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MILLER SCHOOL RECRUITING NOTEBOOK

Kofane, Parker and Tsafack receiving plenty of high-major recruiting attention

Coming off their first state title in school history, the Miller School, located in Charlottesville (VA) will be under new leadership on the basketball court in 200-2010. After leading the Mavericks to a 26-3 mark last season, Fred Wawner accepted a position with Hawaii Prep and traded in life in Virginia for the island life in our 50th state. In his 10 seasons leading the Miller School Wawner compiled a 188-48 record, culminating with last season’s state title.

This season, Scott Willard is the new head coach taking over the program. Coach Willard joins comes to the Miller School from the University of Wyoming where he previously served as their Director of Basketball Operations.

The former head coach at the Tilton (NH) School and Division III Lesley (MA) University takes over an impressive team that only lost one starter, Marshawn Powell (Arkansas) from last year’s team.

The Mavericks compete compete in the Division I of the VIC conference for league play, and Division II of the Virginia Independent Schools for states. The have won four consecutive VIC league titles heading into the 2009-2010 season and with a talented group of returning players, highlighted by Mychal Parker, Brice Kofane and Hippolyte Tsafack, the chances for a fifth straight league title looks pretty good.

Brice Kofane is a 6-foot-8, 205 pound C/BF who averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks a game last season with the Mavericks. This past summer, Kofane caught the eye of NBE with a strong defensive effort with the Albany City Rocks at the Nike Peach Jam and again at the AAU Super Showcase to close out July.

“He is one of the premier defensive players in the nation,” said Miller School assistant coach Tommy Landseadel. “We routinely would give him the assignment of guarding the other team’s best player, regardless of position.”

Kofane is still a work in progress on the offensive side, but coach Landseadel indicates that his jumpshot, footwork and ability to finish continues to improve and if the skills can catch up to his athletic body, his upside is “limitless.”

“Initially, he will find minutes as a defensive specialist at the next level, but as he continues to progress offensively, look for his role to expand,” stated Lanseadel.

As for where he lands at the next level, the Miller School assistant believes his decision will come down between Boston College, Connecticut and Harvard.

Kofane has already taken an unofficial visit to Harvard and is planning to make an official visit to Boston College at the end of September.

The most well-known Maverick in recruiting circles is 6-foot-6 forward Mychal Parker. After a strong summer on the AAU circuit with the Ohio Basketball Club, Parker has raised his recruiting profile to be among one of the most highly coveted players in the class of 2010.

“Parker’s top five at the moment includes Maryland, Wake Forest, Miami, Auburn and Arkansas,” Landseadel told NBE in an e-mail. “Parker appears to be leaning towards Maryland at the moment, and is planning on making his visits in the fall to help finalize his choice.”

Local favorite Virginia was also among his favorites, but with the Cavaliers adding a couple wings in recent weeks, they are likely to fall out of the mix.

Parker had told NBE back in June at the NBA Top 100 Camp that he also has an offer from Georgetown and West Virginia and Connecticut were showing interest.

Last season Parker scored about 17 points a game to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

“He is a very gifted and smooth offensive player,” said Landseadel. “He is an explosive athlete who has the perimeter skills that make him a very tough cover.”

With the ability to hit from three-point range and finish at the rim, Parker has been working at his mid-range game to complete his offensive arsenal this summer.

Rounding out the high-major prospects for this year’s squad is Hippolyte Tsafack.

“He is a very physical 6’8” big man who really runs the floor well and is relentless on the boards,” stated Landseadel.

Tsafack added 14 points and 9 rebounds to the attack last season at the Miller School. So far he has drawn recruiting interest from Maryland, Virginia Tech, Auburn, St. John’s, LaSalle and Fairfield.

With six of their top seven from last year’s team returning, things are looking good for new coach Scott Willard to begin his tenure. Coach Landseadel also noted that D’Andre Corbin, Preston Terrell and Andrew Owusu all bring athleticism to the table as well as experience. Ali Sozeri will add depth at the guard postion this year, too.

“We are looking to repeat as state champs this year and with six of our top seven players returning, we should be pretty tough to beat,” said Landseadel.

NBE will keep an eye on the Miller School Mavericks this season, as well as any recruiting developments with Brice Kofane, Mychal Parker and Hippolyte Tsafack as they narrow down their college choices.

For more information on the Miller School, check out their website HERE!