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National High School Top 25- 2/3/12

2012-02-03T23:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

The race for the mythical national championship continues to get clearer and clear as the season moves along. The three teams sitting atop the polls seem to be pretty clear cut and are the heavy frontrunners for the ultimate prize.

The trio leading the way are not only the top three teams this year, but one could argue they are the three best programs in the nation, period. However, behind them are a few other programs that could make a move to the top for 2011-12 if things fall their way.

There has been some reshuffling since the last poll, but there is still a lot of continuity in terms of what teams are in the poll. Have a look below at how things stand in terms of the best high school hoops teams in America with just a few days into the month of February.

Rank. School (State), Last Poll
1. Oak Hill Academy (VA), 1
2. St. Anthony's (NJ), 4
3. Findlay Prep (NV), 5
4. Simeon (IL), 2
5. Huntington Prep (WV), 6
6. Grace Prep (TX), 7
7. Olympic (NC), 10
8. Wichita Heights (KS), 9
9. Marcus (TX), 12
10. Chester (PA), 18
11. Milton (GA), 16
12. La Lumiere (IN), 19
13. St. Benedict's (NJ), 23
14. Paul VI (VA), HM
15. Mater Dei (CA), 21
16. Prestonwood Christian (TX), 13
17. Bishop Gorman (NV), 17
18. Southwind (TN), 20
19. Ridgeway (TN), NR
20. Gonzaga (DC), 8
21. Montverde Academy (FL), 15
22. DeMatha (MD), 3
23. Pershing (MI), NR
24. Union (OK), 22
25. Blanche Ely (FL), 24

Honorable Mentions: Gill St. Bernard's (NJ), Montrose Christian (MD), Scotlandville (LA), Sexton (MI), Travis (TX), Westbury Christian (TX)

New to Poll: Paul VI (VA), Pershing (MI), Ridgeway (TN)

Out of Poll: Gill St. Bernard's (NJ), Montrose Christian (MD), Sexton (MI)

Note- MaxPreps and Hoopniks used as sources for information

Three Standing Out For Sophomore Mitchell Wilbekin

2012-02-03T19:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

A 6'0 point guard out of The Rock School (FL), Mitchell Wilbekin is one of the top players in the class of 2014. The younger brother of Florida sophomore Scottie Wilbekin is a very talented player in his own right and he has the school list to prove it.

Wilbekin recently told Northstar Basketball that he is being recruited by Florida, Florida State, Texas, Baylor, Virginia, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Marquette, South Carolina, Maryland, USC, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, and Georgetown.

"Texas and Baylor offered," Wilbekin said via text message. "Florida and Oklahoma [S]tate say [an] offer is coming."

At this point the scoring lead guard has a trio of schools that stick out to him.

"Texas [and] Florida and Baylor are my top 3," Wilbekin said. He continued on to say of why that is, "I like all the coaches, and feel like I fit in at those schools [and they are] also all competitive year in and year out."

Wilbekin went on to elaborate a bit on exactly what factors he is looking for in a college and the list, as expected, is similar to the reasons why those three schools are his leaders.

"Good coaches, an offense I fit into, and a high major program that can win championships," Wilbekin explained.

Wilbekin has some distinct ties to the University of Florida. As aforementioned, his older brother currently plays for the Gators. In addition, Wilbekin lives in Gainesville, Fla. Will those things impact his decision?

"I mean, I wanna make the best decision for me regardless of location," Wilbekin said. "But I do really like the UF coaches."

Asked if it is an accurate statement to say that Florida is the school to beat for him, Wilbekin replied, "No. I don't look at it that way. I had a great unofficial visit to Texas and Baylor. I really like Coach [Rob] Lanier at UT. I am also going to visit Virginia for their UNC game on Feb 25."

Before joining the staff at Texas this offseason, Rob Lanier was an assistant at Florida and was on staff for Scottie Wilbekin's freshman season at UF.

"Well he lived in my neighborhood while he was in Gainesville," Mitchell Wilbekin said of how much of a factor that is, "and [I have] had a chance to talk to him a lot over the last couple of years.. He's a great coach and a great person."

Wilbekin has nearly two years until he can sign a Letter of Intent, but he is planning to get his decision out of the way early.

