CASTINE, Maine — The Maine Maritime Academy men's basketball program is excited to announce the addition of Aaron Pensel to its 2025 recruiting class — the first under head coach Cedric Gillette.
Pensel, a 6-foot-7 wing from Tallahassee, Florida, is the seventh signee in this year's class. He played for head coach Daron Huff at Leon High School, where he averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3 assists, and 1 steal per game as a senior. His 3.5 blocks per game led all players in Florida's Class 5A.
Pensel helped guide the Lions to a 20-8 record and a Class 5A District 3 championship appearance. Leon also reached the Class 5A state Elite Eight for the first time in 70 years, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Individually, Pensel was named the Florida Class 5A District 3 Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Big Bend honors. He was also the runner-up for Big Bend Player of the Year.
Off the court, Pensel enjoys working out and spending time with friends. He also played for the Born to Win Puma AAU program and will major in Marine Systems Engineering at Maine Maritime.
Pensel on choosing MMA:
"I chose MMA for its great academics and athletics program."
What They're Saying About Aaron Pensel
Cedric Gillette, Head Coach, Maine Maritime:
"The sky is the limit for Aaron. He does almost everything at a high level — he's a fantastic shooter, can get to the paint off the catch or the bounce, finish at the rim, or kick out to open shooters. His elite timing on defense helped him lead Class 5A in blocks per game. From our very first phone call, it felt like this would be a great fit. We first saw him play down in Tallahassee and were immediately impressed by how he dominated on both ends of the court. Aaron committed a few weeks after his visit, and we're thrilled to have him join the Mariners."
Daron Huff, Head Coach, Leon High School:
"Aaron is the best player I've ever coached. He's a great leader, extremely hardworking, and led Leon to the Elite Eight — something that had never been done before."
