NorthWood senior Trent Edwards announced his choice of Bethel University to continue his basketball and academic career. (File photo by Mike Deak)

NAPPANEE – Trent Edwards is continuing a strong basketball pipeline to Bethel University.

The talented senior from NorthWood High School made his announcement Friday afternoon he is continuing his basketball and academic career with the Pilots. Edwards becomes the eighth Panther to join Bethel’s program, becoming the first since Will Stueve did in 2014.

Edwards, named the 2019-20 Ink Free News Boys Basketball Player of the Year, had what could be seen as a breakout season by some, standout season by others. Either way, Edwards emerged as a force for the Panthers, leading the team with 15.4 points per game and added 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 54 total blocks and steals.

NorthWood went 18-6 this past season, finishing as one of the regional qualifiers when the state tournament was halted. The Panthers won the sectional title in on its home court, the second with Edwards after the team won in 2018.

Edwards was recently named All-State Honorable Mention and All-Northern Lakes Conference in basketball and was an Academic All-State in boys soccer in the fall.

Bethel, coached by Steve Drabyn, was 22-11 when the college basketball season was halted. The Pilots reached the Crossroads League championship last season after an 8-10 conference season.

“I was initially drawn to Bethel because I’ve grown up watching them play and I’m familiar with the school,” Edwards said. “I love the coaching staff and team but also the religious aspect of the school.”

Edwards is looking into a major in pre-optometry and currently holds a 3.86 GPA at NorthWood.