"I [definitely] want to make an early commitment," Wilbekin said. "End of this season or beginning of next season."

As for why he wants to make such an early pledge, Wilbekin remarked, "I just don't want to drag out the recruiting process."

Asked if his brother has given him any tips about the recruiting process, Wilbekin responded, "Not really, he just tells me to make the best decision for myself and keep working hard."

Wilbekin has a couple people he will look to, to aid him in selecting his future college.

"My dad and my high school coach [Justin Harden] will be helping me make my decision," Wilbekin said.

Note- photo is from http://www.ongo.com/

Trahson Burrell Focusing on Academics & Improving His Game

2012-02-03T14:30:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Trahson Burrell signed with the University of Rhode Island as a member of the class of 2011, but did not qualify academically. The 6'6 small forward from New York then decided to take a post-graduate year and Northstar Basketball recently caught up with him to see how it is going.

Burrell wrapped up his high school career at Summit Christian (MI) and then began his post-grad year at CJEOTO Academy (NJ) in the fall. He is no longer at CJEOTO, though.

"No im [sic] no longer there," Burrell said via text message. "[I am at] home working on getting my ACT score."

Burrell, who said he left CJEOTO in December, is not exactly sure where things stand with his commitment to URI.

"I havent officially decommitted but I havent heard from them in a while so [I am] not really sure," Burrell said.

Asked if other schools are recruiting him, Burrell replied, "Im not sure because I never officially decommitted [from URI]."

Is the long, athletic wing more focused on his academics at this point in time?

"Yes but im [sic] in the gym with a trainer working on my game [and] tryin to stay in shape but tryin to learn from all I've been through," Burrell said.

On whether he is referring to not qualifying, Burrell remarked, "That and just not taking things serious [and] not applying myself to do what needed to b[e] done [and I] took a lot for granted."

Burrell is so focused on getting those things done, that he has not been thinking about his plans for next year, saying, "Not really first things first."

The former URI signee concluded the interview by saying, "i miss what i love but i will make it there."

Long List of Suitors for Schuyler Rimmer

2012-02-02T18:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

If one is looking for a tough, rugged post player in the class of 2013, then Schuyler Rimmer just might be someone to go take a look at.

A 6'8 power forward out of Boone (FL), Rimmer has a lengthy list of high-major programs from coast to coast on his trail. He recently took the time to update Northstar Basketball on where things stand with his recruitment.

Rimmer first mentioned Auburn, Boston College, Georgia, Miami, Florida, Penn State, Stanford, UCF, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee. However, those are not the only programs involved.

"[Those schools] have been recruiting me for a while now," Rimmer said via text message. "Notre Dame, usc and duke have just start[ed] to show some interest."

On which schools have offered thus far, Rimmer remarked, "Penn state, ucf, miami, and va tech. The coaches at stanford have told [me] that I have a scholarship there, but they have to wait until after I get admitted before they can officially offer."

Five schools have separated themselves from the pack as Rimmer's favorites at this point in time. He mentioned Stanford, Florida, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Penn State as his "top [schools] now."

What is it about those five that stand out to the big man? "They are all programs that I think I could fit into and that I could be successful in," Rimmer said. "They are also all good academic schools."

Although location is "Not really" a factor for Rimmer, he did discuss what things he is looking to find in a college.

"[A]cademic integrity and a strong program that I can be successful in," Rimmer explained.

Stanford, Florida, Miami, Penn State, Clemson, UCF, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech are the schools that Rimmer has taken visits to.

The Sunshine State junior's list of schools recruiting him the hardest is quite similar to that, as he mentioned Stanford, Penn State, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Virginia Tech, Miami, and UCF.

There are a few coaches with whom Rimmer feels that he has developed the strongest relationships as of now.

"I feel like I have a good relationship with most of the coaches that are recruiting me," Rimmer said, "but the best are probably with coach [Pat C]hambers at penn state, coach [Mike S]chrage at stanford, coach [Eric K]onkol at miami, and coach [James J]ohnson at va tech."

Rimmer has somewhat of a timetable for when he would like to make his college choice, but not a specific date.

"I want to commit before my senior season at the latest," Rimmer said, "but I'm not sure when I will."

