cl1998

Class 0f 1998: The rankings for these players come from lists by Prep Stars (PS), Clark Francis (CF), Bob Gibbons (BG), Hoop Scoop (HS) and Kurt O'Neill (KO).

Al Harrington - 6-8, small/power forward, St. Patrick's NJ. Known as a shooter, but at 220 lb. and growing he can also bang. Current Prep Star's rating of #1. Along with Barkley, he made NY Post tri-state first team last year along with the three seniors Brand, Artest and Perry. Al got rave reviews for his performance at Nike, and played AAU summer ball with the New Jersey Roadrunners. As of 8/13/97 Kurt O'Neill rates Al #5 in the class. HS # 6, CF #15. 10/21/97: Asbury Park Press notices that the St. Pat's Star is in demand. 2/5/98 From the Daily News: Decision by Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins to stop recruiting 6-5 West Coast star Schea Cotton of St. Thomas More in Oakdale, Conn., is seen by some as indication the Jackets feel good about their chances with 6-8 Al Harrington of St. Patrick of Elizabeth, N.J. Hall and Johnnies are still involved with Harrington, who is the best senior in the Metro area. 2/25/98: from ESPN Al makes McDonalds All-American - Evaluation: This superstar is the leader of one of the nation's top high school teams. Several scouts rank Harrington as the nation's best, and they rave about his versatility. "He is a strong 6-foot-9 and is also quick enough to dribble by guards. Everyone we play attempts to stop him, and he has matured so well that he is able to keep everyone on the team involved. He'll make his next coach very happy," says St. Patrick coach Kevin Boyle. Harrington is considering Seton Hall, Georgia Tech, St. John's, Ohio State, and N.C. State. 3/8/98 The New York Post finds Al Harrington.

Erick Barkley -6-1, point guard, will be a fifth year senior at Maine Central. Led Christ the King to CHSAA semifinals last year after Odom headed upstate. Erick was on everyone's top 100 list last year, before opting for his fifth year. Led Riverside Church Hawks to overtime win in championship of Bob Gibbons Tournament last May, taking MVP honors. Prep Stars rating of #12. Committed to St. Johns in fall, still needs to make the grade, SAT and gpa. 7/16/97: this from Louis Featherstone, in rec.sports.basketball.college newsgroup - Just a note about Barkley ....I saw him play twice in Chapel Hill during the Gibbons Tournament and was a little surprised to see that instead of playing point, he was actually playing wing (actually more like wing forward than wing guard, not that there's much difference. Since all the recruiting gurus call him a point, I was a little confused. I talked to him after the first game I saw and asked him about it. He said that he normally played ``the two'' in high school, but he was playing ``three'' for Riverside (his AAU team) because of the players there. I said something smart like, ``Everybody says you're a point guard,' and he said `I can play point, but two guard's my best position.' Then he told me that he and Ed Cota were good friends, played together a lot, and he'd love to play in the same backcourt with Ed in college. Having said that, he admitted that he has not qualified yet ... that's why he's going to Maine Central. Just an uniformed opinion, but he's a big-time player (although he's more like 6-1 than 6-3). He's strong, quick with a variety of offensive moves ... especially in transition. Anyway, a few days after talking to Barkley, I read summaries of the tournament by both Gibbons and Oettinger ... and both are talking about what a great point guard Barkley is. Oh well. Louis Featherston. 2/25/98: Erick make McDonalds team for West - Evaluation: Extremely quick point guard who passes well on the interior after driving into the lane. "Barkley is everything a college coach would want in a point guard. He's quick into the lane and a good shooter," says scout Tom Konchalski. Barkley was named MVP of three tournaments during the season: MCI Classic, Kenny Smith Holiday Classic, and the St. Thomas More Tournament. 2/28/98: from Charlie McCarthy's Big East Hoops. : RECRUITING -- St. John's recruit Erick Barkley, of (Maine Central Institute, is averaging close to 29 points a game and he's had games where he's scored 43, 40, 37, 30 and 51 points. His coach, Max Good says he's a throwback to another era. "He's the most efficient player I've ever coached," coach Max Good said. "Unlike most point guards, Barkley doesn't over-handle it and he rarely has the ball more than a couple of dribbles. He scores so quick and so efficiently. In an era where the trend is style over substance, Barkley beats you the old-fashioned way -- with substance over style. He's a pitcher, not a thrower. He's the best player I've ever coached. Nobody influences the game like he does." MCI is 29-0 and is averaging 115 points a game with a 41-point per game average margin of victory in the killer New England prep school league. That league also features powerhouses Winchendon (Prep), Mass., Oakdale (St. Thomas More), Conn., and Milford (Academy), Conn.

