Justin Pepper, a 6-7 center from Wayland High School, has signed his Letter of Intent to play basketball at Cornerstone University in the fall of 2011. The OK Gold All-Conference player will be reunited with former Wildcat teammate Wes Hudson, currently a freshman on the Golden Eagles' basketball team.

Pepper played a major role in Wayland's 23-1 season a year ago as his team advanced to the Class A Regionals before losing their only game of the season to Holt High School. He averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds,  and just over 2 blocks per game during that campaign.

Through 12 games this year, Pepper leads his team in scoring (15 PPG), rebounding (7 RPG) and blocked shots (2.7 BPG). His team is currently 10-2 on the season. Pepper recently had career-highs in points (24) and rebounds (16).

Pepper has also achieved at a high level in the classroom where he has maintained a 4.00 GPA. He was also on the National Honor Society.

Coach Elders

"We're very excited that Justin has chosen to further his education and play basketball at Cornerstone for the next four years. He's a quality young man who has a tremendous work-ethic. He's a very talented post player who can score inside and also knock down the 15' jumper. His greatest strength might be his rebounding and shot blocking ability."

Justin Pepper
"I chose Cornerstone University because I like the academic's that are offered at CU. I am not sure what my major will be yet but CU has a good Business program, a good Accounting program, also good programs in the field of Science. Another reason is I like the coaching staff at CU, the players, which there are several players I know already, and I like the coaching at CU. The coaches do a good job and I am happy to be a part of this team."