Kadeem Batts is now on the Norfolk Sports Club roster for the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Portsmouth, VA. Their first game is tonight at 7pm against K&D Round’s Landscaping. To see the full rosters and schedules, click the links below:
PC received some good recruiting news minutes after the final buzzer sounded in Dallas on the 2013-2014 season Monday night – Kyron Cartwright announced he was going to be a Friar next season. His commitment adds more depth to the point guard position for PC next season. Kris Dunn was the only point guard on the roster and coming off a second shoulder surgery it was crucial for Ed Cooley to have some insurance. To read more about Cartwright’s commitment and some quotes from him, click the links below.
More interesting recruiting news came about on Tuesday this week when coveted 2014 point guard Devonte’ Graham announced on Twitter that he got a release from his National Letter of Intent to App State by new coach, Jim Fox. Graham is now officially one of the best available players left on the board in 2014 after having a break out year under Jason Smith at Brewster Academy. A number of high majors are involved and have already spoken to Graham since his release. Thursday night had Cooley joined by Nebraska’s Tim Miles and Virginia’s Tony Bennett at Brewster for a workout. Friday it will be Kansas’ Bill Self along with coaches from Cincinnati, Florida and Virginia Tech. Graham would be a great fit at PC because of his shooting and playmaking abilities but the competition is obviously stiff. Ed Cooley and Providence has a legit chance with Graham and will likely be one of the teams on his final list before deciding.
This means the floodgates will open for the young man who is the best point guard available for the Class of 2014. The competition will be stiff for the Friars but Ed Cooley is a fixture at Brewster already as he is recruiting 2015 Donovan Mitchell and he and Brewster coach Jason Smith have a good relationship. Cooley will be joined by Virginia’s Tony Bennett and Nebraska’s Tim Miles on Thursday when the trio of high major head men will finally be able to interact with Graham now that he is released. Kansas’ Bill Self will be at Brewster on Friday. The reason coaches aren’t already at Brewster is because the current recruiting calendar has us on the tail end of a dead period which means no on campus or off campus in person contact. The dead period ends at 12pm Thursday.
12:01pm April 10th begins the Devonte’ Graham period for a host of schools.
Let’s introduce you to Donovan; an amazing 14 year old boy who is battling Lafora disease. Lafora disease, also known as “Lafora Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy” (MELF) is a fatal recessive genetic disorder. In layman’s terms… Lafora disease is a severe, and extremely rare form of epilepsy.
Here is a photo of Donovan and the big man #33; on the court after the PC Friars won the 2014 Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The NEPSAC playoffs finished up last weekend and Providence targets played major roles in taking home trophies for their respective schools. Jalen Adams put the knife through the heart of the St. Andrew’s faithful for the 2nd year in a row when he put home this rebound to win the semifinal matchup:
Cushing was able to take down Abdul Malik Abu and Kimball Union in the championship game behind Kaleb Joseph and Adams’ stellar play. Adams took home playoff MVP.
For Brewster, Donovan Mitchell and Devonte Graham, both PC targets, were impressive during the playoffs and especially in clutch moments. Mitchell calmly nailed 4 consecutive free throws at the end of the championship game to defeat New Hampton and Graham was able to answer every time New Hampton appeared to be pulling away in the first half.