Note- photo is from http://247sports.com/

Nerlens Noel Reclassifying to 2012

2012-02-02T07:31:59Z

by Alex Schwartz

Originally in the class of 2012, Nerlens Noel decided a couple years ago to move to the 2013 class after missing a season due to an injury. Now, he is back in the class of 2012 and will be matriculating to college in the next several months.

ESPN's Dave Telep broke the news on Wednesday night that the 6'11 center from Tilton School (NH) had decided to reclassify back to 2012.

Noel was ranked as the #3 player in the Northstar Basketball Post-July 2013 Top 80. However, the big man will be even higher in the 2012 rankings, which will be released in the next week or so.

When that updated 2012 list is released, Noel will almost certainly be ranked as the top overall player in the class.

Considered the best shot blocker to come through the high school ranks since Greg Oden in 2006, Noel is an elite defensive player who will have an immediate impact wherever he goes.

As for just where he may choose to go, Dave Telep reported in the above linked article that the schools Noel mentioned were Providence, UConn, Syracuse, Kentucky, Florida, Georgetown, and North Carolina.

Note- photo is from http://www.scout.com/

Heavy Hitters Pursuing Malik Price-Martin

2012-02-01T18:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Monsignor Pace may not have had the showing it hoped for at the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament, but the Spartans closed it on a high note.

After losing its first two games, Pace came out on Saturday and defeated Leesburg in the seventh place game by a score of 66-58. The main reason for the victory was the play of star junior Malik Price-Martin.

A 6-foot-8, 205-pound power forward, Price-Martin poured in 19 points, tied for the game high. He went scoreless in the first quarter, but then turned it up a notch for the rest of the contest.

Price-Martin, who was named to the all-tournament team, listed scholarship offers from Louisville, Ohio State, Syracuse, Florida, UCF, and Miami. He also said that Kansas is involved.

At one point, UConn seemed to be a major player for Price-Martin, but that is no longer the case.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for InsideTheU.com, click Here.

Mt. Vernon Guard Isaiah Cousins Talks Recruiting

2012-02-01T14:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Isaiah Cousins was not one of the most well-known players in the 2012 Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament.

However, that did not stop the senior point guard from making the all-tournament team. At the completion of the event, he was one of 10 players who received honors.

Cousins led the Knights to a third place finish at the MAIT and NYChoops.net was there on Saturday for the team's 10-point win over Roman Catholic (PA). After scoring 13 points in the victory, Cousins spent some time updating NYChoops.net on where things stand with his recruitment.

The 6-foot-3, 177-pounder said that he holds scholarship offers from Dayton, Hofstra, Stony Brook, Manhattan, and Iona.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for NYChoops.net, click Here.

Aldin Medunjanin and Cavon Baker Waiting on Offers

2012-02-01T02:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

The class of 2012 is not particularly deep at the point guard position and many players are already off the board. A couple who do remain uncommitted are Aldin Medunjanin and Cavon Baker, both of whom Northstar Basketball recently caught up with to talk recruiting.

Aldin Medunjanin is a 6'4 lead guard out of Millbrook School (NY) who combines nice height for the position with a tremendous feel for the game and superb passing ability. Medunjanin, though, is still waiting on his first scholarship offer.

At this point, he is hearing from Adelphi, a Division II school, in addition to Colgate and a number of Division III programs.

"The rest of the schools fell off," Medunjanin said, later adding that he was not told why that is. "Nope, after the summer me and those [other] schools just stopped communicating."

Medunjanin was planning to take an unofficial visit to Adelphi today and also trip to "Colgate sometime in the next month hopefully."

The senior said he is putting up about 20 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per outing this season. Asked if he has used some schools dropping out of his recruitment as motivation, he replied, "Yeah I've been working hard and I'm having a great year so far."

Medunjanin also talked about what he feels he could bring to the table for a college program.

"Being a big combo guard, I bring versatility to the table," Medunjanin said. "I'm a hard worker, I love playing defense and I'm a competitor."

Like Medunjanin, Cavon Baker is also awaiting his first scholarship offer. A 6'1 point guard spending a post-graduate year at New Hope Academy (MD), Baker is a 2011 graduate of Thomas Edison (NY).

