MORGANTOWN — After capping off his senior year and career playing basketball for head coach Dave Tallman at Morgantown High School, Jalen Goins, a starter for the 2022 state champions, signed his letter of intent to continue his playing career at the collegiate level for coach Danny Sancomb at the California University of Pennsylvania.
Tallman spoke highly of Goins, praising his forward for being a hard worker and bringing an edge to his team that helped them be successful not only this past season, but every season Goins played for MHS.
“Jalen was a relentless worked at MHS. He brought a much needed hard-nosed edge to our program,” said coach Tallman. “He is going to play for a great coach in Danny Sancomb. Coach Sancomb is known to have tough team so Jalen will fit in well.”
James Goins, Jalen’s father, supported coach Tallman’s words, saying that his sons success has come from the work and dedication Jalen puts into his game and life in general.
“We could not be prouder of Jalen and this opportunity to fulfill his dream to play college basketball for an outstanding program at Cal U. Jalen has been dedicated to sports his entire life and has been a winner at all levels due to his effort, focus, attention to detail, and willingness to work even when no one was looking. Jalen has had tremendous coaches over the years that have become family to us that invested in him and pushed him to become a better player than he thought he could be. Sports has taught Jalen many valuable skills. He has learned to be a leader who cares about his teammates and his coaches,” said Jalen’s father, James.
“He has learned to sacrifice and put others first. He has learned that there are no shortcuts to success and that success is a lease and never owned, and the rent is due every day. He has learned that you have to deserve to win, and those lessons equate to winning in life. Most of all, his mother and I are proud of the man that Jalen has become. Jalen is a man of faith that loves all people and cares deeply for those that have not had the same opportunity that he has had and takes every opportunity to give back. Jalen is a good son, a good brother, and a wonderful young man. We have enjoyed watching Jalen play over the years and look forward to him continuing his career at Cal U.”
For Jalen himself, playing at Cal U means more to him than simply continuing his playing career on the hardwood.
“First off, I want to give all credit and glory to God. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without him. It’s always been a goal of mine to play at the next level competitively and it feels truly amazing to finally have that dream come true. The decision to continue my career at Cal U is extremely special to me because not only one dream came true but two. I now get to play the game I love with someone I look up to, my older brother,” Jalen said of his decision. “I would like to say thank you to all my coaches and teammates because they have shaped me to be the player and person I am. I would like to thank my parents because they have been the main key to my success, and I would like to thank Coach Sancomb and the coaching staff for allowing me to accomplish this goal of mine at Cal U.”
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