Press release by Alex Kline

The 2012 Mary Kline Classic in Pennington, New Jersey, will be hosted on Saturday, May 5th, 2012. The event is expected to top the first annual event last year, which featured numerous talented players, including Khalid Lewis (Delaware), John Johnson (Pittsburgh), Jerrell Wright (La Salle), Khem Birch (UNLV), Devin Coleman (Clemson), Jabril Trawick (Georgetown), Tyler Harris (NC State), Will Wise (UMBC), Jordan Allen (Hofstra), Angel Nunez (Louisville), Isaiah Williams (Marshall) and many other talented student athletes.

In the 2nd annual event, a dunk contest and three-point shootout will be highlighted by two games. The senior game featuring twenty-six of the top 2012 players from the east coast will participate in the event. A new addition has been added to the event with the underclassmen game, featuring some of the top freshmen, sophomores and juniors from around the east coast. This year’s crop at the Mary Kline Classic is anticipated to be the best yet with all players participating being of a division one basketball caliber, as well as potential professional basketball players.

All proceeds raised from the game will be donated to the National Brain Tumor Society in support of cancer research. As $7,300 was raised last year, we are currently at $3,600 for this year. If you would like to make a contribution to the 2012 Mary Kline Classic, please email Alex Kline at AlexKlineBasketball@Yahoo.com. The game is in honor of Kline’s late mother, Mary, who passed away from a brain tumor over seven years ago. Admission into the event is a $10 donation.

The Mary Kline Classic would like to thank Vincent Robinson of The Robinson School for contributing uniforms, as well as Patrick Coombs of Reebok for contributing Zigtech sneakers.

THE EVENT WILL BE HOSTED ON SATURDAY, MAY 5TH FROM 5PM-9:30PM AT THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL – 112 WEST DELAWARE AVENUE IN PENNINGTON, NEW JERSEY. PLAYERS SHOULD ARRIVE AROUND 1:45PM FOR PRACTICE, SHOOTAROUND AND A QUICK MEAL. GEAR WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO EACH PLAYER. ADMISSION IS $10 IN GENERAL, BUT VOLUNTEERS, PARENTS AND PLAYERS ARE ALLOWED IN FREE UNLESS THEY CHOOSE TO CONTRIBUTE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE THERE!

Listed below are the four different rosters for the Blue and Red Senior and Underclassmen teams.

Blue Seniors

#33 Eric Fanning – 6’5 wing – Perkiomen (PA) – Team NJABC – Wagner signee

#22 Maurice Watson - 5’9 point guard - Boys’ Latin (PA) – Team Philly – Boston U signee

#35 Phillip Lawrence – 6’7 combo forward – Mount St. Joseph’s (MD) – Philly’s Finest – Marist signee

#30 Brandon Taylor – 6’7 combo forward – Trenton Catholic (NJ) – Team Philly – Penn State signee

#10 Charles Cooke – 6’6 wing – Trenton Catholic (NJ) – Team NJABC – James Madison signee

#44 Blaise Mbargorba – 7’0 center – Peddie (NJ) – NJ Roadrunners – SMU signee

#15 Daniel Ochefu – 6’10 power forward – Westtown (PA) – PTP – Villanova signee

#23 Daiquan Walker – 6’2 point guard – Constitution (PA) – Team Breakdown – Unsigned

#2 Anthony Gaffney – 6’1 combo guard – Taft (CT) – Team NJABC – Princeton Football signee

#14 Marcus Gilbert – 6’6 small forward – Academy of the New Church (PA) – East Coast Elite – Fairfield signee

#0 Bruce Brittingham – 6’0 point guard – Perkiomen (PA) – Team NJABC – Wagner Football signee

#24 Nizar Kapic – 6’6 wing – Perkiomen (PA) – Austria – Unsigned

Red Seniors

#42 Daniel Dingle – 6’7 combo forward – St. Raymond (NY) – Long Island Lightning – Temple signee

#12 Quenton DeCosey – 6’5 wing – St. Joe’s Metuchen (NJ) – Sports University – Temple signee

#1 Alex Mitola – 5’9 shooting guard – Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ) – Hoop Heaven – Dartmouth signee

#55 Dominic Hoffman – 6’7 power forward – Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ) – Hoop Heaven – Bucknell signee

#33 Justin Sears – 6’7 combo forward – Plainfield (NJ) – Sports University – Yale signee

#4 Chris Jones – 6’5 shooting guard – Teaneck (NJ) – NJ Playaz – Unsigned

#35 Neville Fincher – 6’9 power forward – Teaneck (NJ) – NJ Playaz – Unsigned

#25 Brandon Bolden – 6’10 power forward – Quality Education (NC) – Team Nike Florida – Georgetown signee

#2 Dallas Anglin – 6’2 point guard – Seton Hall Prep (NJ) – Sports University – Hofstra signee

#32 Melvin Johnson – 6’2 shooting guard – St. Benedict’s (NJ) – NY Gauchos – Miami signee

