First, the standard disclaimer: Verbal commitments are not binding, and Chase Fischer cannot sign a letter of intent until November.

Of 2010.

But the 6-foot-3 combo guard from Ripley and his family are comfortable enough with Marshall coach Donnie Jones, assistant coach Brett Nelson and staff that they called a very early end to the recruiting process. John Fischer, Chase's father, confirmed Friday that Chase has committed to play for the Thundering Herd.

"We looked at Marshall and where it's going, and Chase wants to be part of that," John Fischer said. "We're preparing for him to be an integral part of the team, and help them get back to the NCAA tournament."

Scholastically, Chase Fischer has only finished his freshman year. In fact, Noah Fischer is the better-known brother, averaging 19.9 points as a junior last season and earning second-team Class AAA all-state honors. Noah also averaged 20 points in his sophomore year at Sissonville.

Chase averaged 8.7 points as a freshman but showed a similar proficient stroke from long range. His 40.5 percent from 3-point range was the team's highest, a shade above Noah's 39.3.

The younger Fischer blossomed this spring in AAU ball, playing on the Ohio Basketball Club's 15-and-under team. His progress has been followed closely by Nelson, the former St. Albans High and Florida guard who is building a reputation as a strong recruiter and solid assistant coach.

Chase Fischer's OBC squad, which also includes Perry Henry of South Charleston and Jamie Tompkins of Capital, has won two tournaments this year and is one of the top 15-and-under squads in the nation. As a whole, the OBC carries some prestige, listing alumni such as Mike Gansey, Earl Boykins, Orlando Pace and Chris Chambers. Poca's Noah Cottrill plays for the OBC 16-and-under team.

First, the standard disclaimer: Verbal commitments are not binding, and Chase Fischer cannot sign a letter of intent until November.

Of 2010.

But the 6-foot-3 combo guard from Ripley and his family are comfortable enough with Marshall coach Donnie Jones, assistant coach Brett Nelson and staff that they called a very early end to the recruiting process. John Fischer, Chase's father, confirmed Friday that Chase has committed to play for the Thundering Herd.

"We looked at Marshall and where it's going, and Chase wants to be part of that," John Fischer said. "We're preparing for him to be an integral part of the team, and help them get back to the NCAA tournament."

Scholastically, Chase Fischer has only finished his freshman year. In fact, Noah Fischer is the better-known brother, averaging 19.9 points as a junior last season and earning second-team Class AAA all-state honors. Noah also averaged 20 points in his sophomore year at Sissonville.

Chase averaged 8.7 points as a freshman but showed a similar proficient stroke from long range. His 40.5 percent from 3-point range was the team's highest, a shade above Noah's 39.3.

The younger Fischer blossomed this spring in AAU ball, playing on the Ohio Basketball Club's 15-and-under team. His progress has been followed closely by Nelson, the former St. Albans High and Florida guard who is building a reputation as a strong recruiter and solid assistant coach.

Chase Fischer's OBC squad, which also includes Perry Henry of South Charleston and Jamie Tompkins of Capital, has won two tournaments this year and is one of the top 15-and-under squads in the nation. As a whole, the OBC carries some prestige, listing alumni such as Mike Gansey, Earl Boykins, Orlando Pace and Chris Chambers. Poca's Noah Cottrill plays for the OBC 16-and-under team.

Noah Fischer plays on the OBC's 17-and-under squad, along with South Charleston's Aaron Dobson. The older Fischer is drawing interest from mid-major programs, including Davidson, Bucknell, James Madison, Brown, Lehigh and Navy.

He has a 26 ACT score already and carries a 4.0 grade-point average.

John Fischer said his younger son carries similar traits.

"He's a mature 15-year-old," John Fischer said. "He's a very mature kid with a fantastic work ethic, and he's a pretty sharp student."

One who apparently knows what he wants, even if it's a few years away.

"With the early commitment, you can now focus on what you need to do," John Fischer said. "Now Chase can focus on having a good high school career here."

Reach Doug Smock at 348-5130 or dougsm...@wvgazette.com.