"No one [has offered] as of yet," Baker said via text message. "I [am] suppose[d] to have schools come check me out [this] week at a tournament in rhode island so hopefully all goes well."

At this point, Baker is unsure of exactly which schools are recruiting him, but he has a reason why that is.

"My coaches tell me I'm hearing from different levels & that I'm becoming a much better player but still have some improving to do," Baker said. "So they don't tell me what schools are looking at me unless they offer therefore I can keep a humble mentality."

The last time Baker can recall personally speaking with a coach was when he was talked with a member of the UCF staff back in November. The only visit that Baker has been on thus far is an unofficial trip to Iona that came last summer.

"On the basketball tip, basically whoever is recruiting me the hardest," Baker said of what he is looking for in a school. "I will feel most comfortable there."

Asked how he feels his season is going this year, Baker responded, "I actually feel my game has improved a lot. I see the progress, I like it & I want to keep working at it."

Note- photo is of Aldin Medunjanin and is from http://www.millbrook.org/podium/default.aspx?t=132079

Catching Up With Brandon Austin

2012-02-01T00:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Brandon Austin was not able to lead Imhotep Charter (PA) to a victory in the fifth place game of the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament on Saturday, but his performance was impressive nonetheless.

The 6-foot-6 junior guard displayed a superb all-around game during a 44-42 loss to Shiloh (GA). Austin finished with 12 points in the contest and displayed the ability to both rebound and distribute the basketball.

After the contest, Austin took the time to speak with VUSports.com to discuss the status of his recruitment and more.

The class of 2013 prospect listed scholarship offers from Penn State, Rutgers, Georgetown, Villanova, Syracuse and Miami. He said he is also hearing from Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and others he could not remember.

Asked if he has a favorite right now, Austin replied, "I like Penn State. Syracuse is my favorite, but I like Penn State more."

To read the rest of this article I wrote for VUSports.com, click Here.

Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament: Saturday Review

2012-01-31T18:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Three teams from the Northeast and a squad from Georgia joined four schools from Florida for the 2012 Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament this weekend. NBE Basketball Report was on hand Saturday for the final day of the event and took in four quality games.

In the seventh place game, Monsignor Pace (FL) defeated Leesburg (FL) by a score of 66-58. In the other consolation bracket game, Shiloh (GA) knocked off Imhotep Charter (PA) by two, 44-42, to claim fifth place.

Mount Vernon (NY) used a strong fourth quarter to take an 82-72 victory over Roman Catholic (PA) in the third place contest. Finally, Montverde Academy (FL) won the championship of its tournament with a 49-40 defeat of local foe Orlando Christian Prep (FL).

To read the rest of this article--it includes top performers, the all-tournament team, coaches in attendance, recruiting updates, and more--I wrote for NBE Basketball Report, click Here.

Isaiah Lewis Considering Six

2012-01-31T00:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

With Jermaine Lawrence transferring out of state, 6'3 shooting guard Isaiah Lewis may well be the best player in the state of New York in the class of 2013. A standout at Christ the King, Lewis recently took the time to discuss his recruitment with Northstar Basketball.

At this point, Lewis said that he is still considering Memphis, Kansas, Louisville, Villanova, Georgia Tech, and Florida State.

Lewis, who claims scholarship offers from all six programs, said of whether he has any favorites, "Not really I'm wide open."

Of those half dozen schools, the only ones he has has taken unofficial visits to thus far are Georgia Tech and Villanova.

Lewis originally planned to announce his decision several weeks ago, but instead pushed it back. He said the decision to hold off was because he "Didn't want to rush the process."

In the past Lewis had said he plans to attend college with Brannen Greene, a 6'7 small forward out of Mary Persons (GA) who is ranked #29 in the Northstar Basketball Post-July 2013 Top 80. A few months ago, Greene pledged to the Kansas Jayhawks.

"Not really," Lewis said of whether Green being committed to KU will impact him, "we are friends and all but I still have to make the best choice for me."

Asked if Green has been trying to recruit him to Kansas, Lewis replied, "We talk about it yeah."

It remains to be seen whether or not Lewis will join Green in Lawrence, Kan., as the Big Apple junior is still holding off on a decision and weighing his options.

