Metamora Redbirds Soar Higher with Prized Recruit Jonah Funk

The Metamora boys basketball team has just landed a major coup, securing the transfer of 6-foot-10 all-state senior Jonah Funk from El Paso-Gridley. Funk, a Division-I prospect, will bring his impressive skills and size to the Redbirds, bolstering their already formidable lineup. This move promises to elevate Metamora's status as a basketball powerhouse, as they gear up for a season filled with high-profile tournaments and challenging non-conference matchups.

Metamora Lands Prized Recruit, Poised for Breakout Season

A Transformative Addition to the Redbirds

Jonah Funk's decision to join the Metamora basketball program is a game-changer for the Redbirds. The towering 6-foot-10 center has been a dominant force on the court, averaging an impressive 14.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game during his junior season at El Paso-Gridley. Funk's size, skill, and defensive presence will undoubtedly bolster Metamora's frontcourt, providing a formidable presence that opposing teams will have to contend with.The Redbirds' coaching staff, led by first-year head coach Justin Dehm, will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to work with Funk and help him reach new heights in his basketball career. Funk's decision to transfer to Metamora was driven by his desire to challenge himself and compete against top-tier competition, as the Redbirds are slated to participate in several high-exposure tournaments, including the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions, the Jack Tosh Tournament, and the Normal West Midwest Crossroads Shootout.

Joining Forces with Talented Teammates

Funk's arrival at Metamora will also see him reunite with familiar faces, as he has previously played travel basketball with Redbirds standout Matthew Zobrist, who is committed to Bradley University. The two players have developed a strong on-court chemistry, and their ability to complement each other's skills will be a significant asset for the Redbirds.In addition to Zobrist, Metamora will also welcome the arrival of Cooper Koch, a Peoria Notre Dame transfer who played for the Redbirds last season and is now a freshman at the University of Iowa. The combination of Funk, Zobrist, and Koch promises to create a formidable trio that will challenge opponents both offensively and defensively.

Leaving a Legacy at El Paso-Gridley

While Funk's decision to transfer to Metamora is undoubtedly exciting, it also comes with a bittersweet farewell to his former team, the El Paso-Gridley Titans. Funk acknowledges the difficulty of leaving behind his longtime teammate and all-state guard Micah Meiss, with whom he has built a strong bond over the years.The Titans enjoyed a successful season last year, winning 25 games and finishing second in the Heart of Illinois Conference. Funk's departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but he is confident that his former teammates will continue to thrive without him. As he embarks on this new chapter, Funk is grateful for the experiences and memories he has created at El Paso-Gridley, and he hopes to carry that legacy with him as he joins the Metamora Redbirds.

Heightened Recruitment and Opportunities

Jonah Funk's transfer to Metamora has already started to generate significant buzz in the basketball community. With just one scholarship offer from Eastern Illinois University prior to the move, Funk's phone has been "blowing up" with increased interest from college programs since the news of his transfer broke.This heightened recruitment is a testament to Funk's immense potential and the opportunities that await him at Metamora. The Redbirds' challenging schedule and reputation as a basketball powerhouse will undoubtedly provide Funk with the platform to showcase his skills and attract even more attention from Division-I programs.As Funk embarks on this new chapter, he is eager to embrace the discipline, training, and experience that the Metamora program can offer. With the support of his new teammates and coaching staff, Funk is poised to take his game to new heights and solidify his status as one of the top high school basketball players in the state.