By Ben Cowens
Sun staff writer
POCAHONTAS — During his high school career, Michael Throesch honed his basketball skills on the floor at Schoonover Gym. Practice after practice and shot after shot, he sharpened his game into one of the area’s best.
It was a process that required countless hours of hard work.
“There’s no telling,” Throesch said. “There’s no way I can add it up. There are a bunch of hours in here.”
So it was only fitting that the venue that housed so many hours of sacrifice became the site of his biggest payoff — a full scholarship to Lyon College.
Throesch signed with the Scots Monday afternoon in front of dozens of friends and family members. The final signature was met with applause, which is something Throesch had become accustomed to in his career as a Redskin.
As a senior, Throesch averaged 27 points and six rebounds per game and earned all-state and all-conference honors while leading Pocahontas to a 22-4 record. With Lyon College losing all three of its starting guards to graduation, coach Kevin Jenkins said Throesch will have the chance to make an immediate impact.
“With our program and where we’re at — we’re graduating six seniors this year — he’s one that’s probably going to be thrust into a roll of playing immediately as a freshman and helping us win basketball games,” Jenkins said.
Although an off-guard at Pocahontas, Jenkins said his new signee will be groomed as a point guard in college. The 5-foot-11 Throesch is ready for the challenge.
“I haven’t played that for my school team, but I’ve played it a little bit in AAU,” he said. “I feel like I’m ready for it. I know it’s going to be a transition but I think I can handle it.”
A move to the point doesn’t mean Jenkins won’t take advantage of Throesch’s knack for scoring. The Lyon coach will gladly offer him the go-ahead to fire away. At 47 percent inside the arc and 38.7 percent from beyond it, the Pocahontas standout has shown he’s a complete offensive weapon.
But Redskins coach Anthony Brewington said Throesch possesses another skill that shouldn’t be overlooked at the college level.
“The one skill that he has that I think a lot of people miss the boat on is how competitive he is and how big his heart is,” Brewington said. “He’s just a huge competitor in anything he does. It doesn’t matter if he’s going out hunting, basketball or down in the classroom, he’s just so darn competitive.”
That fire to win is why Throesch spent so much time in the Schoonover Gym — and why he now will play for four more years.
“I hate to lose is the main thing,” he said. “I knew if I didn’t work my butt off in here, there was a better chance we lose. I wanted to have a good year and put everything I had into it.”
Added Jenkins: “His work ethic is phenomenal. We’re excited about that.”

Congratulations Michael! We're all very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Your hard work and dedication is now paying off. We're behind you in all that you do. Best of luck and May God Bless.

Michael, Thanks for so many good memories. You're one of the best I've ever seen play at Pokey. Good luck at Lyon, we'll be pullin for ya. Congratulations on a great career as a Redskin.

Congrats on a great accomplishment.

Freshman guard Michael Throesch scored a career-high 25 points and the Lyon College Scots blasted Philander Smith College in overtime of a 75-67 victory in a nonconference matchup.

Micheal is doing great in his freshman year at Lyon so far. He is avg around 20 a game.

It's great to hear that Michael is playing well for Lyon. Congrats and keep up the great play! I think they play ASU Monday night at the Convo. Hope I can make the game. Is anyone else planning on going to the game?

What time?

8:05 pm