Note- photo is from http://www.nypost.com/

Ikenna Iroegbu Disucsses Recruitment

2012-01-30T15:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Although the class of 2012 has a weak crop of point guards, the group in 2013 is one to look forward to. One of the floor generals in that junior class is Ikenna Iroegbu of Oak Hill Aacademy (VA).

The 6'0 point guard is ranked as the #49 player in the Northstar Basketball Post-July 2013 Top 80. Northstar Basketball recently caught up with the California native to discuss his recruitment.

Iroegbu said that he has received scholarship offers from Washington State, Arizona, USC, Colorado, and Oklahoma State. In addition, he is garnering interest from Stanford and Virginia Tech.

"Not really," Iroegbu said by text message of whether he has any favorites. "Its mostly mutual but I did take an unofficial visit too [sic] Stanford was impressed with what I saw."

Iroegbu said he trip to the Pac-12 program came on January 2nd and he talked about what he impressed him about the school.

"I really liked how the team practiced and how coach [Johnny D]awkins coached the team while they were practicing," Iroegbu said, "and of course the fact that they have a beautiful campus."

Stanford is not the first school to host Iroegbu on an unofficial visit, as he has also tripped to a trio of others in the Pac-12.

"I visited USC, UCLA and CAL over the summer," Ireogebu said. "[T]hose were all great visits [and] they all went well."

Iroegbu said that he does "Not really" have a timetable for a commitment and added that he will make his pledge when he feels the time is right.

The talented lead guard went on to provide some insight into what he is looking for in college.

"Coaching staff [and] the location and the atmosphere during a game," Ireogbu said. "I would like [to attend] a school where the fans and student sections go crazy."

By location, does Iroegbu mean proximity to home or rather what is around the school itself?

"A little bit of both," he said. "I would love [to attend] a school close too [sic] home but [I also] wouldn't mind going too [sic] a school out east since I'm already doing that for high school."

Speaking of high school, Iroegbu exlpained what this season at Oak Hill Academy has been like for him thus far.

"It's been a great season," he said. "I feel blessed too [sic] be around a great group of guys and that we're #1 in the country..I think if we continue too [sic] work hard and keep doing what [we are] doing as a team we can go undefeated all season."

In addition to winning a whole lot of basketball games, Ireogbu has been adjusting to life at the school in Mouth of Wilson, Va.

"On the court I've learned how too [sic] play with players that are just as good as myself and how too [sic] be a better PG," Ireogebu said. "Off the court I've learned that you always have too [sic] watch what you say because someone might take it the wrong way if [you are] not careful."

In conclusion, Iroegbu remarked, "life is good on the Hill [and we are] just doing our best too [sic] win a national championship."

Note- photo is from http://247sports.com/

Tennessee Tech-Commit DeOndre Haynes Hearing From Two SEC Schools

2012-01-29T21:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

As a nationally ranked prospect, DeOndre Haynes was a major pickup for Tennessee Tech when he committed to the OVC program not long before the early signing period in November.

However, the 6'2 point guard out of Calera (AL) did not sign a Letter of Intent with the Golden Eagles and the #146 ranked player in the Northstar Basketball Post-July 2012 Top 150 remained a verbal commitment.

Haynes recently took the time to discuss where things stand with his pledge to TTU. He first did confirm that he remains committed to the Golden Eagles and said he did not sign a Letter of Intent in the early period for "personal reasons."

So, is Haynes 100% solid to coach Steve Payne's program or is he listening to pitches from other interested schools?

"Im sure with tennessee tech but ole miss and auburn has come into the mix," Haynes said.

Asked if the two SEC programs have extended him scholarship offers, Haynes replied, "No sir just talking."

As for whether or not he is truly considering the Rebels and Tigers, Haynes remarked, "Depends on if they come [with an offer] or not."

Haynes declined comment when asked if he would decommit from Tennessee Tech if he did indeed pick up an offer from one of those schools.

With just four ranked point guards still uncommitted, DeOndre Haynes' situation will certainly be one to monitor this spring.

