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STEFAN JANKOVIC CLIMBING RECRUITING LADDER TO TOP TIER OF 2012 PROSPECTS
February 17, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
2012 forward seeing recruiting amp up higher with move to Huntington Prep
6-foot-10 Canadian import Stefan Jankovic continues to make a big name for himself on the recruiting trail and his recent mid-year transfer from Kiski to Huntington Prep was aimed to better prepare his game for the college level and the competition he would be facing with the schools recruiting him.
“I made the change because I felt that it was needed, I wasn’t facing the top competition at Kiski that I’m facing now at Huntington Prep, as they play a nationally ranked schedule,” said Jankovic. “Skill development was huge too, I didnt think at Kiski I was developing enough, especially in the weight room, but Huntington Prep is a whole different situation, they have me in the weight room constantly, and practice is tough and I’m getting a lot better.”
Jankovic also feels he has seen the results and his game and body are improving…
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on Stefan Jankovic as the impressive 2012 prospect talks about the transition of moving to Huntington Prep, the improvement in his game since arriving at Huntington and his recruitment, which continues to grow, and although he is still open, he gives a preview of what schools would be at the top of his list today. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
MORE PRIMETIME SHOOTOUT RECRUITING NOTES
February 16, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Last weekend’s Primetime Shootout annually brings an impressive collection of high school basketball talent to New Jersey to compete over the course of two or three days. This year the venue moved to Union (NJ) on the campus of Kean University. Here is some of the previous coverage from Matt Whitfield for NBE from his time covering the 2011 version of the event:
- 2011 Primetime Shootout – Friday Night Notes
- Findlay Prep Trio Hot Prospects in Class of 2012 – A look at the recruitment of Landen Lucas, Anthony Bennett and Nazareth Long.
- Montrose Christian Rebounds to Rout Findlay Prep at Primetime Shootout – ‘Nova bound Tyrone Johnson shines in easy win over loaded Findlay team.
- Justin Anderson Update – Possible College Decision Forthcoming for Elite ’12 Forward?
- Recruiting on Hold for Andre Drummond – St. Thomas More Prep coach Jere Quinn taks about the recruitment of the nations top 2012 PF.
Today NBE takes a look at the recruitment and the latest of Trenton Catholic’s Brandon Taylor, the Lakewood duo of Anthony Walker, who is quickly making a name for himseld this year, and Jarrod Davis, who talks of his prep school options and the schools he is looking at as part of the Class of 2012. Also, Quality Education Academy’s Lekan Ajayi talks about the final five schools the Class of 2011 big man prospect will choose from.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read the full story as we wrap-up our 2011 Primetime Shootout Recruiting coverage below. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
FINDLAY PREP TRIO HOT PROSPECTS IN CLASS OF 2012
February 12, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
The star power on the Findlay Prep basketball team is certainly impressive and the Pilots are one of the headline teams participating in the 2011 Primetime Shootout schedule. Findlay will take on Montrose Christian on Saturday evening at 7:30 at Kean University and on Sunday they will take on Newark (NJ) Eastside. While Class of 2011 stars Myck Kabongo (Texas), Nick Johnson (Arizona) and Amir Garrett (St. John’s), along with highly touted 2013 prospect Nigel Williams-Goss (UNLV) have made their college choices already, plenty of talent remains availabel tofr college coaches to recruit on Michael Peck’s squad.
On Friday night, NBE’s Matt Whitfield caught up with three of the talented 2012 prospects for Findlay Prep as they were checking out the action themselves Friday night preparing for a weekend of basketball. 6-foot-9 Landen Lucas of Portland (OR), 6-foot-8 Anthony Bennett of Brampton, Ontario (Canada) and 6-foot-3 Nazareth Long of Mississauga, Ontario (Canada) are being recruiting by elite programs across the country and shared the latest with NBE last night in their recruitment.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read detailed updates on Landen Lucas, Anthony Bennett and Nazareth Long as the Findlay Prep trio are being pursued by some of the top college programs across the country. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
RECRUITMENT OF KAREEM CANTY CATCHING UP TO HIS TALENT
February 11, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Last spring on the AAU circuit it became pretty clear that the recruitment of Kareem Canty would soon be taking off. The NYC native had a string of impressive showings with the LI Lightning program during the AAU travel season before the live July period began. Yet, his recruitment was still most heavily involved with mid-majors from the Northeast as he was in the Class of 2011.
