Daemen College had a good 2009-10 season, finishing 18-13 overall and 9-7 in AMC (American Mideast Conference) league play before seeing their season end with a two point loss to Cedarville in the AMC semi finals.

Looking to build on their success, the school has recruited three of the best players from the Western New York high school ranks to join their squad next year.

The Wildcats have landed local recruits Mark Coppola (Williamsville South), Troy Nowak (Orchard Park) and Aaron Davis (North Tonawanda) to a an already talented mix that includes last year’s leading scorer, Devon Dawson (formerly of St. Joes high school).

Coppola was a first team, All-WNY point guard and was regarded as the best pure ball handler and play maker in this year’s high school class.  Coppola averaged 10 points, 10 assists and 3 steals for Williamsville South as they captured the Class-A championship this past year.

Nowak was a scoring machine for his Orchard Park team that surprised most observers by capturing the regular season Class-AA title.  Nowak averaged 22.7 points and 7.5 rebounds in earning third team, All-WNY honors.  A great outside shooter, Nowak should benefit greatly from pairing up with Coppola in the coming years in what has the makings of a fantastic back court for the foreseeable future.

Davis is a 6-3 forward who averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds in leading North Tonawanda to a memorable season that included a pair of victories against perennial powerhouse Niagara Falls.  The Lumberjacks made it to the Class-AA semi finals before losing to Jamestown.  Like Nowak he also earned third team, All-WNY honors.

Also joining next year’s crop is Lake Shore’s Sean Bellemo, who made All-WNY honorable mention.

With Daemen seniors DJ Johnson, Ajay Rutledge and Craig Travis moving on, this recruiting class could get ample opportunity for playing time early.