MORGANTOWN – After an outstanding freshman season with the University of Akron, 2024 Bill Evans award winner and 3-time state champion with Morgantown High School, Sharron Young, will make his debut in The Big Dance.
The Zips have earned the 13th seed in the East Region of the bracket and will play No. 4 Arizona on Friday at 7:35 p.m. EST in Seattle, Washington.
“For me, making the NCAA tournament feels surreal,” Young said. “Getting the opportunity to compete against the best teams and players in the country is a dream come true. It’s truly a blessing for me, my teammates and coaches.”
Akron has been one of the better mid-major teams in the country this season, with a 28-6 record. The Zips swept the MAC conference titles, capturing the regular season and tournament championships.
Sharron played a key role off the bench for the Zips this season, averaging 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 steals. He shot 46.9% from the field, 40.5% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line, earning him all-MAC freshman team honors. He scored a career-high 18 points in an 81-73 victory over Ball State on February 4th.
“The transition from high school to college has been challenging but also very motivating,” Young said. “Everyone you are competing against was the best player from their high school, and their speed and physicality are at a new level. I’m proud of my progress, but there’s always another opportunity to continue evolving my game.”
Young says the Zips’ “blue-collar mentality” gives them a chance to pull off the 13-over-4 upset of Arizona.
“We are well-rounded and very unselfish on offense. Defensively, we play tough,” he said. “We have a deep bench and pride ourselves on strength in numbers. Keeping a mentality of going 1-0 every game has been our mantra all season, and I hope it helps carry us to a win in the tournament.”
No matter the result, Young knows the experience will be one to remember.
“Seattle isn’t somewhere I’ve ever visited, so I’m excited to be dancing there,” he said. “I think the biggest takeaway for me as a freshman is to take everything in and enjoy every moment and experience, keep learning as much as I can from the guys around me, and remember that the work doesn’t stop.”
