WASHINGTON - Third-year head coach Duane Simpkins has announced the addition of two talented recruits who will join the team for the 2026-27 season—DJ Sandi, a 6-2 guard from Fort Lauderale, Fla.., and Merrick Smith, a 6-11 center from Belgrade, Maine. Both all-state student-athletes, they signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday to play for the Eagles next season.

Smith is a senior at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire was an All-NEPSAC honorable mention selection last season, returning from injury to average eight points and seven rebounds per contest. He was an all-state first team honoree at Messalonskee High School as a sophomore where he averaged 25 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists per game. His high school team was regional champs his sophomore year, while his Kimball Union squad was NEPSAC semifinalists his junior year.

"Merrick is a high-character student-athlete who we are ecstatic about having in our program," said Simpkins. "He provides length and skill at the center position and he will be a great addition to our front court depth."

Sandi is a state champion guard out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, helping his team to a program-record 30 wins and a first-ever top 25 ranking as a junior last season. He's a three-time all-county selection who averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game last year. Sandi also plays for Austin Rivers SE Elite 3SSB and won the 16 and under championship in 2024.

"DJ is the son of a state-winning coach and is a prototypical pass-first point guard that can score," said Simpkins. "He will bring a toughness to our program on and off the court. We are really excited to have DJ as a part of our program. 

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