Julian Welch averaged 25.1 points per game last year as a senior at Franklin High. (Photo courtesy of Scott Lorenzo, Sacramento Bee)

July 21, 2008

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis has signed Julian Welch to an athletics grant-in-aid agreement, announced head coach Gary Stewart. Welch will join the Aggies after completing a stellar prep career at Franklin High School in Elk Grove. The incoming freshman finished last season as one of the top scorers in the state.

Welch led Franklin and finished 15th in the state with 25.1 points per game last year as a senior. He scored 30 or more points seven times and reached the 20-point plateau a total of 18 times. In all, Welch led the Delta Valley Conference and the section in scoring and shot a blistering .451 from beyond the arc.

Welch, a four-year honor student at Franklin, was named first-team All-Metro by the Sacramento Bee as a senior after garnering second-team honors as a junior. His senior year efforts also included being selected as most valuable player of the DVC. He was the MVP of the Bella Vista Tournament and grabbed all-tournament recognition at the Arcata and Fairfield tournaments. Additionally, Welch was a MaxPreps.com player of the week selection as a senior.

"With the impending graduation of Vince (Oliver) and David (Carter), it was imperative we find somebody who can help fill the void created by their departure, and I'm confident Julian can help fill that role," said Stewart. "Julian was an accomplished high school scorer, and we are confident that translates well to the collegiate game. He is equally adept at scoring off the catch or attacking off the dribble to compliment an excellent mid-range game. He also has the ability to get all the way to the basket and finish."

In last month's Sac vs. Bay Showdown all-star game, Welch scored 27 of his 29 points in the second half to help his squad overcome a 23-point second half deficit and win 115-114.

As a junior, Welch also played in the Sac vs. Bay Showdown while receiving first-team all-conference honors. He led the DVC in scoring with 18.2 ppg.

Welch scored 1,230 points in his final two years at Franklin.