Jun. 5—BLACKSVILLE — One of the best players to ever take the court for the Clay-Battelle boys’ basketball program will continue his basketball career as Preston Luzader signed with Waynesburg University on Thursday afternoon.
“Waynesburg stayed very consistent in their recruitment, and the way the program is run just fit for me, ” Luzader said. “I was always hearing from Coach Tim Fusina, and he was asking me how I was doing and where my head was at. Always asking if I needed anything. I could really feel he wanted me to join his program.”
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Luzader finished his career in Blacksville as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in boys basketball program history. He was a multi-time all-state selection, securing first-team honors in 2024-25 and finishing in the top five in voting for the Bill Evans Player of the Year award. Luzader averaged 23 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Cee-Bees to a Region I title and a return trip to the state tournament.
Preston says he’s most excited about the rise in competition that comes with making the transition from high school to college basketball.
“It’s going to be a big jump, but I’m excited for that challenge, ” he said. “Guys will be bigger, faster, and more athletic, but I feel that I’ve gotten used to playing that type of competition during travel season, playing AAU. So that gives me confidence that I can compete from day one.”
While he stands at 6-6, Luzader is a big man who can stretch the floor with the ability to handle, pass, and shoot the ball well. Something he hopes to emphasize when he arrives in Waynesburg.
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“I definitely want to develop that aspect of my game more, ” he said. “I wouldn’t say I want to be a guard, but I do want to be a player who can step out or bring the ball up the floor.”
Preston will have completely new teammates than he had over the past four years. Still, one of them will be a familiar face: his cousin, Cam Danser, who recently announced his commitment to Waynesburg after spending two seasons with WVU Tech.
“Being able to have Cam there is going to be helpful, ” Luzader said. “He’s been there before playing college basketball, so being able to ask him any questions or anything. We’ve always talked about playing together since he went to college, and it’s going to be fun.”
No matter the circumstance, Preston wants to be a player his team can rely on.
“I want to be someone that Waynesburg can count on, ” he said. “On the floor and off. Outside of basketball and within the game. I want to be a leader and a role model, and I just want to bring what I’ve brought to Clay-Battelle to Waynesburg and make an impact.”
