(St. George, Utah – Nov. 13, 2023) Trailblazer Nation got a little bigger on Monday, as Utah Tech Men's Basketball officially signed three players to National Letters of Intent during this year's early signing period. A trio of players all from the state of Utah, each signee brings versatility and a local connection that has Head Coach Jon Judkins excited for the future.
 
"It's a great day for us to be able to sign these three young men," Coach Judkins said. "What we like about this class is the versatility – each guy can play different spots and do a number of different things for us, and adding local talent is always huge for the program."
 
Hunter Schenck – Guard – Pleasant View, Utah
Schenck enters his senior season at Weber High School as one of the state's premier scorers. Across 22 appearances as a junior, the 6-2 guard connected on 48 triples, posting averages of 22.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals. He finished with 37 points and seven steals against Clearfield on Jan. 27 before hitting a season-high six triples in a 24-point effort against Davis, and notes a family atmosphere that helped in his decision.
 
"It just felt like a family when I was down on my visit. The coaching staff was amazing and I just felt like I belong at Utah Tech," Schenck said. "It felt like home and ultimately felt like it was for sure the right place for me."
 
"We saw Hunter early in his career and have been keeping our eye on him ever since. We're excited to add him and think he's going to be able to come in and help us right away," Coach Judkins said. "With his toughness, how he plays the game, shares the ball and can score, he's going to be a big part of our success."
 
Owen Mackay – Guard – St. George, Utah
Mackay is coming off a junior season in which the St. George native averaged 25.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game at Snow Canyon High School. A 6-4 guard, Mackay recorded nine double-doubles, including a 31-point, 15 rebound effort against Pine View, and scored a season-high 37 points against Desert Hills on Feb. 15.
 
For Mackay, the decision to sign with Utah Tech came down to a comfort level with the program.
 
"I chose Utah Tech because I simply felt comfortable. The coaches are amazing and the program is truly incredible," he said.
 
Tanner Davis – Guard – Smithfield, Utah
Davis averaged 14.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals per game last season at Sky View High School. Across 25 total appearances, the 6-5 guard scored in double-figures 21 times, including a season-high 25 against Bonneville on Jan. 6 and posted double-doubles against Bountiful (Dec. 8 – 11 points, 10 rebounds) and Madison, Idaho (15 points, 10 rebounds).
 
Much like Schenck, Davis says his decision to commit came down to feeling wanted and a family-like environment.
 
"I chose Utah Tech because it's a family-oriented program and I love the overall culture there," he said. "I also wanted to go somewhere that I was wanted and I felt like Utah Tech was that place."
 
Despite the excitement Coach Judkins has about Mackay and Davis, Trailblazer fans will have to wait a few years to see the pair suit up in red and blue.
 
"Tanner and Owen are two good guys that we're really excited about. Sadly they are three years away with a senior season and two-year mission, but getting two highly-recruited guys is huge for us," Judkins said. "Both are really athletic and long, can score the ball, and we know them well and can build around them for the future.
 
"We feel this is a great fit for them but also a great fit for us."
 
The current men's basketball roster is coming off its opening weekend of regular season action and returns to play on the road against Youngstown State this Friday.