Anthony Glover - 6-5, small forward, Rice, NY. AG is muscular, team leader of Raiders. He's the early leader for New York City's best, this year. Anthony also had an impressive showing at Gibbons' tournament last May. His Riverside Church AAU team won the tournament. Anthony showed his muscles and impressed the folks down south. He spent his summer starting for Riverside Hawks. Anthony is fighting an image problem. He's perceived as a great high school power forward, who's too small to play that position in college and not skilled enough to move outside the paint. All are agreed - Anthony has a great heart. KO #23, PS #35 and CF #41. 11/11/97: Academics may still be a problem, but Anthony is looking at colleges close to home.

Ernest Brown - 6-10, center, St. Raymond's, Bronx. There are concerns about school work, but no question about his talent. Skinny, but pretty turn-around jumper and can run the court. May be an attitude question as well. 7/8/97: Ernest was talking (too much?) about going pro after next year. CF #32, PS #50 (down from a summer high of #13) and KO #35. Committed to St. John's in September, but needs to work on academics. 2/5/98 From the Daily News: Brown-Out? With recruit Ernest Brown suspended for the remainder of the season by St. Raymond's coach Gary DeCesare, SJU is making provisions in case 7-footer doesn't qualify. Fran Fraschilla won't comment on Brown, but school source said Brown can still attend St. John's if he doesn't make grade as long as he graduates and shows right attitude. Fraschilla is looking at 6-8 Mike McKie of Milford (Conn.) Academy and 6-8 Shawn Hampton of Baltimore St. Frances among others. Tyrone Grant at 6-7 will be tallest returnee. 3/1/98 Early last year Prep Stars had Ernest Brown rated the 13th best player in his class, one behind Erick Barkley and twelve ahead of Al Harrington. The Bronx senior is not playing ball this year and the Daily News talks to him about the Trouble with being Ernest. 3/18/98 from Hoop Scoop: - 'It comes as no surprise when HOOP SCOOP New York City Editor Ron Naclerio tells us that 6'11 Ernest Brown, who was recently kicked off the team again at Bronx (St. Raymond's) NY, is thinking about reneging on his commitment to St. John's. It also comes as no surprise that he's thinking about going West and enrolling at Fresno State. He's a likely Prop 48 casualty, so he won't be eligible next year anyway.'

Dan Miller 6-7, small forward, Rancocas Valley, NJ. Dan is ranked by O'Nell as #32, by Clark Francis as #59,HS #35 and Prep Stars #48. Duke was in hot pursuit but Dan opted for the playing time and committed to Maryland. Newark's Star Ledger rates Dan #2 senior in Jersey behind Al Harrington. 2/25/98: Danny makes McDonalds - Evaluation: Miller is the top senior guard in New Jersey this season and became the all-time leading scorer in Rancocas Valley High history with more than 1,000 and counting. "He's just a great all around player. We ask him to do everything for our team, score, rebound, dive on the floor. You name it, he does it and he does it with intensity," says coach Ron Powell.

Desmond Herod 6-5, small forward, Adelphi, NY, averaged 34 ppg for Brooklyn private school. Played for NYC squad in Boston Shootout and played at ABCD Adidas camp in Teaneck in July. Lost out to senior, Ian McGinnis of Collegiate, for NYC private school player of the year. Figures to be the morning line favorite this coming year. 7/11/97: Desmond had an impressive first three days at ABCD camp and was quoted extensively, concerning SAT cheating flap. He left ABCD before last day, and reporters didn't know why. 8/11/97: Desmond was leading scorer for Empire State Games NYC prep team, scoring 30, 26 and 39 in three games. Committed to UNLV in fall. CF #89, PS #71. Desmond is learning from some mistakes this fall.

Tavorris Bell 6-5, small forward, Winchendon Ma, a fifth year prep, who last season led his Hempstead High team. Tavorris was ranked last year in the second half of top 100 for many experts. He's an athletic, slasher, leaper with a suspect jumper, but a legitimate top 100 player. KO #64, PS #86. Mentioned with St. Johns and ACC schools, NC State and Georgia Tech, but committed to Jim Harrick's Rhode Island club.

