Judge Memorial's Pauley commits to Air Force Academy

Judge Memorial senior Ryan Pauley committed to the Air Force Academy on Monday.

Pauley, a 6-foot-5 senior on the Bulldogs' boys' basketball team said in a statement that he felt like the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., provided him the best opportunity post high school.

"The Air Force Academy offers me such incredible opportunities, including networking, connections, and an outstanding education," Pauley said. "I was very impressed with the entire basketball coaching staff, and know that in addition to athletics, I will be part of something very special."

Pauley will no doubt be a leader for the Bulldogs as the basketball season is now just a couple months away.

"He is technically our center by default, although we have been playing him at point guard and he has done quite well with the transition," said Judge Memorial head basketball coach Dan Del Porto. "As a junior, he averaged 10 points and was our leading rebounder on our region championship team. His leadership ability is such that the coaching staff has named him as one of our team captains this year. We expect big things from him once the season begins."

Pauley has done volunteer work with a number of organizations locally, including the annual Greek Festival and Parish Athletic Recreation Association (PARA) basketball league.

Pauley will mark the ninth Judge student in recent years to attend a military academy.

"What a terrific honor for Ryan, his family, and the Judge community," Del Porto said. "This certainly puts a glow on his senior year and validates all of his hard work. I am absolutely thrilled for him."

-Chris Kamrani

Twitter: @chriskamrani