SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University head men's basketball coach Justin Namolik announced today that six student-athletes will continue their basketball careers for the Rams this upcoming 2025-26 season.

Mohamed Bailor Barrie (Laurel, Md./Glenelg Country School), a 6-6 forward, played high school basketball at Glenelg Country School, the same high school as current Ram Cole Paar and former Rams Chase Paar and Jarod Robinson.

"Despite seeing limited action last season, Mohamed Bailor comes to Shepherd highly recommended," said Namolik. "He has a strong work ethic and has the potential to improve. I think his best basketball is still in front of him."

Tristan Cook (Boonsboro, Md./Hagerstown Community College), a 6-0 guard, was named first team All-Region after averaging 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He also led the region with 73 steals.

"Tristan is a wiry playmaker who is a pesky on-ball defender," stated Namolik. "He will provide depth for us at the point guard position."

Cole Hoffman (Midlothian, Va./Manchester High School), a 6-9 forward, garnered first team All-Region honors by averaging 13 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.

"Cole will provide defense, rebounding, and front court scoring for us this season," said Namolik. "I also think he has the tools to become a forward that can play inside and out, and I look forward to his development."

Xavier Kirk (Martinsburg, W.Va./Hedgesville High School), a 6-2 guard, averaged 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals. He was an honorable mention All-State and first team All-EPAC selection.

"Xavier is a solid all-around guard who was one of the best high school players in the eastern panhandle last season," stated Namolik. "I think he can develop into a contributor for us as he improves his shooting consistency and learns our system."

Daouda Traore (Silver Spring, Md./St. Thomas Aquinas), a 6-6 forward, transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas, a Division II school in New York, and has three years to play. He saw limited action last season as a freshman, but as a senior in high school at Clinton Grace he averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and one block.

"We recruited Daouda out of high school and we are very familiar with his game," said Namolik. "Daouda is an athletic forward who rebounds and blocks shots. I think he can become a very good player for us as he develops his offensive game in our system."

Colby White (Buckingham, Va./Blue Ridge School), a 6-3 guard, led his team to a 25-8 record after averaging 13.7 points and 2.6 assists. He was named first team All-State and first team All-BRAC.

"Colby was very productive last season for the Blue Ridge School, one of the top high school programs in Virginia," stated Namolik. "He can score at all three levels and can create offense for others."

"For the third year in a row, we have put together an immensely talented recruiting class that consists of high character individuals," said Namolik. "Two of our strengths last season were our leadership and our togetherness, and this year's team has the potential to be strong in those areas once again."

"I'm excited for the 25-26 season. This year's roster has a number of players who will be stepping into new and expanded roles. As the season progresses and this team develops individually and collectively, I believe we will be able to compete against the best teams in the PSAC."