Dahntay Jones, 6-4, shooting guard/small forward Hamilton, NJ CF #73, KO #99, PS #99. As a solid student Dahntay turned down Stanford program and the first daughter to commit to Kevin Bannon's Rutgers team. 1/20/98: Dahntay not slowing down in senior year.

Troy Murphy 6-9, power forward, Delbarton, Morristown, NY, made last year's NY Times high school preview, as 'devastating inside player, with nice scoring touch.' Seton Hall, Rutgers and St. John's were in the hunt, but Troy committed to Notre Dame this fall. KO #40, PS #100. 1/18/98: from New Jersey Online: Troy and Troy again - Troy Murphy's milestones for Delbarton were surpassed only by his thunderous dunks in last Tuesday's 93-67 victory over Newark West Side in Morris Township. The 6-10 forward recorded 11 rim-rattlers and was 20-of-24 from the field to spur the easy victory and also make two visits to the school record book. His 48 points broke the school mark of 46 set in 1991 by Vin Ferrara and also boosted him past current Vanderbilt star Bill DiSpaltro (1,360 points) for first on the all-time scoring list. Murphy now has 1,394 career points, 19th all-time in Morris County. 2/21/98: from NJO: 'Troy Murphy collected 35 points and 16 rebounds to power Delbarton in Morris Township.'

Jermaine Clark 6-5 shooting guard, St. Patrick's, NJ. Jermaine got little press on last year's talented squad, but he's making noise this summer. He had a good Nike camp. Clark Francis rated him as third best shooting guard at Nike. CF #87, KO #53, HS #34, PS #78. Supposed verbal to St. Boneventure in doubt. Jermaine often has more on his mind than just basketball.

Kenyatta Brown 6-4 point guard/shooting guard, Robeson, NY. May be ready to emerge from Allen Griffen's shadow to lead team. Brutally skinny at 170 lb, but as a tall perimeter player he may use first few college years to pump iron and fill out and final years to thrive. Kenyatta was not on many top 200 lists this past summer, but is currently on Prep Star's as # 112, HS #96. 11/20/98: Daily News: Robeson's Brown, Archibold Go D 1.

William Dudley 6-8, power forward, Bishop Loughlin, Brooklyn. William, Clifford Strong and Brian Brown will have to pick up the pace as seniors. Like Ernest Brown, he is very thin. He spent his summer playing in the middle for the Riverside Church AAU Hawks. With teammate Brown, William has committed to Ohio State to play for Jim O'Brien. CF #97, KO #50, PS #155, HS #126.

Brian Brown 6-3 shooting guard, Bishop Loughlin, Brooklyn. Brian figures to be the best player on a very talented Lion's team. Played with the AAU Ravens, not Hawks this summer. Brian was a key man in Loughlin mid-July Converse Metro Classic championship, with wins over St. Patrick and St. Anthony. Michael Miller liked him at Vegas Big Time Tournament. He also starred in Empire State Games for NYC team. Brian likes Providence and SJU. No. Brian going to OSU with Dudley. CF #95, HS #82, PS #142.

Magna Charles 6-9, center, Adelphi, NY. Magna played Tonto to Desmond Herod's Lone Ranger, last year. He is definitely a work in progress. He's also 6-9 and has a name that takes a backseat to no one but Majestic Mapp and Famous Brown. Magna's worth charting, so I will. PS #121, HS #265. 7/11/97: Daily News claims Magna held his own at ABCD. That's a good beginning to the summer. 10/30/97: Magna commits to Seton Hall and Tommy Amaker.