Note- photo is from http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/

After Decommitting from St. John's, Darrick Wood is Taking His Time

2012-01-28T21:30:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

For several months, class of 2012 standout Darrick Wood was set on his future college, but not any longer. The 6'4 shooting guard out of Bridgton Academy (ME) recently decommitted from St. John's and is now weighing his options.

On Thursday night, Northstar Basketball caught up with Wood to discuss where things stand with his recruitment and he provided a list of eight schools in the mix. The long wing listed Washington, UConn, Texas, Memphis, Providence, Maryland, Oklahoma State, and St. John's, claiming offers from all of them.

"Just wanted to wait till the spring too [sic] make my decision," Wood said via text message of why he decommitted from St. John's, noting that he is still giving the Red Storm serious consideration.

Asked if he is approaching the recruiting process any differently this time around, Wood replied, "Yea. Just want to take my time. And really get a feel for everyone."

Wood has not been on any college visits since reopening his recruitment and does not have any trips planned. He said he will "probably plan [th]em after" his hoops season.

As for a commitment, Wood said he will choice will come "most likely in the spring," and he talked about what factors he is looking for in a school.

"Great coaching staff. Family setting and a good area," Wood said of the factors he will consider.

Although he lists no favorites at this point, he did say that "lately Washington" has been the school coming at him the hardest.

Note- photo is from http://www.scout.com/

Miami Signee Tonye Jekiri an Impressive Player

2012-01-28T06:33:11Z

by Alex Schwartz

There might not be a high-level player in the class of 2012 who is more under the radar than Tonye Jekiri of Champagnat Catholic (FL).

A 6-foot-11, 220-pound center who has signed with the University of Miami, Jekiri has only been in the United States for two years and has not had the exposure that many other top seniors have had.

However, after watching Jekiri play on Friday night it is clear that he deserves to be considered amongst the nation’s elite post players.

Although his squad lost 67-59 to the Sagemont School (FL), Jekiri was by far the best player on the floor.

Jekiri posted an unofficial line of 23 points and 18 rebounds, 10 of which came on the offensive end. In addition, he had 2 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 5 turnovers. He shot 11/15 (73.3%) from the field and 1/4 at the free throw line.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for InsideTheU.com, click Here.

Duane Wilson, Jr. Talks Recruiting, Will Visit Memphis Tomorrow

2012-01-27T15:55:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Duane Wilson, Jr., a 6'1 point guard out of Dominican (WI), had a superb showing in Orlando this summer and that is why he is ranked as the #44 player in the Northstar Basketball Post-July 2013 Top 80. A tough competitor who can play either backcourt spot, Wilson can really score the ball and carry a team.

These are some of the reasons why a number of high-major Division I college programs are hot on the trail of Wilson. Last night he told Northstar Basketball that he has scholarship offers from Memphis, Marquette, Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Missouri.

In addition to those six schools, Wilson listed Maryland, Washington, Louisville, Georgetown, Minnesota, and Florida as other schools interested in him. He does not claim any favorites at this point in time.

Thus far, Wilson has been on unofficial visits to Iowa and Missouri and said, "I'm going to Memphis [on] Saturday."

The Tigers take on Marshall tomorrow night at 9:00pm in big Conference USA showdown at the FedExForum.

Memphis head coach Josh Pastner is one of two coaches with whom Wilson said he feels he has the strongest relationship. The other one is Marquette head coach Buzz Williams.

"Their passion for the game and their players and how intense they are," Wilson said of what stands out about Pastner and Williams.

Asked what he is looking for in a school, Wilson responded, "Uptempo team, good education, nice campus, trust in the coach."

Wilson also noted that location is not going to be a factor for him in choosing his future college home.

Speaking of choosing a college, Wilson said that he is planning to commit in September and then sign a Letter of Intent during the early period, which is in November.

Note- photo is from http://www.scout.com/

Dual Sport Star Maquedius Bain Considering Visits

2012-01-22T19:00:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

There is no question that Maquedius "Quay" Bain could play basketball at the Division I level.

However, it is on the gridiron where he really excels.

The 6-foot-5 junior from University School (FL) is committed to the Florida State football program as a defensive tackle.

In fact, during University's basketball game against Pine Crest (FL) last night, the US student section would break out into the Seminole War Chant when he made a big play.

