OCC’s Davis signs with Lions

The Vanguard University men’s basketball team continued to dip into the local talent pool, signing Orange Coast College sophomore Matt Davis to continue his career with the Lions.

Davis, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged 9.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocked shots and 1.2 assists per game for the Pirates last season. He helped OCC finish 21-10 and advance to the Southern California Regional playoffs.

Davis becomes the second player with Newport-Mesa roots to be signed by first-year Coach Fred Litzenberger, a former assistant named to replace Bob Wilson after last season.

Litzenberger also signed Newport-Mesa Player of the Year Dennis Heenan, who will graduate soon from Newport Harbor High.

Davis came to Orange Coast from Mater Dei High, where he helped the Monarchs win the CIF Division II state championship in 2002-03.

Davis earned the Pirates’ Most Improved Player award as a freshman. This past season, he was named the team’s Best Defensive Player.

Davis also received honorable mention in the All-Orange Empire Conference voting.

Vanguard lost seniors Horace Wormely, Levi Seekins, Tim Burnette and Leon Rosborough from the 2005-06 team that went 20-13 and made the program’s first appearance in the NAIA Tournament since 1990.

Vanguard has also signed Victor Valley Community College transfer Brandon Henderson, a 6-8 post player.