Robert Cheeks 6-5, small forward, St. Anthony, NJ. As a junior last year, Robert supported senior guards Perry, Arrington and Bruno. This year St. Anthony's strength appears to be moving from the backcourt to frontcourt. Robert and two juniors, Moore and Jackson will have to step up their games to hold off St. Patrick's. Robert is step-brother of Duke senior Rashown McLeod. No commitment during fall signings. 1/19/98: from Jeremy Tiers: Who's the most underrated player still available in this year's senior class? Robert Cheeks 6'5 NJ (St. Anthony's) - Robert has great all-round skills and his jumper has vastly improved. He plays on a team that has been a Top 10 National contender for the last 6 years or so, and frankly I cannot figure out why other mid-high Division I schools are not calling him. Involved are Rutgers, Delaware, James Madison, Fairfield, and Saint Bonaventure. Jeremy Tiers

Zach Marbury 6-3, point guard, Milford Academy, Ct. Stephon's younger brother left Lincoln, Brooklyn (home of the Marburys) last season and came into the summer with a head case rep. He ended up impressing some impressive people - Mike Miller, DeCourcy of the Sporting News and Long Beach prep reporter, Frank Burlison. KO #100, PS #160, HS #70.

Jim Clinton 6-9, center, St. Augustine, Richland NJ. Committed to Siena during fall signing period. PS #222, HS #277. 12/29/97: from Slam Dunk coverage: Jim's been dominating the rebounding in the tourney. Siena got a good one who'll threaten all of the school's rebounding records.

Van Damien Green 5-10, point guard, LaSalle, NY. PS #158, HS #168. As a junior, he was the floor general for a great LaSalle team. But can he play well without big gun Ron Artest? So far, he's doing well against PSAL teams Robeson and Grady. The HOOP SCOOP, Inc. Tuesday, January 27, 1998 - It is now official that 5'10 Von Damien Green from New York (LaSalle) NY, who ranks among the top 150 nationally by the HOOP SCOOP, is headed to Long Island University. This has been expected for some time, but he still has to qualify academically to be eligible to play next year.

Larry Jennings 6-1, point guard, St. John's Prep, NY. HS #203, PS #179. Larry is a shooter/scorer, whose style is more like a two guard, but at his size, he'll probably play the point in college. Larry is getting poor to middlin' reviews for his ABCD play this past week. It's a good example of what is wrong with judging players at all-star, 'gimme the ball', camps. No passing, no teamwork. Athletic players like Felipe Lopez, who excel at one on one basketball, tend to be overrated. Guys like Jennings get frustrated. Larry committed to St. Joseph's in the fall. 11/13/97: Larry commits to St. Joe's.

Clayton Brown 6-6, small/power forward, Palmyra High, NJ. Clayton has committed to James Madison. PS #188, HS # 378. Clayton could easily become the fifth starting member of this site's Brown team. With Earnest, Brian, Famous and Kenyatta, they could probably make the USA Today top 25. 1/21/98: Clayton averaging 26.8 ppg through eleven games. 1/27/98: Clayton hits for a magic number.

Franck Essis 6-5, shooting guard/small forward, Carnarsie, Brooklyn. Franck played well at ABCD in early July. He played for Riverside Hawks for the rest of the month and did well. CF #67, KO #54, PS #194 and HS #98. 1/17/98: Franck is posting Jordan-like numbers. Essis' 51 Carry Canarsie. 2/6/98 from the Daily News: Essis in Doubt: Canarsie star Franck Essis was held out of Wednesday's game because of a question about his academic eligibility. Athletic Director Cy Alter said his status for the upcoming PSAL playoffs will be determined in the next few days. 2/10/98: Daily News: Canarsie to Do Without Essis.

Rashon Burno 5-8, point guard, Winchendon, MA. PS #175 and HS fifth year prep rank of #14. Rashon helped lead St. Anthony to the New Jersey state title last year and declared for Pittsburg. He didn't qualify and has reopened his recruitment. It's a great opportunity, since his Winchendon team is even more talented than St. Anthony was. 2/15/98: school is making news.

Charles Cranford, 6-6, small forward, St. Thomas More, Oakdale, Ct. PS #185 and HS fifth year prep rank of #11. Charles originally played ball for Cardoza, Brooklyn. This is his second year as a prep player. Mon, Jan 26, 1998 19:00 EST From: Dbwilco at AOL - 'Cranford is about 6-5/6-6 and a good 205/210 lbs. he is strong and is a very good athlete. he is an excellent slasher who has a nice soft touch and the ability to finish around the basket. also has a real good handle with good one on one skills. he was the leading scorer in NYC when he played ball there averaging over 36 a game. his deep game is inconsistent but is improving. he's been in high school/prep school a LONG time. i believe this is his 3rd year at T-More and he came to T-More as Jr. in high school. so this is probably his 6th year of playing high school ball. 3 years in high school, he comes to T-More is reclassified a Sophomore b/c of his grades and then plays his junior, senior and now post grad years there. he is a monstrous sleeper in my opinion and will be an absolute steal for whoever gets him.' 2/10/98: Charles commits to St. Louis.