#5 Sekou Harris – 5’10 point guard – Plainfield (NJ) – NJ Playaz – Unsigned

#20 Georges Niang – 6’7 combo forward – Tilton (NH) – BABC – Iowa State signee

#14 Nkereuwem Okoro – 6’4 wing – St. Raymond (NY) – Long Island Lightning – Iowa State signee

Blue Underclassmen

#31 Jermaine Lawrence – 2014 6’9 combo forward – Pope John XXIII (NJ) – Positive Direction – Undecided

#11 Isaiah Briscoe – 2015 6’2 point guard – St. Benedict’s (NJ) – NJ Playaz – Undecided

#21 Chris McCullough – 2014 6’8 power forward – Salisbury (CT) – Team Scan – Undecided

#25 Davon Reed – 2013 6’5 combo guard – Princeton Day (NJ) – Team Final – Undecided

#4 Geno Thorpe – 2013 6’1 combo guard – Shaler (PA) – NJ Playaz – Penn State commit

#20 Johnnie Davis – 2013 6’4 wing – Neumann Goretti (PA) – Team Final – Undecided

#3 Conrad Chambers – 2014 6’1 point guard – Friends Central (PA) – Team Scan - Undecided

#12 Tyler Ennis – 2013 6’2 point guard – St. Benedict’s (NJ) – CIA Bounce – Undecided

#32 Jared Terrell – 2014 6’3 shooting guard – New Hampton (NH) – Expressions Elite – Undecided

#35 Abdul-Malik Abu – 2014 6’7 combo forward – Kimball Union (NH) – Expressions Elite – Undecided

#13 Lenny Kadisha – 2015 6’3 combo guard – Wadleigh (NY) – Real Scout - Undecided

#5 Reggie Cameron – 2013 6’7 small forward – Hudson Catholic (NJ) – NJ Playaz – Undecided

#1 Wayne Selden – 2014 6’5 shooting guard – Tilton (NH) – BABC – Undecided

Red Underclassmen

#15 Isaiah Whitehead – 2014 6’4 combo guard – Lincoln (NY) – Juice All-Stars – Undecided

#22 Josh Brown – 2013 6’2 point guard – St. Anthony (NJ) – Sports University – Temple commit

#24 Ben Bentil – 2014 6’8 power forward – St. Andrew’s (DE) – Team ECE/NJABC – Undecided

#30 Allerik Freeman – 2013 6’4 shooting guard – Olympic (NC) – Team Nike Florida – Undecided

#3 Hallice Cooke – 2013 6’3 shooting guard – St. Anthony (NJ) – Sports University – Undecided

#31 Jared Nickens – 2013 6’6 wing – St. Patrick (NJ) – NJ Celtics – Undecided

#0 DeAndre Bembry – 2013 6’6 wing – St. Patrick (NJ) – NJ Celtics – Undecided

#44 Karl Towns – 2015 6’10 combo forward – St. Joe’s Metuchen (NJ) – Sports University – Undecided

#23 Jaren Sina - 2013 6’1 point guard – Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ) – Hoop Heaven – Undecided

#10 Kaison Randolph – 2014 6’2 combo guard – Pennington (NJ) – Team ECE/NJABC – Undecided

#34 Isaiah Watkins – 2013 6’7 power forward – St. Benedict’s (NJ) – CIA Bounce – Undecided

#21 Tyler Roberson – 2013 6’8 combo forward – Roselle Catholic (NJ) – NJ Roadrunners - Undecided

#13 Kamar McKnight – 2015 6’4 point guard – St. Patrick (NJ) – Grassroots Canada – Undecided

Coaches

Blue Team Seniors- Matt Pauls of ECE/NJABC and Terrell Myers of ECE/NJABC

Red Team Seniors – Mergin Sina of Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ)/Hoop Heaven (NJ) and TBD

Blue Team Underclassmen - Billy Diamond of Berkley College (NJ) and Terrance “Munch” Williams of Team Scan

Red Team Underclassmen - Eric Harrield of St. Anthony (NJ)/Sports University (NJ) and a special guest coach.

Contests

Dunk Contest Participants: DeAndre Bembry, Jared Terrell, Marcus Gilbert, Dallas Anglin, Johnnie Davis, Wayne Selden & Neville Fincher

Three-Point Shootout Participants: Blaise Mbargorba, Alex Mitola, Nizar Kapic, Karl Towns, Allerik Freeman, Melvin Johnson, Hallice Cooke & Jared Nickens

The following media is expected to attend the event: SNY, CBS Sports, ScoutsFocus, Ballin 365, CourtCred, 5-Star Basketball, Recruit Recon, City League Hoops, BallasTV, Rivals, Scout, Collegiate Hoops, 24/7 Sports, NJ.com, Trenton Times, MSG Varsity, Philadelphia Inquirer, Hoop Dreams Magazine, Newark Star Ledger, Trentonian, WZBN and more.

