Grand Valley State head coach Ric Wesley announced the addition of two in-state recruits to the Laker basketball program on Thursday (Apr. 16). Guard Deshawn Lewis (Sterling Heights) and center John Rexroth (Farmington Hills) will join the GVSU program and be eligible for the 2015-16 season.

A 6'4" combo guard, Lewis earned First Team All-State honors at Detroit Country Day High School. After battling injuries throughout his freshman season, Lewis was a key contributor on the 2013 Yellowjacket team that won the Class B state championship, putting up averages of 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Lewis shot 54 percent for the 25-3 Yellowjackets as a sophomore. He averaged 11.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a junior and finished his career by putting up 17.7 points and 7.6 boards per contest during his senior campaign.

"Deshawn had an outstanding season playing for Country Day", noted Wesley. "He took his game to another level this season and was a great team leader. His size and length make him a tough matchup on the perimeter. He has always been a good scorer and this year he developed his ball handling by playing the point guard spot for his team."

In addition to his all-state honors, Lewis was a two-time all-county honoree and won the team's leadership award twice. Not only did he win a state title, Lewis also helped lead Detroit Country Day to three district championships and a pair of regional titles. 

Rexroth is a 6'10" center who garnered all-state honorable mention plaudits at Harrison High School. During his senior season, Rexroth averaged a double-double, posting figures of 16.5 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 51 percent from the field and 83 percent at the line. He also averaged three assists, three blocks, and two steals a game as a senior. As a junior for the Hawks, Rexroth again averaged a double-double with 12.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest. His shooting figures were strong that season, as well, as he shot 58 percent from the floor and 78 percent at the charity stripe.

"John is a developing big man," Wesley explained. "He possesses legitimate size and is a very young senior. For a big player, he has a very nice outside shot and passes the ball well. I think with improved conditioning and weight training, his skill set will fit in well in the GLIAC."

A four-year starter and team captain, Rexroth was a two-time All-Oakland Activities Association (OAA) honoree and was twice named to the all-area first team. He was a four-time OAA scholar athlete and earned mention in the Free Press "Top 100" in 2014-15.

Lewis and Rexroth join post player Justin Greason and guard Zach West as GVSU recruits for the upcoming 2015-16 season.