GOSHEN – Goshen High School’s Joshua Milsap signed an athletic scholarship to play basketball for the University of West Alabama on Tuesday.

Milsap, a 6-foot-6, 195-pound center, led the Eagles in scoring, averaging 21 points per game. In 22 games for Goshen, Milsap hauled in 17 rebounds and five blocks per contest.

“I’m excited,” Milsap said. “I’m enrolling for summer courses so I’ll be there not long after graduation.”

Milsap said the main draw to West Alabama was meeting with the players.

“I felt like I fit in with the guys that were there,” he said. “I met most of the team and felt that was the best place for me.”

The Eagles’ standout scored a season-high 30 points and 28 rebounds against Calhoun in the team’s final game of the season.

Goshen basketball head coach Pate Harrison said that though several junior college offers were on the table, the four-year option best fit the qualities Milsap was looking for in a school.

Mike Newell takes over in Livingston after the Tigers finished 8-20 last season. Newell served as head coach at the University of Arkansas at Monticello for nine seasons.

In 18 seasons as a head coach, Newell is 301-227 and has posted seven 20-win seasons.

Newell was at the head of the University’s of Arkansas at Little Rock’s bench in 1986 when the Trojans knocked off No. 10 Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament.

Milsap said he is excited to get on campus and get settled in with the program and his new teammates.

Milsap was named The Messenger All-Area team Player of the Year as well as honorable mention on the ASWA All-State team.

Goshen improved by 10 games this season after Milsap’s transfer from New Brockton High School.

Milsap also played football during his senior season for the Eagles.