LEBANON, Ill. – The men's basketball team looks to build on last season's successes as they officially acquire three newcomers from the high school ranks, plus a new student manager. 

All four individuals will seek their way onto the campus of McKendree University in the coming months in preparation for the 2025-26 season. 

Andrew Moore | Montgomery County High School 

Guard Andrew Moore brings an elite scoring ability to the Bearcat program, coming by way of Montgomery County High School in Montgomery City, Missouri. 

Moore spoke on his enthusiasm: 

"I chose McKendree because it felt like home to me, the coaches seem like great people, along with the guys (players), also because both my parents went there, and it is pretty cool for me to follow in their footsteps." 

The incoming freshman has dropped an abundant 1,640 points across his four-year high school career as he not only provided a scoring punch but also finished with 576 rebounds, 300 assists, and 165 steals. 

Moore has accumulated several honors, including being named a three-time All-Conference, a two-time All-State, a three-time All-District, and most notably a District Player of the Year. During his time, Montgomery County has won two conference championships and a pair of district championships. 

Montgomery County's head coach gave the following on Moore: 

"Andrew is the ultimate competitor who will not back down from anyone ever.  If he is on your team, then you have no choice but to have intense practices. He is the kind of guy you want to go to war with!" 

Blake Pingeton | Fr. Tolton Catholic High School 

Guard Blake Pingeton brings in tremendous skill and shooting to the McKendree basketball program as he comes via Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, located in Columbia, Missouri. 

Pingeton spoke on his enthusiasm: 

"I chose McKendree because as soon as I stepped onto campus during my visit, I felt at home. I felt a real connection with the coaches and knew this was where I would be able to take my game to the next level while competing and winning games in the GLVC." 

Pingeton was one for the record books in his time as a Trailblazer, ending at sixth in program history for points with 1,015. He was also third in total rebounds with 514, while putting himself at the top with 139 three-pointers made. Pingeton at one point sank seven shots from beyond the arc, which became a single-game record for the team. 

The guard received multiple honors on various occasions, earning MVP at both the Norm Stewart Classic and the Southern Illinois Shootout. He was also named to the Class 4 All-State team and All-District team. 

Fr. Tolton Catholic's Head Coach Jeremy Osborne gave the following on Pingeton: 

"Blake is – first and foremost – a great young man who will be a positive addition to not only the team, but also the university. His work ethic is second to none, and he has worked his way into becoming one of the best players to ever come through Fr. Tolton. Blake is a leader, a winner, and a very talented yet uber-competitive player. We are excited for his opportunity at McKendree and look forward to seeing his future successes on and off the court." 

Moses Wilson | Waubonsie Valley High School 

Wing Moses Wilson was one of the more recent commitments for the Bearcat program, as he is coming from in-state Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois. There, he played both basketball and football. 

Wilson spoke on his enthusiasm: 

"I chose McKendree University because it gives me the chance to compete at a high level while continuing to grow as a player. The coaching staff believes in my potential, and the program's culture and support system felt like the right fit for me to develop both on and off the court." 

Wilson brings a high tenacity on the defensive end of the court, as he garnered two Defensive MVP recognitions in his hoops career and made program history by snatching the most steals in a single season. He won MVP at the Taylorville Holiday Tournament and was at one point named Outstanding Student of the Quarter at Waubonsie Valley. 

Waubonsie Valley's head coach gave the following on Wilson: 

"Moses is an elite competitor. No one plays harder than Moses; his motor is unmatched. He is the most positive young man I have coached, and he cares deeply about his teammates. Special talent and young man." 

Tyler Snyder | Limestone Community High School 

Tyler Snyder will come to McKendree University as a men's basketball student manager. He spent the last four years at Limestone Community High School, located in Bartonville, Illinois. 

Snyder spoke on his enthusiasm: 

"The minute I stepped on campus for my visit, I just knew that the atmosphere of the campus was going to be unmatched. Along with that, the opportunity that has been given to me by the coaches was something I could not pass up. Committing to McKendree fulfilled a lifelong dream, and I would trade nothing for it!" 

Snyder was an instrumental piece to the Rockets' athletic department and the school as a whole. He was the manager for both the boys basketball and football programs where he did numerous behind-the-scenes services that led to their respective successes. 

Limestone Community's head coach gave the following on Snyder: 

"Tyler Snyder is a dedicated and skilled basketball manager, known for his exceptional organizational, multitasking, and communication abilities. Throughout his four years in high school, he honed his managerial expertise, demonstrating a strong commitment to the sport and his team. Beyond his professional skills, Tyler deeply values his family, especially his mother, and looks forward to the opportunities that await him at McKendree University." 

FROM THE VOICE OF HEAD COACH GEORGE SUGGS

On Andrew Moore: 

"Andrew is going to bring a ton of toughness and skill at the guard spot. His competitiveness is what jumped off the page throughout the recruiting process, and he is a McKendree guy through and through. He is going to have a tremendous career as a Bearcat."  

On Blake Pingeton: 

"Blake is an ideal fit for our program and our style of play. He is skilled, plays incredibly hard, and is always trying to be the best teammate on the floor. He is exactly what we look for when we recruit freshmen, and he will be a tremendous asset for our program." 

On Moses Wilson: 

"Moses plays with an infectious energy and joy. He affects the game in every facet and does things every possession that affect winning. He is scratching the surface of his best basketball, and I look forward to his growth in the McKendree uniform." 

On Tyler Snyder: 

"Managers are the lifeblood of a basketball program, and Tyler is going to be a huge part of what we do as a team. He loves the game, loves his teammates, and loves being of service to the group. We are so fortunate to have a guy with his enthusiasm to be a part of what we are doing here at McKendree." 

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