WEST PALM BEACH – They are arguably the most effective duo that King’s Academy has ever had.
They are also close friends who will likely build an even tighter bond with each other in their transition from high school to college.
It has been a challenging recruiting process from the underrated duo of Carlo Basile and Stiles Higgins. But they preserved through it all over these past several months.
On this past Saturday (April 25), Basile announced his decision to go with Washington and Jefferson, a Division III college based in Washington, Pa. The two-way lineman chose W & J over the likes of St. Francis, College of Wooster, and Southwestern Assemblies of God.
“Well the recruiting process was tough,” the 5-foot-9, 260-pound lineman said. “It was a very humbling experience after being passed on by many schools that showed interest. I came across W & J at the small college fair held at John I. Leonard not too long ago. I was in contact with them since that point and the coaching staff really showed me a lot of love.”
Basile (No. 46 overall player; New Era Prep Top 100; 2020 class) revealed that Higgins (No. 50 OVR; NEP Top 100; 2020 class) will be going with him on his Twitter account on Tuesday (April 28). This move was one of several factors that played a role in Basile’s final call.
“They have my major and a lot of connections in that department with what I want to do in my life, so that helps,” Basile said. “They are a really good program and I knew if I went there, Stiles would be coming with me. A lot of things went into it. I’m getting a good deal financially too, so it all helped out in my decision.”
Basile seems to have his life plan set in motion, which is a great thing.
“My major will be in sports broadcasting,” Basile said. “I always wanted to be an analyst for ESPN and they have a few guys over there right now. I don’t personally know anybody at ESPN, but I’m hoping with the connections I can get at W & J, they could put me in a position to get an internship and then start working there.”
Dr. Chris Hobbs, who is currently the athletic director at King’s Academy, raved about Basile’s college choice.
“Love everything about this announcement,” Hobbs wrote on his Twitter account. “Carlo is a ‘heart and soul’ student-athlete for @TKALions (The King’s Academy Lions). He’ll add immediate value in the locker room, the weight room, and on the field.”
Higgins, who is a 6-foot, 203-pound linebacker, commented on his college choice as well.
“The school is really good academically and the coaches have showed love more than other schools,” Higgins said. “They also offered me a really good deal to go there.”
Basile had a lot to say about Higgins playing ball with him on the next level.
“Stiles is easily one of the best players I’ve ever seen, let alone play with,” Basile said. “This man gets over looked, but he is a flat out baller. His lateral and downhill speed is scary to watch on film. His closeout and pursuit is even more scary. His presence is definitely felt when he hits somebody.”
More Basile on Higgins:
“I’ve seen him straight up pick up these dudes that are Division 1 guys and drop them like they are nothing,” Basile said. “His film speaks for itself. It’s honestly one of the best highlight tapes I’ve ever seen. I’m just glad he will be on my team for another four years because I wouldn’t want to go against him.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Shots by Dan and Washington & Jefferson College
