Friday, April 27, 2012

Mount lands another commitment

6 foot 7 inch Melvin Gregory of Lancaster Virginia became the latest player to commit to play on Jamion Christian's basketball team at Mt. St. Mary's. Gregory was named the Virginia A player of the year after leading his school to a state title. He had interest from other schools such as Towson, Old Dominion and Virginia Commonwealth.

Schools may have shied away from Gregory because of the fact that he played for such a small high school, he is relatively skinny for his 6-7 frame and that he didn't play organized basketball until he was in the 10th grade. But in the estimation of The Fan Blog that just makes his ceiling all the higher.

The athletic forward scored 25 points grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked 9 shots in the team's state Semifinal victory.  His athletic ability should fit very well with Christian's desire to play an uptempo game. Although information on Gregory isn't easy to find, numerous accounts of rim rattling dunks made him a fan favorite.

He becomes the third player of a four player class entering the Mount to stand 6-7 or taller.

The scholarship for Gregory became available when freshman guard Chad Holley, who averaged 3.3 points in his freshman season opted to transfer.

For a story from the Northumberland Echo Click Here

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

The Varsity Beat | Former Eastern York standout Austin Tillotson transferring from Monmouth

The Varsity Beat | Former Eastern York standout Austin Tillotson transferring from Monmouth:

Thanks to Richard for finding this

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Former NBA coach Eddie Jordan returns to roots with D.C. Assault program | CollegeBasketballTalk

Former NBA coach Eddie Jordan returns to roots with D.C. Assault program | CollegeBasketballTalk:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Trent leads Wave to Steel Bracket Title

Malique Trent, the first offer of the Jamion Christian era, scored 28 points in Sunday's final to lead Wave Basketball Club to a 68-54 win over Hidden Gems (Ohio) in the championship game of the Steel Bracket of the Hoop Group's Pittsburgh Jam Fest.

Trent also was a key factor in the semi-final win knocking down a pair of late threes and finishing with 15 points in win over Team Melo (NY).

Trent, a 6-2 guard from Portsmouth VA - Norcom HS, also has an offer from Appalachian State.

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Kearse scores 14 in Japan | The Japan Times Online

Lowly Five Arrows' skid reaches 23 games | The Japan Times Online:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Donovan Gilmore holds Mount offer

Donovan Gilmore a 6'8" forward from Greensboro North Carolina holds an offer from Mt. St. Mary's. Gilmore becomes the third know offer since Jamion Christian took over at his alma mater.

Recruiting expert Justin Byerly described Gilmore as long bouncy and under the radar. He is participating with his CP3 teammates in Minnesota at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Event this weekend.

Gilmore has offers from William & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth and Jacksonville along with the Mount. But his recent performances have drawn the interest of Virginia Tech, Marquette and Missouri along with Appalachian State.

Gilmore becomes the third known offer for the Mount's potential 2013 recruiting class. Malique Trent (Portsmouth, VA, Norcom) and Nick Griffin (Rockville, MD, Magruder) are the other two known offers.

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Friday, April 20, 2012

Tribe Hoops Loss - From the tarpit - dailypress.com

Tribe Hoops Loss - From the tarpit - dailypress.com:

This is a nice little column from the W&M perspective on Wilkins coming to the Mount - and the loss at William and Mary. It is from a subscription site, but you can maneuver around to read most, if not all, of it.

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Vallely, Blair pick Mount St. Mary's

Vallely, Blair pick Mount St. Mary's:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Mount St. Mary's men's lacrosse team tinkering with faceoffs - baltimoresun.com

Mount St. Mary's men's lacrosse team tinkering with faceoffs - baltimoresun.com:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Six Former Lower Merion Players Join Nor'easters - Cape May County Herald

Six Former Lower Merion Players Join Nor'easters - Cape May County Herald:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Rockets’ Aaman verbally commits to play basketball at Rhode Island | ind.gmnews.com | Independent

Rockets’ Aaman verbally commits to play basketball at Rhode Island | ind.gmnews.com | Independent:

Aaman following Hurley to Rhode Island.

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

St. Francis hires Rob Krimmel, son of athletic director, as men's basketball coach - AltoonaMirror.com - Altoona, PA | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - The Altoona Mirror

St. Francis hires Rob Krimmel, son of athletic director, as men's basketball coach - AltoonaMirror.com - Altoona, PA | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - The Altoona Mirror:

Interesting going ons at St. Francis PA. Not surprised to see Don Friday forced out. A little surprised by the way the hiring took place.