(Photos courtesy of NJ.com and NY Post)

By Alex Kline

Not since Danilo Galinari of the New York Knicks has a native of Italy made such a splash on the American basketball scene. While Galinari did it at the professional level, one senior is making his presence felt in the high school game.

Amedeo Della Valle is a 2012 6-foot-6 point guard attending Findlay Prep in Nevada. Right off the bat, Della Valle’s skills and size strike many suitors as he has great size and continues to grow as he came in at 6-foot-5 to begin his senior year. An import from Italy, the big guard came to Las Vegas with more than hopes of attaining his basketball dream.

“I came to America because I love the country,” he said. “It can provide me with a great opportunity and the experience itself can make me a better person.”

Due to his size, Della Valle creates a number of mismatches on the court. At the same time, he has not had much of an opportunity to play the point guard with teammates, Nigel Williams-Goss and Oregon signee Dominic Artis, running the show at the point. He has exhibited a number of talents though, as he has great court vision and shooting ability for a big guard. In college, he could be placed at various positions, which makes his stock even higher for someone who will sign in the spring. In order to take his game to the next level, it is the off court preparation in his lifting and strength that will help him have a successful college career.

Currently, the talented guard has a number of options around the United States. He has received offers from, “UConn, Arizona, Gonzaga, St. Mary’s, California, Loyola Marymount, Portland, Utah, Oklahoma State and UCLA.” Ohio State also recently reached out to Della Valle and could be out to watch him play again after seeing him at the Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts.

With a decision looming after the season, Della Valle’s recruitment has been slow, as of now. He has only taken one visit – an unofficial to Arizona with his teammate and Wildcats signee Brandon Ashley.

“I want to wait it out a little bit,” he said. “My goal is to get as comfortable with the coaches and campuses as possible.” With Ohio State looming around his recruitment, official and unofficial visits are expected to be setup in the near future.

(Photo courtesy of Draftology.com)

By Alex Kline

As the new Miami basketball staff has deep roots in the Northeast, the staff went to see a number of New Jersey teams play in New York - including the Hurricanes’ own 2012 signee, Melvin Johnson.

As Miami head coach Jim Larranaga saw St. Benedict’s defeat Upper Room Christian of New York by a score of 114-44, the ‘Canes head man not only saw the talented shooting guard drop 26 points, but noticed two other players. Miami offered 2013 6-foot-7 Canadian combo forward Isaiah Watkins on the spot, as well as 2015 6-foot-2 point guard Isaiah Briscoe.

Watkins has a long list of suitors with plenty of offers and interest – including – Arkansas, Bucknell, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Harvard, Indiana, Iowa State, Penn, Rice St. Bonaventure, Temple and many more. After only playing 17 games in America thus far, Watkins has already become nationally ranked and is rising as one of the premier under the radar talents for the class of 2013.

Briscoe, only a freshman, now has offers from the Hurricanes, along with Baylor, Pittsburgh, DePaul, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Seton Hall and Arizona. A number of schools, including Florida, Syracuse and UConn, are coming on strong from a standpoint of interest. Briscoe has been to the Seton Hall and Rutgers campus, as well as Syracuse for Midnight Madness.

On Monday, Miami assistant coach Mike Huger traveled to Baruch College in New York, where he took in the action of Davon Reed. A 2013 6-foot-6 combo guard from Princeton Day, Reed earned an offer from the Hurricanes and Cincinnati just minutes after his game concluded. This was due to the fact that he had 26 points, 22 rebounds and 6 blocks in a loss to Bayside (NY). Reed also played well in front of Rutgers, Drexel and Xavier, three schools who have already offered. Along with those five schools, the junior also maintains scholarships from Richmond, VCU, St. Joe’s, La Salle, Seton Hall, Northwestern, Temple, Harvard, Penn State and West Virginia. Look for Reed to take a few unofficial visits in the spring before making a decision at the end of the summer.

All three players will be participating in the 2012 Mary Kline Classic on May 5th at The Pennington School, along with Reggie Cameron, Jared Terrell, Jaren Sina, Chris McCullough, Jared Nickens, DeAndre Bembry and more, who are being carted by the Hurricanes.

(Photos courtesy of NY2LA Sports and Rivals)

By Alex Kline

Khem Birch has already wrapped up one visit and will head to another school late Wednesday night.

A 6-foot-9 freshman power forward who transferred out of Pittsburgh in mid-December, Birch left the Panthers because he did not fit the offensive system; nor did he get the minutes he felt were deserved. After spending a few weeks at home in Canada, and formulating a college list, the former McDonald’s All American is on the move as he is traveling from coast to coast this week.

From Tuesday night to late Wednesday afternoon, the Montreal native was on an official visit to Florida. A crucial component for the Gators’ 2012 class, Billy Donovan’s squad is in need of a power forward after recently missing out on Jarnell Stokes, who landed at Tennessee. Birch met with the coaching staff and players after taking in the Gators’ 18-point victory over UAB on Tuesday night.

“I had a great time at Florida,” said Birch. “I bonded with Coach Donovan and the rest of the staff, as well as the players. I fit in with their system very well and like the campus, too.”