Fast-Forward seven or eight months, Canty has moved to Bridgton Academy in the NEPSAC from Bishop Loughlin of NYC and after reclassing into the Class of 2012, his recruitment has definitely caught up to the talent he has displayed not only on the AAU scene, but also since transferring to Bridgton, which included a 28-point performance against a strong Northfield Mount Hermon squad in the National Prep School Invitational last weekend on the campus of Rhode Island University.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more about Kareem Canty and his recruitment as the 2012 point guard has seen an uptick in interest and a longer list of schools is beginning to form. Contrary to some previous reports, there are no favorites and other schools are getting involved. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
NATIONAL PREP SCHOOL INVITATIONAL RUNDOWN
February 8, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
by PAT STEVENS
Kingston, R.I. – It was a busy weekend starting Thursday and finishing up just before Superbowl XLV on Sunday last at Keaney Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Rhode Island as the 13th annual National Prep School Invitational took place. Featuring 33 games with programs spanning the United States and from Spain, including six televised contests, it was another successful run of the annual event.
Syracuse signee Michael Carter-Williams of St. Andrew’s was named Most Outstanding Player for the second straight year while other Big East signees Maurice Harkless (St. John’s/South Kent), Jakarr Sampson (St. John’s/Brewster Academy) and Shaquille Thomas (Cincinnati/NIA Prep) were named to the 12-man All-Tournament team for their performances over the weekend.
Pat Stevens, who is instrumental in running the event, took the time to break down the players who signed with BIG EAST programs this fall and their performances in the event. Also, staff members, including head coaches from Marquette, Providence and Seton Hall, and assistants from Louisville, Providence, Rutgers, St. John’s, South Florida and West Virginia stopped by during a busy weekend of action to check in on players already committed to their programs and targets they are currently chasing. Pat Stevens has all the details below in our subscriber section…
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read Stevens complete coverage from the NPSI last weekend for NBE. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
KELVIN AMAYO WORKING WAY TOWARDS SPRING DECISION
February 8, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
6’5 ‘combo’ guard continues to see building interest heading towards late signing period for 2011 class
Coaches scouring the country for talent to add to their college programs in the spring recruiting period have been finding their way to NIA School in Newark (NJ). Alif Muhammad’s program in the Garden State has a few players still available in the Class of 2011 and 6-foot-5 G/F Kelvin Amayo is one garnering plenty of high major attention, along with some pretty impressive scholarship offers.
This past weekend a BIG EAST head coach made a trip to the National Prep School Invitational to check in on Amayo. On the floor, Amayo like to get out in transition and drive aggressively to the rim. His strong upper body enables him to get past most defenders and finish with contact, while his speed makes him to tough to stop on a fast break. He is always in attack mode, getting to the lane at will. He continues to make strides with his shooting and other perimter skills, making him a very intriguing prospect in the late signing period for college basketball.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more about Amayo as he discusses his season with NIA Prep, recruitment and more with NBE. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
2012 ZACH AUGUSTE RISING UP RECRUITING LISTS
January 30, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
It did not take long at the National Prep Showcase in November to see that New Hampton Prep junior big man Zach Auguste was a player to watch closely in the Class of 2012. While his name was not well known among fans and recruitniks, college coaches had the long and lean lefty on their minds. Auguste used his length and athleticism to get blocks and rebounds at both ends of the floor and he also has fairly good vision and passing ability for a player his size. One play in particular, a nasty baseline dunk, showed the immense potential Auguste has.
Already with five scholarship offers from BIG EAST, Big 10 and ACC programs, along with plenty of serious interest from others in those conferences as well as the Big 12, SEC and Atalntic 10, it is easy to see that Zach Auguste is a player quickly moving up the ranks in the Class of 2012.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more about Auguste as he discusses his development, recruitment and more with NBE. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
JORDAN DICKERSON ONE TO WATCH IN 2012 CLASS
January 20, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Big East Schools Expressing Interest In Lincoln’s 7-footer
By Zach Smart
Last season, Jordan Dickerson sported the tag of work-in-progress for Brooklyn’s famed Lincoln High.
