Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western Men's Basketball team has welcomed five signees in its 2024-25 signing class, the program announced Monday afternoon.

"We are excited to introduce our recruiting class for the 2024-25 season. This group adds a great deal of depth to pair with our returners." Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "These student-athletes were all recruited to make a significant impact on our program, both now and in the future. We are eager to bring them together on campus and start the journey ahead."
Kyle Gruhler | Wing | Vancouver, Wash. / Skyview HS / Portland CC
Gruhler is a 6-5 wing who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Portland Community College and is a 2020 graduate of Skyview High School. While at Portland CC, Gruhler averaged 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on the Panthers' way to an NWAC league championship and a final four appearance. Prior to joining the Panthers, Gruhler was a two-time first team all-league selection and a first team Columbia all-region selection while averaging 20.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for Skyview High School. Gruhler is the son of Matt and Sarah Gruhler and plans to continue to pursue his degree in business while at Montana Western.
"Kyle joins us after helping Portland CC reach the semi-final game in the NWAC tournament this past spring. He is a dynamic wing who can impact the game in multiple areas," Jensen said. "His shooting and rebounding will provide an immediate boost to our team. Beyond his on-court skills, Kyle has a strong work ethic and leadership qualities that will help our program. We are confident that his experience and versatility will make an impact on our program immediately."
River Hurley | Forward | Anaconda, Mont. / Anaconda HS
Hurley is a 6-6 forward who joins the Bulldogs as a 2024 graduate from Anaconda High School. During his senior season for the Copperheads, Hurley averaged a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. He also added three assists and steals per game while earning All-State and all-conference accolades. In addition to basketball, Hurley competed in football, track, and golf during his career and earned all-conference accolades in football as a wide receiver and safety. Hurley is the son of Shannon and Rob Hurley and plans to major in physical education & health k-12 while at Montana Western.
"River joins us after an impressive career at Anaconda High School. With his great size and shooting ability, River is poised to hit the ground running in our program. We are excited to work with his potential and watch his growth in the coming years," Jensen said.
Alan Kane | Guard | McLean, Va. / Balboa School (Calif.) / College of Southern Idaho
Kane is a 6-2 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from College of Southern Idaho and a 2022 graduate of Balboa School in California. Last season, Kane shot 43.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from the arc for the Golden Eagles. He hit a season high of 18 points and dished out 11 assists last season in a matchup against Community Christian College. Kane is the son of Richard Kane and Susan Thornton and plans to continue to pursue his degree in business while at Montana Western.
"Alan joins us as a very quick guard with great skills and high level basketball experience. His ability to get paint touches and defend make him a standout addition to our team," Jensen said. "Equally impressive is his dedication to academics. Alan is an incredible student who excels in the classroom as well as on the court. We're excited to see how his talents and work ethic will contribute to our program's success both academically and athletically."

Clarence Martin | Wing | San Diego, Calif. / Eduprize Gilbert HS / Cabrillo College
Martin is a 6-5 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Cabrillo College and a 2021 graduate of Eduprize Gilbert High School. Last season for the Seahawks, Martin helped his team to a state tournament quarterfinal matchup while averaging eight points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Throughout his career at Cabrillo, he averaged 8.8 points per game and hit 39.9 percent from the field. Martin is the son of Clarence Martin and Jessica Romero and plans to continue to pursue his degree in business.
"Clarence joins us after an impressive career at Cabrillo College, where he played a big role in leading the Seahawks to the California state tournament." Head Coach Pat Jensen said. "He brings valuable size, strength, and shooting ability to our roster. Clarence is a dedicated hard worker, and I am confident that he will continue to improve throughout his college career and make an immediate impact on our program."

Kolter Merritt | Wing | Star Valley, Wyo. / Star Valley HS / Northwest College
Merritt is a 6-1 guard who joins the Bulldogs as a transfer from Northwest College and a 2021 graduate of Star Valley High School. Last season for the Trappers, Merritt started in 31 of 32 games and averaged 12.8 points and 8.7 rebounds. After two seasons and a redshirt season, Merritt combined for a total of 528 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Prior to joining the Trappers, Merritt was an All-State and All-Conference selection for Star Valley High School. He was a two-time region champion after three varsity seasons. Merritt is the son of Ryan and Faylene Merritt and plans to continue to pursue his degree in Ecology while at Montana Western.
"Kolter is a tough, hard-working player, who has a great ability to come up with rebounds and loose balls. He impacts winning in a multitude of areas. His relentless effort and determination earned him the prestigious Heart of a Champion award at Northwest, a testament to his character and dedication. We are thrilled to have Kolter join our program, and we're confident that his work ethic and toughness will make our program better," Jensen said.

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