Currently, Birch will arrive at New Mexico State on Wednesday night where he will begin his second official visit – followed by a trip to UNLV on Friday.

“I’m hoping to make my college decision by early next week at the latest,” he said. “There are no favorites at the moment and I am wide open. If another school that would be a good fit gets involved, then I may have to wait it out.”

An interesting note about the recruitment of Birch is how it could impact that of close friend and Canadian, Anthony Bennett. A 2012 6-foot-7 forward from Findlay Prep in Nevada, Bennett – who is considered to be a top ten player nationally – could end up at UNLV or Florida with Birch as both schools have offered and are in his final nine.

Among the other contenders for Khem Birch’s services are Xavier, Washington and Gonzaga. He averaged 4.4 points and 5 rebounds per game during his 10 games as a Panther.

(Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

Press release by Alex Kline

The roster for the 2012 Mary Kline Classic event is in the process of being announced with spots being filled every week. A charity high school basketball all-star game that features some of the top talent around the east coast is in its second year as Alex Kline will host the event at the Pennington School in New Jersey again.

The official date for the spring event is Saturday, May 5th at 5PM.

The newest change to the Mary Kline Classic is that it will feature two games this year, along with the dunk and three-point contest. The first game will be the underclassmen game, which features freshmen, sophomores, and juniors from the classes of 2015, 2014, and 2013. On top of that, the senior game will feature some of the top talent from the class of 2012.

There are twelve 2011 Mary Kline Classic alumni currently playing division one college basketball. They are Jordan Allen of Hofstra, Khem Birch and John Johnson of Pittsburgh, Angel Nunez of Louisville, Jabril Trawick of Georgetown, Chandler Fraser-Pauls of Lafayette, Khalid Lewis of Delaware, Devin Coleman of Clemson, Tyler Harris of NC State, Isaiah Williams of Marshall, Will Wise of UMBC and Jerrell Wright of La Salle. In the inaugural event, it was the Black team who defeated the Red team by a score of 110-87. Jabril Trawick and Jerrell Wright were named Co-MVP of the game, while Trawick won the slam dunk contest and Isaiah Williams won the three-point shootout.

Of the fifty-two expected participants in this year’s Mary Kline Classic, here are the current invites to the game. At the moment, zero spots remain open for the Senior and Underclassmen games. Players are still being taken into consideration; however, as current invites may drop out before May 5th.

The Mary Kline Classic would like to thank Vincent Robinson of The Robinson School for contributing uniforms, as well as Patrick Coombs of Reebok for contributing Zigtech sneakers.

Underclassmen Game

Isaiah Whitehead, a 6’4 combo guard from Lincoln (NY)/Juice All-Stars (NY), who is considering Georgetown, Xavier, Seton Hall, USC, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, Syracuse, Rutgers, UConn, St. John’s, North Carolina and more.

Jermaine Lawrence, a 6’9 combo forward from Pope John XXIII (NJ)/Positive Direction (NY), who is considering Cincinnati, Florida, Fordham, Rutgers, Georgetown, Syracuse, St. John’s, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Marquette and more.

Conrad Chambers, a 6’1 point guard from Friends Central (PA)/Team Scan (NY), who is considering Providence, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Iowa State, Temple, Drexel, Villanova, UConn, West Virginia and St. John’s.

Wayne Selden, a 6’5 shooting guard from Tilton (NH)/BABC (MA), who is considering Kentucky, Duke, Boston College, Providence, UConn, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Arizona, Georgetown, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina and more.

Tyler Ennis, a 6’2 point guard from St. Benedict’s (NJ)/CIA Bounce (Canada), who is considering Arizona State, Boston College, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, NC State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, Providence, Rice, Rutgers, Santa Clara, Seton Hall, Villanova, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

Tyler Roberson, a 6’7 combo forward from Roselle Catholic (NJ)/New Jersey Roadrunners, who is considering Kansas State, Cincinnati, Florida, Georgetown, Rutgers, Kansas, Seton Hall, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Villanova, Providence, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, St. Joseph’s and more.

Reggie Cameron, a 6’7 combo forward from Hudson Catholic (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, who is considering Cincinnati, Rutgers, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Miami, Xavier, Northwestern, Providence, Tennessee, Villanova, Virginia, West Virginia, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, DePaul, UMass and more.

Johnnie Davis, a 6’5 wing from Neumann Goretti (PA)/Team Final (PA), who is considering Towson, VCU, George Mason, Temple, Delaware, La Salle, UMass, Rider, Northeastern, Seton Hall, Manhattan, Florida Atlantic, St. Peter’s, St. Joe’s, Robert Morris, Boston University, Penn State and Villanova.

Kaison Randolph, a 2014 6’2 combo guard from Pennington (NJ)/Team ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who is considering Boston University, Cincinnati, Wagner, Drexel, Iowa State, Seton Hall, Rutgers and VCU.