A 7-footer who assumed man in the middle responsibilities since the Railsplitters’ James Padgett took his game to College Park, Md., has shown some glimpses this season.
A senior who will take the prep school route next year, Dickerson has developed better habits around the basket. He’s become sound on the glass and learned how to manipulate and change shots with his long and lean presence.
During Monday’s Big Apple Classic at Baruch College, the NYC hoop junkie chatter was still surrounding Patterson’s Aquille Carr.
Carr, who dropped 34 points and collected eight steals in a loss to longtime coach Ron Naclerio and Cardozo, dropped jaws with his explosiveness, athleticism, and ability to get his shot off in traffic.
Still, for a few moments on Monday, the upside on Dickerson was glaring.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on Jordan Dickerson as the 7-footer from the traditional NYC PSAL power is getting some impressive attention from top programs on the recruiting trail. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
MERNAGH: EVALUATING 2013 PROSPECT GENO THORPE
January 20, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Geno Thorpe is a sophomore at Shaler Area High School (outside of Pittsburgh, PA) and a high major prospect at point guard in the 2013 class.
Thorpe has had Pitt, Wisconsin, Ohio State and a slew of others recruiting him for a while now.
Here’s what I thought of his game when I watched him last Saturday against State College High School.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read the scouting report on Geno Thorpe. Thorpe also recently discusse with NBE what college coaches have been out to see him this season and some factors that will be most important in his college decision as he is already getting plenty of interest from some top schools in the Big East, Big 10 and Big 12. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
HOOP HALL CLASSIC – - DAY THREE
January 19, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
BY JEFF BORZELLO
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Monday of the Hoop Hall Classic is annually the most loaded day of games, complete with a quartet of games on ESPNU. This year, the quality on Martin Luther King Day isn’t as high, but there are still some big-time contests. Prior to the television match-ups, Anthony Davis and Perspectives (Ill.) and Patrick Connaughton and St. John’s Prep (Mass.) got things kicked off. The first ESPNU game was Christ the King (N.Y.) vs. Westchester Country Day School (N.C.), sans an injured Quincy Miller. Following that was a battle between arguably the top players in the classes of 2011 and 2012 with Michael Gilchrist and St. Patrick (N.J.) taking on Bishop Gorman (Nev.) and Shabazz Muhammad. LeBryan Nash and Dallas Lincoln (Tex.) played Findlay Prep (Nev.) and then Academy of the New Church (Penn.) faced Boys and Girls (N.Y.).
In our Hoop Hall Classic – - Day 1 report, Jeff Borzello broke down the performances of BIG EAST commits Myles Mack, Wayne Blackshear, Mikael Hopkins and Jabarie Hinds. There were also scouting reports and recruiting updates on Kris Dunn (’12 PG), Kyle Anderson (’12 G/F), Jordan Adams (’12 SG), Kevin Johnson (’11 PF), C.J Blackwell (’11 SF), Billy Garrett, Jr. (’13 G) as well as a recruiting update on Evan Nolte (’12 SF) and more on Ben McLemore (’11 SG) and Damien Wilson (’12 SG). Hoop Hall Classic – - Day 2 coverage was more of the same with BIG EAST commits John Johnson, Michael Carter-Williams and Amir Garrett in action as well as top-level recruiting prospects such as Alex Murphy (’12 PF), DaJuan Coleman (’12 C/PF), Nik Stauskas (’12 G/F), Landen Lucas (’12 C), Kaleb Tarczewski (’12 C), Andre Drummond (’12 PF) and more…
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more of the coverage from the Hoop Hall Classic as Jeff Borzello completes his coverage with top player evals and recruiting updates from the standouts such as Omar Calhoun (’12 G), Isaiah Lewis (’13 G), Shabazz Muhammad (’12 SF), Rosco Allen (’12 SF), Winston Shepard (’12 SF), Anthony Bennett (’12 F) and BIG EAST commits such as Patrick Connaughton and Keton Miles. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
HOOP HALL CLASSIC – - DAY 2
January 18, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
BY JEFF BORZELLO
After a jam-packed first day that featured several good teams but little in the way of exciting contests, Sunday at the Hoop Hall Classic brought another four national games between teams with several Division-I players on the roster. We opened with St. Mark’s (Mass.) against Life Center Academy (N.J.), followed by St. Thomas More (Conn.) and Hargrave Military Academy (Va.). After that was St. Andrew’s (R.I.) against Findlay (Nev.) and Jamesville-Dewitt (N.Y.) and Webster Groves (Mo.).