Mike McKie 6-7, power forward, St Thomas More, Ct. Mike will be a fifth year prep; he transferred from Tilden, Brooklyn, last year when he exhausted his eligibility at that school. Academics will be a concern for this year. Hoop Scoop rates him 24th. for fifth year preps. Wait! Forget Thomas More. Mike is off to Milford Academy with Zach Marbury and Abdul Mills.2/5/98: Fraschilla is looking at 6-8 Mike McKie of Milford (Conn.) Academy and 6-8 Shawn Hampton of Baltimore St. Frances among others.

Kyle Williams 6-6, small forward, Burlington City, NJ. Kyle has committed to Colorado. PS #205 and HS #244. Newark's Star Ledger rates Kyle #6 senior in New Jersey pre-season evaluations. Kyle averaging 18.7 ppg through fifteen games this year.

Herbreth Bayona 6-9, center, Adelphi, NY. This site's mystery player! Michael Miller says this guy exists. He wrote about Herbreth in his evaluation of the Las Vegas AAU tournament this past summer. Michael claims that Herbreth is taller and more skilled than Magna Charles. OK. But why was Herbreth never mentioned last year by the Daily News, when they covered Adelphi? He's not in any ranking that I've ever seen.

Osei Millar 6-8, power forward, Christ the King, Queens. Bound to miss seniors Barkley and McQueen; Millar and John Hampton will have to carry the load. Millar has a reputation as a defensive player - held his own against Artest last year. He was with Hawks this summer. KO #59, HS #212, PS #233. Osei committed to Boston College and Brian Skinner this fall.

Dyree Wilson 6-5 small forward, Rice, NY. Last year's team of talented juniors, now has experienced seniors and Dyree is one of them. Probable top 300 senior, Dyree needs to step it up for big time division 1 consideration. PS #282, HS #245. He committed to Iona College in nearby New Rochelle.

Justin Jackette 6-4, shooting guard, Iona Prep, NY. Justin is the star of an average high school team by NYC standards. JJ spent the summer playing for Riverside Hawks. Didn't everyone at this site? Mentioned by Kurt O'Neill as a near miss on KO's top 100 list, HS #144. 11/12/97: Justin commits to William & Mary.

Melvin Robinson 6-4, shooting guard, Cardoza, Brooklyn. Melvin was mentioned favorably last summer by rating services, but I haven't seen anything for this year. He'll team with junior Brian Woodward, BC Duane's younger brother, this year. HS #130. 1/5/98: Oops! Woodward is injured. Melvin is bailing out the Judges with a buzzer beating tip-in.

Clifford Strong, 6-4, shooting guard/small forward, Bishop Loughlin. Clifford helped Loughlin team win Metro Classic July, 14th. At high school level, he can be effective in the paint. For college he'll have to improve his outside game. HS #256, PS #237. 11/19/97: Cliff commits to Loyola of Maryland. 2/13/98: 'Loughlin won by 15. Cliff Strong had his 20th double double of his career.' Stephen Finamore College Hoops Insider. 3/7/98 The Daily News is featuring Loughlin's Clifford Strong. 3/19/98 From Brick Oettinger: * Clifford Strong, -- a 6-6 combo forward at Brooklyn (N.Y.) Bishop Loughlin, who is particularly effective around the basket, is a "steal" for Loyola-Md., with whom he signed in November. Ranked No. 237 prior to the season, he's been the best player for a team that includes Ohio State recruits Brian Brown (6-3 shooting guard) and Will Dudley (6-8 power forward).

Vohn Hunter, 6-3, shooting guard, St. Raymond's, Bronx. Vohn and E. Brown figure to be stars on St. Ray's talented team this year. College coaches will be watching their match ups with Rice and Loughlin. HS #105, PS #277. 10/23/97: Vohn opts for Tom Penders' Texas Longhorns. 3/24/98: Vohn makes CHSAA tournament team - only player not from finalists, Rice or CTK.