DeAndre Bembry, a 2013 6’4 wing from St. Patrick (NJ)/NJ Celtics, who is considering Central Florida, Georgetown, Auburn, VCU, South Carolina, Villanova, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech and more.

Jared Nickens, a 2013 6’6 small forward from St. Patrick (NJ)/NJ Celtics, who is considering Seton Hall, Virginia, Notre Dame, VCU, Fordham, Penn State, SMU, St. Joe’s, Rutgers and Maryland.

Lenny Kadisha, a 2015 6’3 shooting guard from Wadleigh (NY)/Real Scout Express (NY), who is considering Virginia, Providence, St. John’s, Iowa State and Memphis.

Kamar McKnight, a 2015 6’4 combo guard from St. Patrick (NJ)/Grassroots Canada, who is considering Arizona, Rutgers and Seton Hall.

Isaiah Watkins, a 2013 6’8 combo forward from St. Benedict’s (NJ)/CIA Bounce (Canada), who is considering Arkansas, Cincinnati, Harvard, Indiana, Iowa State, New Mexico State, Penn, Temple, St. Bonaventure, Providence, Rice, Santa Clara, Lafayette and more.

Jared Terrell, a 6’3 shooting guard from New Hampton (NH)/Expressions (MA), who is considering UConn, Cincinnati, Miami, Boston College, Rutgers, NC State, Virginia Tech, UMass, Temple, Iowa State, Providence, DePaul, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona and Baylor.

Abdul-Malik Abu, a 6’7 combo forward from Kimball Union (NH)/Expressions (MA), who is considering Iowa State, Rutgers, UMass, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Boston College and Missouri.

Geno Thorpe, a 2013 6’3 point guard from Shaler (PA)/New Jersey Playaz, who is commited to Penn State.

Hallice Cooke, a 2013 6’4 shooting guard from St. Anthony (NJ)/Sports University (NJ), who is considering South Florida, Seton Hall, La Salle, VCU, Richmond, St. Joe’s, San Francisco, Rice, Iona, Wagner, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Yale, Quinnipiac, Fordham, Cincinnati, Temple, Virginia, Rutgers and Villanova.

Josh Brown, a 2013 6’2 point guard from St. Anthony (NJ)/Sports University (NJ), who is committed to Temple.

Ben Bentil, a 2014 6’8 power forward from St. Andrew’s (DE)/Team ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who is considering Notre Dame, Penn State, Villanova, St. Joe’s, Boston University, Syracuse, Rutgers and Maryland.

Karl Towns, a 2015 6’10 combo forward from St. Joseph’s Metuchen (NJ)/Sports University (NJ), who is considering Michigan State, Kentucky, Florida, Baylor, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Louisville, Villanova, St. John’s, Temple and more.

Chris McCullough, a 2014 6’8 combo forward from Salisbury (CT)/Team Scan (NY), who is considering Arizona, Florida, Rutgers, St. John’s, Syracuse, Rutgers, Providence, Pittsburgh, UConn, West Virginia, Seton Hall, Villanova, North Carolina, Iowa State, Hofstra, Temple and more.

Isaiah Briscoe, a 2015 6’3 point guard from St. Benedict’s (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, who is considering Syracuse, Duke, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Seton Hall, Baylor, Cincinnati, DePaul, Arizona, UConn, Ohio State, Georgetown, Villanova, Notre Dame and more.

Davon Reed, a 2013 6’5 combo guard from Princeton Day (NJ)/Team Final (PA), who is considering Seton Hall, Rutgers, Xavier, Harvard, Richmond, Northwestern, La Salle, St. Joe’s, Temple, West Virginia, Penn State, Drexel, Boston College, Georgetown and more.

Jaren Sina, a 2013 6’1 point guard from Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ)/Hoop Heaven (NJ), who is considering Kansas, Alabama, Virginia, Penn State, Georgetown, Miami, Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. John’s, Florida State, Michigan, Cincinnati, Clemson, Syracuse and West Virginia.

Allerik Freeman, a 2013 6’4 shooting guard from Olympic (NC)/Team Nike Florida, who is considering Florida, Villanova, South Carolina, Texas, Kansas State, Kansas, North Carolina, NC State, Marquette, Georgetown, Arizona, UCLA, UConn and Memphis.

Senior Game

Daniel Dingle, a 6’6 combo forward from St. Raymond (NY)/Long Island Lightning (NY), who has signed with Temple.

Sekou Harris, a 5’10 point guard from Plainfield (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, who is considering New Hampshire, Florida International, San Francisco, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Colorado State, Morehead State, Fairleigh Dickinson, Rider and more.

Georges Niang, a 6’7 combo forward from Tilton (NH)/BABC (MA), who has signed with Iowa State.

Anthony Gaffney, a 6’2 combo guard from Taft (CT)/ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who has committed to Princeton for football.

Nkereuwem Okoro, a 6’4 wing from St. Raymond (NY)/Long Island Lightning (NY), who has signed with Iowa State.

