Georgetown Recruiting, Louisville Recruiting, Pittsburgh Recruiting, Ron Bailey, Villanova Recruiting, West Virginia Recruiting

MONTROSE-ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC PREP RECAP

by Ron Bailey

February 12, 2009 – Tuesday, Montrose Christian (MD) defeated St. Johns Catholic Prep (MD) 75-41, at its cozy Rockville-situated gym. There is irony in a school that has enjoyed such hoops success having such a diminutive facility in which to impress fans, observers and college coaches. The setup is proof positive a gym is just a gym, and what’s important are the players, their development, and coaching.

To that end, following are select player rundowns, basically consisting of guys that will be attending/are considering Big East schools, or based upon early returns have the talent to play in that league, regarded by many as the best in men’s college ball. Players from both Montrose and St. Johns Catholic Prep are represented

Montrose Christian

Mouphtau Yarou (picture-r), sr. f/c, 6’9” 255 pounds – Yarou is a ‘beast’, dominating in the paint like few on the East Coast. Hailing from Benin, West Africa, Mouph grew later, and consequently has good movement and fills lanes, in addition to patrolling the paint. Though it’s not evident at Montrose, the soft spoken student athlete possesses a good mid-range game, of which he noted “Yes sir, I still have it” when asked if those skills, as evidenced this summer, are still present.

Greatly anticipating playing at Villanova next year, Yarou must continue to hone his entire game, which brings up an interesting point: Will the school’s coach, Jay Wright, a head man that typically truncates the touches and roles of big guys, allow Mouph to be Dante Cunningham this year, or the now senior frontcourt guy as a freshman? If it’s the former, he could be an all-rookie honoree in the Big East.

Isaiah Armwood – sr. f, 6’8”, 205 pounds – Armwood, also headed to Villanova, didn’t dress, though he was present on the bench. Afterward, Isaiah noted some issues had to be addressed, and that physically he was doing well, rebounding from a knee injury.

Despite his slim frame, Armwood indicated he will play both “the three and four” in the Big East, an assessment that makes sense due to his athletic ability, size, and need to improve both ball handling and outside shooting. When asked who at ‘Nova fans could best compare him to, he responded “Nobody really” due to his athleticism.

Terrence Ross (pictured-r) – jr. swingman, 6’7”, 180 pounds – Ross is being recruited by almost every school in the nation, and with good reason, as he’s hyper-athletic, shoots very well, and has great upside. From a Big East perspective, Georgetown, Villanova, Louisville and others have thrown their hats in his recruiting ring.

A native of Portland, Oregon, Ross, though being recruited West Coast programs like Oregon State, USC, UCLA, UNLV, has no hesitation in terms of attending college on the Right Coast. In fact, when asked about the Big East in particular, the laid back young guy – a trait that must be improved upon on the court along with open court ball handling – replied “I like it better than the ACC personally”.

Justin Anderson – fr., swingman, 6’5”, 190 pounds – Ross’ previous statement was directed in fun at the precocious Anderson, a first year high school player that had a few minutes ago noted “Texas, UNC, and Louisville” were his top three, with Louisville offering a scholarship, and the ACC was college ball’s best conference. Georgetown and other Big East crews have expressed interest.

It’s a wonder more schools haven’t, given Anderson’s solid build and skill set; he can shoot, is athletic, and plays with emotion. Going forward, look for Justin to work on his ball handling and channeling his enthusiasm. With that development and gaining general experience, Justin will be one of the best in America.

St. Johns Catholic Prep

Grandy Glaze – soph, f, 6’6”, 230 pounds – With continued ball handling work, Glaze will definitely be the type of player Big East teams covet; aggressive, smart and fearless, Glaze is not the type to back down. West Virginia sees it – they’ve offered – while Georgetown and Pittsburgh have expressed interest, along with, he shared, “Maryland, Kentucky, Xavier, Florida, North Carolina State” and others.

In addition to patting, expect him to expand his jump shot’s range. Grandy’s upside is tremendous.

JR Ferguson – junior, f/de, 6’4 ½”, 265 pounds – A hoops banger and gridiron defensive end, Ferguson has been offered by Big East football stalwarts UConn and Rutgers, in addition to pedigree programs such as Miami, LSU, Tennessee, Clemson, Michigan State, B.C. and many others. To date, Ferguson has been tendered 31 scholarship offers according to his father, Ego.

JR’s basketball game illustrates why schools are so interested, as he is really strong and aggressive – ask Yarou – can move well in close spaces, has quickness/light feet, and seems to understand the game, embracing his role. He’s a keeper on that 120 yard field.

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