Bain, who had 12 points in a 59-46 loss, was the Suns' best player until he fouled out with 6:20 to go. Despite his commitment to Florida State, Miami is a school that has been in touch with him.

"Yeah, junior days and stuff like that I was invited to, but I was out of town," Bain said.

The class of 2013 prospect said that he holds football scholarship offers from Florida State, Miami, Wisconsin, Marshall, Alabama, and Wake Forest.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for InsideTheU.com, click Here.

Miami Signee Drops 45 in Front of Larranaga

2012-01-15T20:40:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

With his future head coach watching him in-person for the first time since he signed his Letter of Intent, future Miami Hurricane Melvin Johnson turned in a big-time performance.

In a blowout victory over Upper Room Christian (NY) on Thursday, the 6-foot-3 shooting guard out of St. Benedict’s (NJ) poured in 45 points in front of Jim Larranaga.

“It was nerve-racking,” Johnson said. “You'd think it was like playing in the live period, but it was totally different when you’ve signed with the school, so I just wanted to play really well.”

Johnson, who said he knew in advance that coach Larranaga would be at the game, said that this was the first time that a Miami coach has been up to Newark, N.J. to watch him in action.

“Yeah, they only have like three or four chances to come up so they wanted to do it middle or later season,” Johnson explained.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for InsideTheU.com, click Here.

National High School Top 25- 1/14/12

2012-01-14T20:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

Since the last poll was released, there have not been that many huge games in the world of high school hoops. However, there were a indeed a few that impacted the national top 25, including some upsets.

The Hoop Hall Classic this weekend in Springfield, Mass. will have a great impact on the list, as numerous ranked teams are participating in the event. Thus, before the major games tip-off, I wanted to release an updated set of rankings.

That list can be found below. The top five teams remain unchanged and look to be, at this point, the main contenders for the mythical national championship.

Rank. School (State), Last Poll
1. Oak Hill Academy (VA), 1
2. Simeon (IL), 2
3. DeMatha (MD), 3
4. St. Anthony's (NJ), 4
5. Findlay Prep (NV), 5
6. Huntington Prep (WV), 7
7. Grace Prep (TX), 9
8. Gonzaga (DC), 11
9. Wichita Heights (KS), 8
10. Olympic (NC), 12
11. Montrose Christian (MD), 13
12. Marcus (TX), 14
13. Prestonwood Christian (TX), 15
14. Sexton (MI), 16
15. Montverde Academy (FL), 6
16. Milton (GA), 17
17. Bishop Gorman (NV), 18
18. Chester (PA), 20
19. La Lumiere (IN), 21
20. Southwind (TN), 22
21. Mater Dei (CA), 10
22. Union (OK), 24
23. St. Benedict's (NJ), HM
24. Blanche Ely (FL), HM
25. Gill St. Bernard's (NJ), NR

Honorable Mentions: Elgin (IL), Paul VI (VA), Travis (TX), Westbury Christian (TX)

New to Poll: Blanche Ely (FL), Gill St. Bernard's (NJ), St. Benedict's (NJ)

Out of Poll: Paul VI (VA), Westbury Christian (TX), Whitney Young (IL)

Note- MaxPreps used as source for information

Daniel Ochefu Discusses Big Win

2012-01-12T16:15:00Z

by Alex Schwartz

On Tuesday night, Daniel Ochefu, the best in-state big man to sign with Villanova in years, had an excellent showing with his future head coach in stands.

However, Jay Wright was not the only member of the Wildcat hoops family in the house to see Ochefu lead his Westtown School (PA) squad to a triple overtime upset victory against Amile Jefferson and Friends Central (PA).

VU assistant coach Billy Lange, current players James Bell, Darrun Hilliard and Markus Kennedy, as well as ex-Wildcat Mike Nardi were all in attendance too.

All of them, as well the rest of the packed house-including Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski-were treated to a great game, in which Ochefu was the top performer.

The 6-foot-10 center's interior play at both ends of the floor was key in Westtown's 54-52 win. In fact, in the decisive third overtime, he had four of the team's six points and a big defensive rebound that led to a transition bucket for the other score.

To read the rest of this article I wrote for VUSports.com, click Here.