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Wiggins signs to play basketball at Mount St. Mary’s | Huntersville Herald

Wiggins signs to play basketball at Mount St. Mary’s | Huntersville Herald:

Here is a story on Wiggins and his signing. Says he will report to campus on July 5.

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Sacred Heart senior Isabella Draper signs letter of intent with Mount St. Mary's - Sports - Main Line Media News

Sacred Heart senior Isabella Draper signs letter of intent with Mount St. Mary's - Sports - Main Line Media News:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Wilkins to round out Christian's staff

Mt. St. Mary's and Head basketball coach Jamion Christian have hired Ben Wilkins as an assistant basketball coach. Wilkins comes to the Mount after serving as an assistant for Tony Shaver at William and Mary. Wilkins worked with Christian during that time at William and Mary.

Wilkins served as an assistant at Barton University and on the staff at NC State before going to William and Mary. The William and Mary athletic website credits Wilkins with having a major role in implementing the offensive and defensive systems for the Tribe.

He was Shaver's right hand man the last few years and will serve in the same capacity with Christian at Mt. St. Mary's.

We welcome Ben Wilkins to the staff and wish him all the success.

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Two NEC Stars on collegeinsider.com Freshman All-American Team

Central Connecticut's Kyle Vinales and Robert Morris' Lucky Jones were named to the Collegeinsider.com Mid-major freshman all-american team.

Other players on interest on the team to Mount fans, Holy Cross guard Justin Burrell, who had once signed a letter of intent at Mt. St. Mary's and Evan Hymes who lit up Knott Arena in his first start for Siena.

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Mount St. Mary¿s staring at must-win game vs. Robert Morris Saturday - baltimoresun.com

Mount St. Mary¿s staring at must-win game vs. Robert Morris Saturday - baltimoresun.com:

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Griffin getting A-10 looks, recruitment heating up « National Recruiting Spotlight

Griffin getting A-10 looks, recruitment heating up « National Recruiting Spotlight:

Nick Griffin has picked up an offer since Jamion Christian took over at the Mount. The Magruder product might have the right style to fit into Christian's guard oriented aggressive offensive attack at the Mount.

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Signing Day tomorrow

Point guard Shivaughn Wiggins is expected to sign his letter of intent to Mt. St. Mary's when the signing period opens again tomorrow. The 5-9 guard from North Mecklenburg, North Carolina will join front court players Greg Graves and Christian Crockett who had earlier inked Letters of Intent for the Mount.

Wiggins averaged 25 points a game his senior season and was received numerous accolades after the season. He will be the first player to sign for new head coach Jamion Christian.

Graves at 6-foot 7-inches averaged a double double (21 points and 13 rebounds) during his senior campaign. He scored 44 points and had 31 rebounds in a gargantuan effort on January 6. His team vying for a third straight Virginia State title lost to Christiansburg in the state semifinal.

Christian Crockett a 6-foot 6-inch wing forward played on one of the best high school teams in America. He averaged just under ten points and 5 rebounds a game for the 8th ranked team in America according to MaxPreps.com

The trio gives the Mount and new head coach Jamion Christian some key players at some key spots and we look forward to watching them as Mountaineers over the next few years.

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

LIU picks Perri to replace Ferry - WSJ.com

LIU picks Perri to replace Ferry - WSJ.com:

Blackbirds waste no time in naming Ferry's top assistant as the head coach

'via Blog this'

Duquesne Dukes name Jim Ferry new head coach - ESPN

Duquesne Dukes name Jim Ferry new head coach - ESPN:

'via Blog this'

Saucon Valley Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced - Hellertown-Lower Saucon, PA Patch

Saucon Valley Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Announced - Hellertown-Lower Saucon, PA Patch:

Thea Ackerman former Mount track and field great selected for Saucon Valley Hall of Fame induction

'via Blog this'

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Bruce and Bethel to remain on staff

Darryl Bruce and Tony Bethel will remain on Jamion Christian's staff at Mt. St. Mary's.

Both have served one year on the Mount staff and will provide some continuity for the group of players that remains.

