OXFORD, Ohio—Miami University men's basketball head coach
Jack Owens announced the signing of two players to national-letters of intent who will begin play for the RedHawks for the 2022-23 season. The signing class includes
Mitchell Rylee (Fort Mitchell, Ky./Covington Catholic), a 6-8, 220-pound forward, and
Billy Smith (Indianapolis, Ind./Brebeuf Jesuit), a 6-7, 195-pound guard.
"We are thrilled to add both Mitchell and Billy to our program," said Owens. "We are excited about what they each bring to the table from a skill and basketball IQ perspective, and we look forward to watching their progress at Covington Catholic and Brebeuf Jesuit this year."
Mitchell Rylee, Forward, 6-8, 220, Fort Mitchell, Ky. (Covington Catholic)
High School: Currently attends Covington Catholic High School … coached by Scott Ruthsatz … team captain as a senior … earned first-team all-state honors as a junior … also tabbed first-team all-region and first-team all-conference in 2020-21 … averaged 16 ppg and 9 rpg as a junior … helped the Colonels to a 24-4 record, advancing to the region quarterfinals … played AAU with Midwest Basketball Club for head coach Brook Cupps.
Personal: Born June 3, 2004 … son of the late Tonya Arvin and late Ken Rylee … family guardians are Matt and Shannon Kennedy.
"Mitchel Rylee is a very athletic and mobile post player, who passes very well," said Owens. "I believe he will be able to really contribute to our program and look forward to watching him compete with Covington Catholic this year."
Billy Smith, Guard, 6-7, 195, Indianapolis, Ind. (Brebeuf Jesuit)
High School: Currently attends Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School … coached by Todd Howard … team captain as a senior … a two-time all-conference selection … earned second-team all-county honors … averaged 18.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.9 apg as a junior … helped Brebeuf Jesuit to a section title in 2019-20 … played AAU with Indiana Elite for coaches Mark Adams and Mike Fox.
Personal: Born June 30, 2003 … son of Mark and Mary Smith.
"Billy Smith is a guard who is going to provide shooting skill and a high basketball IQ and comes from a winning high school program," said Owens. "We look forward to watching him compete for a state title this year."