Nizar Kapic, a 6’6 wing from Perkiomen (PA)/Austria, who is considering La Salle, Washington State, Dartmouth, St. Francis (PA), Boston College, Lehigh, Colgate, Rice and more.

Neville Fincher, a 6’9 power forward from Teaneck (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, who is considering Hofstra, Western Kentucky, Temple, Binghamton, Manhattan, Seton Hall, Siena, Robert Morris and Monmouth.

Chris Jones, a 6’5 shooting guard from Teaneck (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, who is considering Siena, Hofstra, La Salle, UMass and more.

Justin Sears, a 6’7 combo forward from Plainfield (NJ)/Sports University (NJ), who has signed with Yale.

Phillip Lawrence, a 6’7 combo forward from Mount St. Joseph (MD)/Philly’s Finest (PA), who has signed with Marist.

Bruce Brittingham, a 6’1 point guard from Perkiomen (PA)/Team ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who is committed to Wagner for football and basketball.

Melvin Johnson, a 6’3 shooting guard from St. Benedict’s (NJ)/Long Island Lightning (NY), who has signed with Miami (FL).

Blaise Mbargorba, a 2012 7’0 center from Peddie (NJ)/New Jersey Roadrunners, who has signed with SMU.

Marcus Gilbert, a 2012 6’6 small forward from Academy of the New Church (PA)/Team ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who has signed with Fairfield.

Daiquan Walker, a 2012 6’2 point guard from Constitution (PA)/New York Gauchos, who is considering Tennessee, UConn, Temple, Central Florida, West Virginia, Seton Hall and Niagara.

Dallas Anglin, a 2012 6’2 point guard from Seton Hall Prep (NJ)/Sports University (NJ), who has signed with Hofstra.

Brandon Bolden, a 2012 6’10 power forward from Quality Education (NC)/Team Nike Florida, who has signed with Georgetown.

Charles Cooke, a 2012 6’5 wing from Trenton Catholic (NJ)/Team ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who has signed with James Madison.

Brandon Taylor, a 2012 6’7 power forward from Trenton Catholic (NJ)/Team Philly (PA), who has signed with Penn State.

Dominic Hoffman, a 2012 6’7 power forward from Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ)/Hoop Heaven (NJ), who has signed with Bucknell.

Quenton DeCosey, a 2012 6’5 wing from St. Joseph’s Metuchen (NJ)/Sports University (NJ), who signed with Temple.

Eric Fanning, a 2012 6’4 wing from Perkiomen (PA)/Team ECE/NJABC (DE/NJ), who has signed with Wagner.

Daniel Ochefu, a 2012 6’10 center from Westtown (PA)/PTP (PA), who has signed with Villanova.

Alex Mitola, a 2012 5’10 combo guard from Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ)/Hoop Heaven (NJ), who has signed with Dartmouth.

Maurice Watson, a 2012 5’10 point guard from Boys’ Latin (PA)/Team Philly (PA), who has signed with Boston University.

Coaches

Blue Team Seniors- Matt Pauls of ECE/NJABC and Terrell Myers of ECE/NJABC

Red Team Seniors – Mergin Sina of Gill St. Bernard’s (NJ)/Hoop Heaven (NJ) and TBD

Blue Team Underclassmen - Billy Diamond of Berkley College (NJ) and Terrance “Munch” Williams of Team Scan

Red Team Underclassmen - Eric Harrield of St. Anthony (NJ)/Sports University (NJ) and a special guest coach.

Contests

Dunk Contest Participants: DeAndre Bembry, Marcus Gilbert, Dallas Anglin, Geno Thorpe, Johnnie Davis, Chris McCullough, Wayne Selden & Neville Fincher

Three-Point Shootout Participants: Alex Mitola, Jaren Sina, Karl Towns, Nizar Kapic, Allerik Freeman, Melvin Johnson, Hallice Cooke & Jared Nickens

For media and player inquiries, as well as anything else, please contact Alex Kline at AlexKlineBasketball@Yahoo.com and follow game updates by following TheRecruitScoop on Twitter.

(Photos courtesy of George Burgess, Stephen Goldsmith, ESPN, Rivals, BBall Spotlight, Hoop Group, Fun Sport, Expressions, NY2LA Sports & video courtesy of Ballin365)

By Alex Kline

Nizar Kapic came to America with the goal of playing Division one college basketball.

A 2012 6-foot-6 native of Austria, Kapic can play the one, two and three. Kapic is primarily a shooting guard who can create shots for himself, as well as coming off screens where he is a great shooter with legitimate NBA range. He also succeeds in the pick and roll system as it is a big part of European basketball. Because of the senior’s length and long wingspan, he can also post up against smaller guards. In order to become an elite prospect at the next level, Kapic will have to work on his speed and quickness. He also lacks some intensity on the court. With some improved quickness and a little more dimension to every part of his game besides his shooting, Nizar Kapic could be a steal for many mid-major programs around the country.

