Return on investment: Hamilton brothers land late scholarship offers

For Jamie and Lynnette Hamilton, the plan was simple but expensive: Take sons Joe and Peter to as many showcases and camps as possible with the hope a college basketball coach would be intrigued.

Their faith in the formula has been rewarded. The former Central Catholic basketball standouts will continue their careers at the four-year level thanks to late offers.

Joe Hamilton has received a full-ride scholarship to Missouri Western State University, a Division II program that competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Younger brother Peter Hamilton will attend Eastern Oregon University on a partial scholarship. Eastern Oregon is an NAIA school in La Grande that competes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

By mid-September, there will be far less foot traffic in the Hamilton household.

“Two brothers, same year!” Jamie wrote in a text message to The Modesto Bee.

Joe Hamilton averaged 7.9 points and 6.2 rebounds at Modesto Junior College, where he was an all-Big 8 honorable mention for former coach Paul Brogan.

He played two full varsity seasons at Central Catholic under head coach Mike Wilson from 2012-14, earning all-Western Athletic Conference honors.

Missouri Western State coach Brett Weiberg was impressed by Joe’s versatility on film and his pedigree.

“Joe is a face-four that can really shoot the three,” Weiberg said in a press release. “He had a good career at Modesto and played for a good coach in Paul Brogan. Joe is also a solid rebounder and competitor. I have been impressed with his ability to make the right and easy play. More importantly, Joe is a good person, good teammate and good student.”

The Griffons are making a big investment in the 6-foot-6 forward. Joe’s scholarship will cover three years of schooling, even though he only has two years of eligibility left.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am. I’m leaving for a new part of the country that I haven’t had the opportunity to see,” he said. “I’m going to be able to experience stuff I’ve never done before. I’m lucky to have this opportunity.

“(Weiberg) seems like a fair coach and he’s giving me a chance based on the film. He’s confident I can play for him. I’m excited to be at that four-year school finally. I’ve always dreamed of playing at that level.”

Joe leaves Aug. 26.

Three weeks later, his younger brother Peter will start his college experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Eastern Oregon found Peter late in the recruiting process. The 6-7 forward had been staying in Sonora as he prepared for his freshman season at Columbia College, but on Aug. 1 the Mountaineers extended him an offer. He signed five days later.

It was a difficult decision, Peter says, because he had already made a commitment to Columbia coach Rob Hoyt and taken a part-time job near campus.

“Coach Hoyt has a good program but in the long run, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” said Peter, a three-year varsity player at Central Catholic. “They want me to come in and play right away.”

Peter helped guide Central Catholic to a historic finish in his senior season. The Raiders ended a 28-year section title drought by capturing the Division IV flag with a 47-46 victory over West Campus at Sleep Train Arena.

Central Catholic would reach the semifinal round of the CIF Northern California Division IV regional playoffs. The Raiders were defeated by Palma 66-59 and closed the season at 27-6.

On a team of flashy, sharpshooting guards, Peter did all the dirty work. The 6-7 forward averaged 9.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks.

Central Catholic went 71-25 in Peter’s three full varsity seasons.

“Central was a good fit for me. I just think I was more focused on winning,” he said. “Looking back on the season, I’m glad I made the choices I did. When I was playing for Central, we wanted to win. That’s what college programs want to see – guys that come together and find ways to win.”

Peter won’t be alone at Eastern Oregon. Former Modesto Junior College guard Brennan Pope is also a part of the recruiting class.

Pope played with Joe Hamilton.

“It’s really exciting to get an opportunity like this. We’re pretty close. We’ve worked hard and spent a lot of time in the gym together,” Joe said. “We’ve been playing 1-on-1 outside since we were old enough to cuss and fight with one another. All the showcases, the camps and the money spent ... we’re all just really excited it worked out.”

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 10:26 AM with the headline "Return on investment: Hamilton brothers land late scholarship offers."