Nortz signs to play basketball at Simpson University

“I really wanted to continue pursuing my career and play college basketball, so I’m really excited about it and it’s just a great opportunity,” Nortz said, who visited Simpson University in March. “I really liked the campus and everything else there … I had an opportunity to meet all the players on the team, too, so that was pretty cool. It will be a little different type of climate in Redding than what I’ve been accustomed to, but that’s okay because I really like warm weather.”

Nortz was the leading scorer for the Mustangs, averaging 24 points per game for sixth-year Coach Jason Burns and assistant Coach Tom Nortz during the Big Sky League 2023-24 boys basketball season. He earned a Big Sky second team, all-league award. Nortz attended Columbia High School in White Salmon his junior year and he played on the Bruin basketball team during the 2022-2023 season.

Nortz helped lead the Mustangs to a 5-9 league mark and 9-15 overall record last year.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a letter of intent signing ceremony at Trout Lake High School, so this was a real big deal for us,” said Burns. “I’m excited for Dylan; I’m proud of him and I’m glad to see he’s going to a place where he’ll fit in really well with the team.”

Nortz will be attending Simpson University along with his older brother, Jordan, a junior, who plays on the Red Hawks football team as a defensive back. The Red Hawks compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the California Pacific Association (Cal Pac).