning the EYBL 15U championship on the Nike circuit. On the academic side, Marcus has been an A-Honor Roll student.
 
“We are excited about the addition of Michael Marcus to the Mountaineer family,” Kerns said. “We identified Michael early in the recruiting process and were captivated by his skill set and his shooting ability as a forward. It is always great to add a quality player from the state of North Carolina and signing him will allow him to play close to home in front of his family and friends. Michael’s work ethic and commitment to the game will give him the chance to have a very successful career here at App State. Michael excels in the classroom and has many interests off the court where he will build a lot of quality relationships across campus and in the local community. He is a special player and an even better person who has great parents in Michael Sr. and Jenell. Mountaineer nation, please join us in welcoming Michael and family to the App State family.”
 
Anthony Alston
SG | Fayetteville, N.C. | Grayson
Alston is an athletic combo guard from Fayetteville, N.C., that can play multiple guard spots at a high level. Alston can stretch the floor at a high level and shoot the ball at an efficient clip from beyond the three-point line. He can also be an elite two-way player who can guard opposing team’s backcourt players at a high level. He had a very successful AAU career playing for Mark Livingston on Team Huncho on the Adidas Gauntlet Circuit. Alston has been a big part of Grayson High School’s back-to-back regional championships in Georgia. He will bring a competitive mindset and leadership to the High Country.
 
“We are so excited to welcome Anthony Alston to the Mountaineer family,” Kerns said. “We have recruited Anthony for a long time and were his first offer. Anthony has been a major piece of Coach Geoffrey Pierce’s back-to-back region championships in the highest and most competitive classification in Georgia. Along with being a great player, Anthony is a phenomenal young man raised by his mother, Diana, and his father, Jamel. He is a fierce competitor with the ability to shoot the ball at a high rate of efficiency, and prides himself on being able to shut down the opposing team’s best player. Anthony’s work ethic, leadership, and personality is perfect for the App State community and our program. Mountaineer Nation, please join us in welcoming Anthony and his family to the App State family.”
 
App State men’s basketball is excited to welcome Anthony Alston and Michael Marcus Jr. to the High Country.