The Austrian native played for UBC Sankt Polten, a first division professional team in the Austrian Pro League. Kapic did not sign a contract or receive any money or benefits while playing for the squad and, thus, his eligibility is not in question.

With the goal of playing college basketball, Kapic came to America for his senior year of high school and enrolled in the wilderness at a prep school in Pennsylvania. The Perkiomen basketball program gained a notable flavor last year after Mark Longstreth’s program had a breakout year led by Wagner bound duo Eric Fanning and Bruce Brittingham. With several additions, including freshman monster Tyler Kohl, along with Austrian talent Nizar Kapic, the team could be one of the best in Pennsylvania.

A member of the U18 Austrian national team, Kapic is waiting for his recruitment to take off, as well as a scholarship offer. An excellent student-athlete with Ivy League grades – Dartmouth, Boston College, Lehigh, Colgate, St. Francis (PA) and La Salle have been the only schools to reach out so far. He has attended games at La Salle, St. Francis (PA) and Colgate.

With plenty of talent, versatility and grades, Perkiomen shooting stud Nizar Kapic could be in for a big season as he had 21 points and 7 rebounds in his first game of the season. Look for more solid academic schools from around the country to make a move on the long perimeter prospect.

(Photo courtesy of Nizar)

By Alex Kline

Canada has become the new hotbed for recruiting top basketball players. At the moment, the 2013 Canadian class features a number of top talent; however, it is the 2014 class that could make a big impact. Led by Andrew Wiggins and Kevin Zabo, Canadian basketball is rising to the top of the world.

Zabo, a 2014 6-foot-2 point guard from Montrose Christian in Maryland, is getting used to life in America, as well as his new school. During his freshman year, he played at St. Mark’s in Massachusetts, alongside Alex Murphy (Duke), Kaleb Tarczewski (Arizona) and Nik Stauskas (Michigan). Now he teams up with Justin Anderson (Virginia) and former Missouri commit Ishmail Wainright at the Rockville, Maryland school.

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(Photo courtesy of Rivals.com)

By Alex Kline

Basketball has been in the life of Xavier Rathan-Mayes since he was a young boy. The son of Therron Mayes, a former standout player at Florida State and the Phoenix Suns, Rathan-Mayes has been exposed to the game and has learned from a true professional. Although they played in different decades, the two have a very similar game to each other as both were scoring machines. The Canadian native, who spends time in Connecticut with his father when he is not at prep school, hopes to follow in those footsteps in order to play college and professional hoops.

A 2013 6-foot-3 shooting guard who attends Huntington Prep in West Virginia, the junior is new to the school and making the most of it. A member of the established Nike sponsored CIA Bounce squad, who won the AAU Super Showcase, Rathan-Mayes attends school with a few of his AAU teammates. The squad is currently 2-0 and Rathan-Mayes has been playing his role to the best of his ability.

A big guard who can either play at the one or two, Rathan-Mayes has solid handle and can score in a multiplicity of ways. Whether it is shooting the ball from mid or long range, or even driving to the basket for a layup, the junior guard can score. In order to become a better player, the Huntington Prep guard must become quicker and more explosive in the open court and when he attacks the rim. This could make the big bodied guard that much better.

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(Photo courtesy of Rivals.com)

By Alex Kline

Anthony Pate has only spent a few months in America, but he will be switching high schools before the season starts.

A native of Canada, Pate is a 2013 6’3 combo guard who enrolled at St. Patrick in New Jersey for his junior year. Pate has decided to transfer to Long Island Lutheran in New York, according to his father, Gabriel Pate.

“His move comes primarily for academic reasons,” said Gabriel Pate. ”Lutheran has a great pre-college prep business program that he wants to take advantage of, due to increased interest from schools like Yale, Notre Dame and others.”

In addition, Pate, who plays with Ro Russell’s Grassroots Canada squad on the AAU scene, will be immediately eligible for play from the start of Long Island Lutheran’s season. He would have had to sit at St. Patrick because international transfers, if they played high school the year before they came to America, are subject to sit for 30-days. Pate joins a highly talented cast at Lutheran where he will attempt to help them defend their 2010-11 New York state championship title under Coach John Buck.

The addition of the young Canadian will be felt after losing talented seniors Jordan Allen of Hofstra and Ash Yacoubu of Villanova to graduation.

Along with interest from Notre Dame and Yale, Pate is hearing from a number of schools including Rutgers and Seton Hall, where he took unofficial visits to last weekend.

(Photo courtesy of Canada Basketball)

By Alex Kline

Midnight Madness kicked off the first practice for college basketball teams to start the 2011-2012 season. Events will be hosted all around the country and will be packed with crazy college basketball fans and spectators. As the first practice takes place, this is a key weekend for schools to get key recruits on campus for official and unofficial visits. With hundreds of recruits, seniors to freshmen, on campus, here is a breakdown of a number of recruits who will be attending Midnight Madness this weekend.

Currently, exactly 210 recruits are listed as attending Midnight Madness. Updates will be coming every few hours.