In our Hoop Hall Classic – - Day 1 report, Jeff Borzello broke down the performances of BIG EAST commits Myles Mack, Wayne Blackshear, Mikael Hopkins and Jabarie Hinds. There were also scouting reports and recruiting updates on Kris Dunn (’12 PG), Kyle Anderson (’12 G/F), Jordan Adams (’12 SG), Kevin Johnson (’11 PF), C.J Blackwell (’11 SF), Billy Garrett, Jr. (’13 G) as well as a recruiting update on Evan Nolte (’12 SF) and more on Ben McLemore (’11 SG) and Damien Wilson (’12 SG). Day 2 coverage is more of the same with BIG EAST commits John Johnson, Michael Carter-Williams and Amir Garrett in action as well as top-level recruiting prospects such as Alex Murphy (’12 PF), DaJuan Coleman (’12 C/PF), Nik Stauskas (’12 G/F), Landen Lucas (’12 C), Kaleb Tarczewski (’12 C), Andre Drummond (’12 PF) and more…
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more of the coverage from the Hoop Hall Classic with top player evals and recruiting updates from the standouts in the Class of 2011, 2012, 2013 and even 2014. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
2011 TODD MAYO HEATING UP ON RECRUITING FRONT
January 17, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Todd Mayo‘s rich basketball bloodline indicates that he’s a pure scorer who can erupt and score buckets by the bushels during phases.
While Mayo may contain some of the lethal spurtability but not quite the deft shooting touch of his older brother, famed NBA star O.J. Mayo, the Notre Dame Prep guard falls out of bed ready to rip off eight straight points. Mayo’s hyper-athleticism and ability to take the ball to the rack has earned plentiful interest from a bevy of high-major programs.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on Aquille Carr, one of the elite players in the 2013 class, and see what schools are already involved in his recruitment. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
2013 RECRUIT FOCUS – GENO THORPE
January 13, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
The Shaler Area High School boy’s basketball team continues to roll along. Earlier this week they dominated Section rival North Hills in a 72-51 victory. Star sophomore guard Geno Thorpe scored 14 points, but spent a good portion of the game resting as Shaler built a 43-14 lead at the half.
It has been pretty much that kind of season for Thorpe and his Titan teammates are undefeated and ranked as the No. 1 team in the WPIAL. They have established themselves as the team to beat in the competitive AAAA division of Section 3.
Thorpe estimates he is averaging about 21 points and 4 assists a game. This past summer the 6-foot-3, 178-lb guard began making a name for himself outside of the Pittsburgh (PA) area by playing AAU basketball with the powerful NJ Playaz program. As a freshman he teammed with current St. Benedict’s of Newark (NJ) big man Mike Young, also a Class of 2013 top prospect, at Shadyside Academy near Pittsburgh. Thorpe has moved back to his home district and couldn’t be happier.
“Our season is going great! We are currently 11-0, and No. 1 ranked in the WPIAL,” Thorpe told NBE earlier this week.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on the season Geno Thorpe is having. Thorpe also discusses what college coaches have been out to see him this season and some factors that will be most important in his college decision as he is already getting plenty of interest from some top schools in the Big East, Big 10 and Big 12. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
UNCOMMITTED 2011 UPDATE: ERIC KATENDA
January 10, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
6’9 native of Paris, France is considering four schools, no favorites as he looks towards a spring decision
Eric Katenda is a well-travelled young man. Katenda was born and raised in Paris, France and came to the United States to play at Connecticut’s Chesire Academy with the hopes of earning a scholarship to play college basketball at the elite level, which has been his dream since he started playing basketball at age 7. Now at Sunrise Academy in Wichita (KS), Katenda is just a few months from realizing his dream as he expects to make a college decision by the end of this basketball season and sign a letter of intent in the late period this spring.
