Isaak to play for NNU Crusaders

COULEE CITY - Derek Isaak has signed a letter of intent to enroll at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) in Nampa, Idaho.

Isaak was offered and excepted scholarship and will play basketball for the Crusaders while earning his bachelors degree in physical therapy.

"It's quite and offer," Scott Isaak, Derek's dad and basketball coach said. "It's a five year commitment in which the first year is 90 percent funded and the last four are fully funded."

Isaak was a standout athlete and student who carried a 3.8 GPA at Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School (ACH) the past four years.

He played quarterback on the football team and lead the Warriors to a second place finish in the state championship game against Neah Bay last fall.

Isaak was also a guard on the ACH basketball team that beat Valley Christian for the 1B state championship this spring.

"I've really enjoyed my time at ACH and am going to miss all my coaches and teammates," Isaak said. "But playing college basketball is something I have always dreamed of. When I visited NNU, it felt like a good fit and I'm really excited and looking forward to attending the university."

Some of his basketball accolades include four time All-League and All-State player, and Player of the Year in 2012.

He set a state tournament scoring record with 44 points in the title game against Valley Christian and has amassed 358 state tournament points during his career, which is second best in the history of the 1 and 2B tournaments.

"We are very happy for Derek," Scott said. "All of his hard work has paid off and now he's a very happy guy."