Rider- Yosef Yacob, Dom Reid, Amir Maddred, Amar Stukes, Johnnie Davis, Terry Turner, Derek Stewart, Bryan Rivers and Karron Davis.

Harvard – Isaiah Watkins and Pat Benzan.

North Carolina – TJ Warren and Nate Britt.

UNLV – Stephen Zimmerman and Noah Robotham.

Purdue – Derek Willis

Texas A&M – Keith Frazier, Karviar Shepard, Jordan Mickey, Elijah Thomas and Austin Grandstaff.

Kansas - Kaleb Tarczewski, Branne Greene, Allerik Freemanm, Jordan Mickey, Karviar Sheppard and Chris Walker.

Michigan State- Tyler Wideman, Demetrius Jackson, Drake Harris, Paul White and Cliff Alexander.

Syracuse- Isaiah Briscoe, Nerlens Noel, Tyler Ennis, Goodluck Okonoboh, Chinoso Obokuh and Zach Radz

DePaul – Karriem Simmons, Jordan Poydras, Tevin King, Amanzke Egezeke, Evan Boudreaux, Darius Austin, Tyler Jackson, Derreon Reddick, CJ Rivers, Glynn Watson, Prentiss Nixon, Paul Turner, Jordan Ash, Roosevelt Smart, Keita Bates-Diop, Erick Locke and Jalen Brunson.

UConn- Noah Vonleh, Chris Baldwin, Austin Colbert, Amile Jefferson, Jeremy Miller, Kuran Iverson, Kyle Washington, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Jaylen Brantley, Cane Broome, Kahari Beaufort, Jarred Reuter, Kenton Facey and Lenny Kadisha.

Georgetown- Shep Garner, Kennedy Meeks, Tyler Jackson, Josh Hart, Rysheed Jordan and Troy Williams.

Quinnipiac – Chris McCullough

Marquette – Malik Yarbrough, Diamond Stone, Phil Nolan, Duane Wilson, Domonique Matthews, Jaquan Lyle, Dennis Williams, Charles Matthews, Kevin Looney, Juwan Parker, Toby Henger, Gavin Schilling and Monte Morris.

St. John’s- Chris Obekpa, Jason Boswell, Dayshon Smith, Isaiah Lewis, Jaquan McKennon, Tyler Wilson, Chance Ellis and Jermaine Lawrence.

Rutgers- Stanford Robinson, Anthony Pate, DeAndre Bembry, Jonathan Williams, Jared Nickens, Brandon Austin, Quadri Moore, Isaiah Still, Wade Baldwin, CJ Davis, Conrad Chambers, Horace Spencer, Kyle Williams, Reggie Cameron, Nassir Barrino, Kavon Stewart, Karl Towns, John Severe, Phil Boothe, Romelo Trimble and Mike Young.

Kentucky - Shabazz Muhammad, DaJuan Coleman, Alex Poythress, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison and Willie Cauley.

George Washington - Kevin Zabo, Ishmail Wainright, Kris Jenkins, Aaron Young and Skye Johnson.

Louisville- Malik Price-Martin, Robert Upshaw, Greg McClinton, Anton Gill, Raekwon Harney, Jackson Davis and Derek Willis.

Auburn – Daniel Dingle, Jordan Granger, Ben Carter and LeMarcus White.

Oklahoma – Alonzo Trier, Omega Harris, Juwan Parker, Shaq Morris and Jacob Hammond-Diaz.

Maryland – Will Ferguson, Tevon Saddler, Roddy Peters, John Crosby, Andre Walker, Rodney Bullock and Sam Cassell Jr.

Manhattan- Neville Fincher, Chris Jones, Naim Thomas, Myron Hickman, Kavon Williams, Kevin Johnson, Isaiah Cousins, Jarrel Marshall, Naasir Williams, Ryan Yearwood, Josh Doughty, Tariq Carey, Paul Bayt, Shane Rector, Jerome Frink, Shavar Newkirk, Tauron Bailey, Curtis Jones and Josh James.

Memphis- Jarnell Stokes, Shaq Goodwin, Tony Parker, Deontaye Curtis, Treshawn Bolden, Nick King, Jalen Lindsey, Austin Nichols and Marquan Botley.

Duke – Matt Jones and Jaquel Richmond.

New Mexico – Winston Sheppard

Indiana - Derek Willis, Johnnie Vassar, RJ Curington, Sam Singer, Gary Harris, Trevor Bluiett, Grant Evans, D’Angelo Russell, Jackson Davis, Shane Hall, Trey Grundy, Justin Johnson and Bryant McIntosh.

Illinois- Gavin Schilling, Thomas Hamilton, Devin Williams, Kieta Bates-Diop, Darius Austin, Jordan Ash, Prentiss Jackson and Tyler Jackson.

Providence- Greg Senat, Jared Terrell, Rene Castro, Orlando Sanchez and Adrian Oliveira.

Texas – Zena Edosomwan and Julius Randle.

(Photo courtesy of NY2LA Sports and ESPN)