The Class of 2011 prospect missed most of this past summer’s AAU action after having his appendix removed and getting tendonitis in his knees. While being forced to sit out most of the key summer circuit, Katenda fell off the recruiting radar of many schools. Still, this past August, Katenda told NBE that he was involved with Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Iowa, Notre Dame, Michigan, Siena and Boston College.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on the recruitment of Eric Katenda and which schools currently make up his list of four. Katenda also talks about his experience at Sunrise Academy and how he is improving his game and more. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
RYAN RHOOMES HAS BIG EAST SCHOOLS ON HIS TRAIL
January 7, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Class of 2011 big man will take in a BIG EAST contest this weekend
By Matt Whitfield
With not too many quality big men left uncommitted in the 2011 high school class, NIA Prep founder Alif Muhammad receives about eight calls a week about Ryan Rhoomes, a 6-foot-8 power forward playing this season at NIA Prep. According to Muhammad however, one Big East program is setting themselves apart and going above and beyond to try and recruit Rhoomes.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on the recruitment of Ryan Rhoomes as Alif Muhammad fills in readers who is coming after the Class of 2011 big man hot and heavy and what Big East game he will be attending this weekend. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
INTEREST RISING IN 2011 UNCOMMITTED GUARD CHRIS MARTIN
January 4, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Now at St. Pat’s in NJ, Martin sees more schools involved; points to three leaders
New Jersey power St. Patrick of Elizabeth New Jersey picked up an important piece to their puzzle this season when senior guard Chris Martin decided to transfer to Kevin Boyle’s program. Already joining a powerful team led by Kentucky-commit Michael Gilchrist, Western Kentucky-commit Derrick Gordon and a host of talented youngsters, Martin adds a mix of scoring and playmaking to the Celtics’ backcourt and a veteran presence after playing a key role previously at St. John’s College HS in DC.
Martin played a key role in St. Pat’s winning the highly competitive City of Palms Classic in Florida just prior to the holidays. He scored seven points in the nationally televised championship contest and assisted on the game-winning three-pointer by Jarrel Lane.
“It was an exciting tournament with great players and great competition,” Martin told NBE of the highlight of his time so far at St. Patrick. “The amount of exposure and publicity we received was amazing. I am thankful and grateful to have played on such a big stage.”
The big stage at St. Pat’s has also allowed for his recruitment to increase with teams looking to add backcourt help in the late signing period this spring for the Class of 2011.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on the developing recruitment of Martin and his thoughts his recruitment and experience in moving to St. Pat’s. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
CLASS OF 2013 STOCK RISER – JERMAINE LAWRENCE
January 3, 2011 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Benjamin Cardozo High School under coach Ron Naclerio has been a steady supplier of Division 1-A talent in recent years. Current Syracuse reserve forward James Southerland came through the Judges’ program before making a pit stop in the NEPSAC before entering the BIG EAST.
The Judges are off to another strong start as the calendar turns to 2011 from 2010 at will be a force in the PSAL before the year is out. One player that might be bringing back some memories of Southerland in a Judges uniform is sophomore Jermaine Lawrence, who excited onlookers with his 15 first-half points in a recent win over rival Bayside.
NBE caught up with Lawrence over the weekend and found out two high-major programs have already extended scholarship offers to the Class of 2013 forward with a tremendous amount of upside potential.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on the developing talent of Jermaine Lawrence as he is already getting scholarship offers from programs in the ACC and BIG EAST. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
RECRUITMENT OF STEFAN JANKOVIC BLOWS UP
December 21, 2010 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
by RAY MERNAGH
If you consider yourself a hoop-fiend and still haven’t heard of 6’10″ Canadien import Stefan Jankovic — as Money May says — you need to “step your game up!”
Jankovic is now at Huntington Prep in West Virginia where he’s considered a top 50 player in the class of 2012 (with a bullet). Jankovic recently left the Kiski School and has found the transition to Huntington interesting to say the least. He’s also seen his recruiting pick up a lot of steam and three big-time programs, including two big-time Big East coaches, will be in Huntington tonight (12/21) to check out the Rob Fulford coached Express.
Meaning Jankovic, and his talented fellow forward Negus Webster-Chan, could add to their growing number of scholarship offers. We’ll have a Webster-Chan update this afternoon but for now we give you the inside scoop on the mega-skilled Jankovic.
