Hamilton Heights’ Rees Knapp has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Cornerstone University Golden Eagles in Grand Rapids, Mich. Knapp (seated) is pictured with (from left) Bryce Knapp (brother), Chris Knapp (dad), Heather Knapp (mom), and Sylvia Knapp (sister). (Photo provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation)
Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Hamilton Heights High School senior Rees Knapp has officially signed his national letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Cornerstone is a member of the Wolverine‑Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and competes as an NAIA institution. He is the son of Chris and Heather Knapp.
Knapp said his decision was shaped by the positive experiences he had with Cornerstone’s staff and students during his visits.
“Cornerstone seems to have a very inviting and supportive culture in the classroom as well as on the court and around campus,” Knapp said. He plans to study business administration, pursue a career in sales, and room with fellow Husky and Cornerstone signee Simon Kuhn.
A standout student-athlete, Knapp has excelled both academically and athletically. He is a member and officer of the National Honor Society and has earned numerous honors, including two All-Conference selections, Honorable Mention All-State HMB, Honorable Mention Academic All-State, the Team 3-Point Percentage Award, the Dean Small Award, the Lewis Award, and serving as a two-time Team Captain.
“I’ve played basketball for about 12 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Knapp said. “Even the hard games and the shooting struggles have never been able to diminish my passion. I put in a lot of work on my own in the summers – outside at home, at the high school when Coach Ballenger allows me, or in a random gym playing 5-on-5 with strangers.”
Knapp credits his parents, brother, coaches, and grandparents as the most influential in his development as a student-athlete. Outside of school and sports, he attends Arcadia Christian Church, participates in 4-H showing cattle and goats, and works at Wilson’s Farm Market.
“I am super excited for Rees and this opportunity,” Hamilton Heights Head Basketball Coach Chad Ballenger said. “He has earned it, with all his hard work and dedication. I believe he has a huge upside and is going to get even better at Cornerstone. Cornerstone is not only getting a very good basketball player, but they are getting an even better person. He is a high academic, high character, great Christian young man. He represents everything we want in our basketball program.”
Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director Kurt Ogden added, “Rees has been a tremendous role model for his teammates and all other Hamilton Heights athletes throughout his high school career. He has also worked extremely hard to improve his basketball skills over the past four years and it especially showed this year. We are excited that Rees gets an opportunity to play the game he loves at Cornerstone, a Christ-centered University. I think it will be the perfect fit for him with his Christian values.”
