Irvine Valley sophomore men's basketball player Aaron Strings has signed with NAIA College of Idaho.
The star wing player was a leader on and off the court for the Lasers.
He was named second team all-Orange Empire Conference after the 2021-22 season, averaging 11.9 points per game (second on the team) to go along with 2.1 assists.
He was the squad's best defensive wing, guarding IVC's top opposing wing constantly.
Strings helped Irvine Valley to a record of 18-11 overall and a trip to the California Community College Athletic Association So. Cal. Regional playoffs this past season.
Strings was also named Irvine Valley's male athlete for the Orange Empire Conference Nevco Character Champion Team in 2021.
This award is given to the student-athletes who displays the following values; sportsmanship, respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity and responsibility shown through a specific action, ideally directed toward an opponent during competition.
The criteria also includes the action of putting the team and teammates before oneself while acting as a positive role model. The inaugural award was given out following the 2009-10 academic year.
"I value sportsmanship because it is very important to be a team player," Strings said after receiving the award. "I always help teammates and opposing players up when they fall down and play a clean and fair game.
"Whether we win or lose the most important thing is the health and safety of all players on the court."
Strings also helps in his community. The former Warren High of Downey standout helps those in his community whenever he can.
"I volunteer as a youth Sunday school teacher's assistant for high school age students attending my church," he said. "Mentoring teens as they navigate peer pressure, face academic challenges, search for their inner voices, and work toward receiving their diplomas has impacted my overall character.
"I strive to lead by example because actions always speak louder than words. Mentoring is a community service activity that has helped me to become a better "me". I have learned that our actions have great impact both on and off the court."
During his freshman year at IVC in the 2019-20 season, Strings helped the Lasers to a record of 17-13 overall, make the playoffs and reach the second round.
IVC upset Chaffey on the road, 67-64, and then nearly did the same in the second round at Santa Monica before losing a tough game, 53-46.
Strings ended up starting 22 games for IVC, including the final 21 contests of that season. He had a season-best 17 points in Irvine Valley's 63-62 conference win over Santa Ana.
Strings, who sports a 3.50 grade point average at IVC, has been a scholar-athlete both years and has been named the Irvine Valley men's basketball team's most improved player.
He heads to a College of Idaho program that is one of the best in the NAIA.
The Yotes went an outstanding 32-5 last season, won the Cascade Conference Championship with a record of 20-2. The squad went 21-1 at home and made the NAIA National Tournament.