So treat yourself, or the college basketball fan in your life, to an early Christmas/Holiday gift and sign up to read all about your school’s top recruiting targets for less than half the cost of one magazine per month.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more on Jankovic as his recruitment has taken off in recent months. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
BATTLE OF THE BORDERS SHOWCASE – HUNTINGTON PREP ROLLS PAST COOLIDGE
December 20, 2010 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
by RAY MERNAGH
This one was in doubt for about literally 45 seconds or so.
Huntington’s talent, led and orchestrated on the floor by their terrific point guard Charles Lee, swarmed Coolidge from the jump.
Negus Webster-Chan got to the rim in transition, hit a three and then caught an oop back-to-back-to-back. By the time Coolidge coach Vaughn Jones (ex-DeMatha star) got a chance to try and slow things down with a timeout it was 17-0 with barely 3 minutes gone.
And Coolidge is a decent team. They had some players, one in particular that kind of “popped” to me, but Huntington is just too deep and talented for most teams at the HS level. And the Express also get coached, which was the best thing about sitting next to head man Rob Fulford and his staff courtside. They stay on their kids every possession no matter what the score is — taking them to task when they stray from their core principles both defensively and offensively. It’s also done with a great deal of what I like to call “coach humor” — which can be described as things coaches say that would make you laugh pretty hard if you ever had the chance to hear them.
Examples: Sim Bhullar, the 7’4 junior center who recently transferred to Huntington from Kiski, watching as a guard penetrated the lane and scored on an easy layup. “Get Sim,” Fulford told a kid on his bench. As he was coming off the floor Fulford pointed to the first seat on the bench and told Bhullar to sit in it.
“How tall are you?” he asked Bhullar.
“Seven-four,” the kid responded.
“Why are you out of the game?” asked Fulford.
“I didn’t contest the shot,” said Bhullar.
“Do I need to say anything else?,” said Fulford, “contest shots!”
Bhullar went back in shortly thereafter and…contested shots!
Another highly regarded player came in, didn’t run the play that was called and then had a mental breakdown on defense. Fulford calmly called him over and said in a discussion-tone of voice “I’m trying real hard to find a reason to keep you on the floor but you keep doing things that are gonna have you sitting next to me, you got to give me a reason to play you out here.”
Jeremiah Davis, a highly-regarded guard out of Indiana who’s headed for Cincinnati, had some breakdowns as well and Fulford subbed him out. “I can’t play you if you’re gonna do that JD.” Davis went back in and stayed on task.
Stefan Jankovic, the 6’10 junior with enormous skills, got more than a few reminders to run the floor and also to get where he needed to be. Those are just afew examples.
Even Maurice Aniefiok, the strong physical senior guard, didn’t run at one point when Webster-Chan had a breakaway. Webster-Chan ended up losing the ball as he went up and it bounced off the rim. A Coolidge player ended up getting the ball after it came off. “That’s why you run Maurice! Come on man! That will kill us in a close game!” Fulford reiterated his message when Aniefiok came out of the game. “You know better than that man, you have to run.” Aniefok nodded his head.
Huntington won handily but Coolidge competed throughout.
Scouting reports are below and also look for at least three premium updates in the near future — today or tomorrow — on Jankovic, Webster-Chan and others from the event with new schools that are involved and how their recruiting process is progressing.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read more from the Huntington/Coolidge match-up as many high-major recruits hit the floor. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.
MYLES DAVIS HAS FOUR SCHOOLS IN FRONT
December 18, 2010 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment
Even though Myles Davis is no longer attending school in New Jersey, the Class of 2012 guard made his way back home just before the holidays and stopped by to check in on the action at the Hoop Group Tip-Off showcase. Davis was catching up with several of his AAU teammates with the NJ Playaz in action over the weekend and NBE had the chance to catch up with Davis to see how the transition to Notre Dame Prep has gone and learned four schools have separated themselves from the rest as he considers his recruitment.
You can log-in or sign up for NBE Premium access by SUBSCRIBING (HERE) for as low as $2.08 a month with our annual membership to read our update on Myles Davis. Also, any of our Premium Content Articles & Event Coverage is available to subscribers.






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