Huskies Lose Allen, Gain Prep Star

Eumarkjah "Mark" Sanford, a 6-foot-9 senior from Lincoln Prep in San Diego, has made an oral commitment to attend the University of Washington on a men's basketball scholarship.

The Huskies also are losing a player. Sam Allen, a 6-7 junior, has told the school he intends to transfer.

Sanford, who averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds in leading Lincoln to the California Class IV state championship, said he chose Washington primarily for its academic program. He said he plans to major in business and minor in education.

Sanford also said he felt comfortable with the coaching staff.

"It seemed like they were the type of coaches, if you have any problem you can talk to them. Anything. Girls. Basketball. Anything. They'll be pretty up front with you.

"I also like the area."

Sanford's mother, Beverley, said, "We weren't just interested in him going someplace just to play basketball. He needs his education."

Sanford cannot sign a letter of intent with Washington before April 13, the first day of the spring signing period.

Among the other schools Sanford considered were Wichita State, San Diego State, Long Beach State and Tulsa. He said he envisioned playing both forward positions in college.

"The 3 (small forward) will be my main position, but I can play a little bit of the 4 (power forward), too," he said.

Allen, who had transferred to Washington from American River Junior College in Sacramento, played in 27 games last season, starting nine. He averaged 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds, and scored 15 points in the final game, against Stanford.