Darryl BruceBruce a graduate of powerhouse high school basketball program DeMatha, has 22 years of assistant coach experience. Prior to coming to the Mount, Bruce coached with another Mount grad Cliff Warren for six years at Jacksonville. In addition to working on Warren's staff with the Dolphins, Bruce also has experience with Wagner, Howard, Hampton, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Delaware and Towson.



Tony BethelBethel's brother Eric played four years for legendary head coach Jim Phelan and had a huge night in the NEC Final in helping the Mount reach the NCAA Tournament. Bethel split his college playing days at Georgetown and NC State. Following a European professional career, he served on the staff at NC State.



Christian is expected to bring someone from outside the program in to serve as the final assistant on his staff.


Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Mount St. Mary¿s looking to rebound from conference stunner - baltimoresun.com

Mount St. Mary¿s looking to rebound from conference stunner - baltimoresun.com:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Shivaughn Wiggins first commitment of Christian Era

New Head Coach Jamion Christian picked up his first commitment from North Mecklenburg NC point guard Shivaughn Wiggins.

Wiggins a 5-10 guard for 4A North Mecklenburg averaged 25 points, 5 assists and 3 steals a game while being named the I-MECK Player of the Year.

Wiggins shot better than 50% from the floor and 33% from three-point land for his team. He made 77% of his free throws and gets to the line frequently with his tremendous quickness.

Here is a writeup on the next guard to the wear the Blue and White from phenomhoopreport.com

"Coach Duane Lewis of North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, North Carolina is one of the best high school basketball coaches in the state. He has produced many D1 prospects at every level and this year is no exception with his senior PG Shivaughn Wiggins. Wiggins is enjoying an outstanding start to the season. After a solid junior season where Wiggins averaged 13.3 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 3.4 steals per game, he is now playing the role of a scoring PG and a good one at that. Currently, Wiggins is averaging 25 PPG and 6.5 APG and over 3 steals per game. These statistics are outstanding for the level of competition he is playing. North Mecklenburg HS is in the 4A classification for the state of North Carolina.  Wiggins plays with a confidence that is second to none. He is a fierce competitor and will not back down from a challenge. He is an excellent on the ball defender and has quick hands and feet. He has a solid foundation of team defense and anticipates nicely for steals. On the offensive end of the court, he is an outstanding ball handler. He dribbles with a low stance and has his head always up looking for the next pass to an open teammate. He has an uncanny ability to see a play one step ahead and his advanced ball handling skills makes him one difficult player to defend. He has good ball speed and quickness and utilizes the hesitation move effectively to keep defenders off balance. He changes speed extremely well and has the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. Wiggins sports a nice mid range pull up jumper and has perfected the tear drop floater in the lane. Without question, Wiggins is a PG D1 schools should take a hard long look at, especially in the North Carolina area. If not, we will be reading about another player that was “snatched” away from his own back yard. "
Wiggins is expected to sign during the extended signing period which starts next week.

Here's another story on Wiggins senior season

Prep Insiders reports on his commitment

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Monday, April 02, 2012

VirginiaPreps.com - Q&A with Mount St. Mary's Jamion Christian

VirginiaPreps.com - Q&A with Mount St. Mary's Jamion Christian:

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Canisius names Jim Baron Men's Basketball Coach | WKBW News 7: News, Sports, Weather | Buffalo, NY | WKBW Sports

Canisius names Jim Baron Men's Basketball Coach | WKBW News 7: News, Sports, Weather | Buffalo, NY | WKBW Sports:

Former St. Francis PA coach takes over for Golden Griffs

'via Blog this'

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com

Patterson granted release

According to sources close to The Fan Blog and the situation, Mt. St. Mary's granted 6-4 guard Chazz Patterson his release from his letter of intent over the weekend.

Patterson a 6-4 guard from Trenton Catholic had signed with the Mount during the early signing period when Robert Burke was the head coach.

As a combo guard who plays on the wing, Patterson would have been a player at one of two positions where the Mount has some unique depth. Starters Julian Norfleet and Kelvin Parker both return for their junior and sophomore seasons, while transfers Sam Prescott (Marist) and Rashad Whack (George Mason) both will look for immediate playing time.

This does open up an immediate scholarship and we'll see if new head coach Jamion Christian is able to fill it quickly.

The late signing period for college basketball national letters of intent begins April 11 and runs through May 16.

Send an email to thefanblog@gmail.com