Harold Wrotten 6-4 shooting guard, St. Benedict's NJ. On tri-state list, but Harold has plenty of southern connections. Plays AAU ball for Capital Players of DC and likes NC State. Currently Hoop Scoop rank of #151. However, he's #1 on my list. I love the chance for those wrotten puns. 2/24/98: From Ciccar at AOL: 'Harold Wrotten? My understanding is that he is back in Annandale doing not much. I don't believe he is in school anywhere. I live in Annandale, VA and have watched him play a number of times at Annandale H.S. (two years ago) before he went up to a prep school in Jersey. I asked a local student at Annandale and got the answer that he was just "hanging out". I believe he completed his 12th year of school at the prep school and was going to transfer elsewhere for a 13th year. I heard a crazy rumor that he was a sit out at UMass, but I REALLY doubt that. Good player if one can keep him at the same school for longer than one year.'

Sherard Rogers 6-8, power forward, St. Patrick's NJ. With Sherard, Harrington, Clark, and junior Williams being fed by junior point guard deluxe Jerome Holman surely this is the year to take St. Anthony's. HS #476. Sherard is surrounded by so much talent, that he'll have to work very hard just to get playing time.

Andre Williams 6-5, power forward, Bishop Eustace, NJ. HS #439. Andre is key player on #1 team in south Jersey, and #4 overall in the state in mid-February. 2/9/98: Williams was named the game's MVPs St. Augustine. 2/13/98: Eustace coach Lange gets 300th win. Andre Williams made getting there pleasant with 31 points in the 69-66 victory at Cherry Hill West.

Edward 'EG' Walden 6-7, power forward, Long Branch, NJ. PS top 300. E G. made all-state honorable mention as a junior. Long Branch began the Daily News rankings as number 7. They haven't lived up to that promise so far this winter.

Slobodan Savovic 6-5, small forward, East Side, NJ. No summer rating, Slobodan wasn't in the country last year. He is now and the rating services and other Jersey schools are noticing. 2/2/98: Fraschilla Has Big Hopes.

Maurice Manning 6-0, point guard, Bridge Hampton, NY. Maurice scored 22 ppg. for the class D New York State champs last year. Maurice is in Prep Stars top 300; trick is to move to next level. That's not so easy against small school competition. 10/6/98: Maurice and St. Dominic's Sean Kennedy star in Long Island preseason All-Star game. 3/1/98 Newsday finds one of Long Island's finest as Manning Stars for Bees.

Nick Boyd 6-7, power forward, Middle Township, NJ. Nick was not rated last summer but his getting player of the week awards now. 2/15/98: Nick is Prime Time.

Abdul Mills 6-2, point guard, Milford, Ct. Lefty is backup point for Riverside Hawks, just one of thousands of tri-state prep players on their long bench. Abdul will have to improve to break into top 300 this year. He's gone from Martin Luther King in city to Milford Academy with Zach Marbury and Mike McKie. HS #448.

Chris Sandy 6-1, point guard, Newton, Brooklyn. Last March Chris led his team unbeaten into PSAL championship game against A. Griffen/K. Brown Robeson team, the eventual winners. He also played for NYC Boston shootout team with Artest et al. Chris did not make Prep Stars' top 300, so there's work to be done as a senior.

Bronski Dockery, 6-0, point guard, Rice, NYC. With that name he's playing in Manhattan, not the Bronx? Maybe he'll commit to Manhattan College, located in the Bronx, but he's been linked with Marist and Duquesne. Played well for Riverside Hawks this summer. At Rice he's almost surrounded by as much talent. 1/19/97 update: Bronski is MVP for Rice as they drub Loughlin in Diane Brennan Invitational tournament at Fordham University.

Bernard Barrows 5-8, point guard, St. Raymond's - fifth year senior, now with Harold Wrotten at St Benedict, NJ, I think. Wherever Bernard plays this year, he has to work on his outside shooting to break into top tier for Division 1 prospects. 4/16/98: John Miciotta: 'Former St. Raymond's point guard Bernard Barrow is at Kilgore Junior College in Texas where he teamed with former Boys and Girls High standout and second team Juco All-American Nolan Johnson.'

John Hampton 6-5, small forward, Christ the King, NY. HS #418. John is a talented, classy player on a team, that is loaded with talent.

Robert Mborn 6-5, power forward, Bishop Ford, NY. HS #505. Stephen Finamore of College Hoops Insider thinks Robert's young teammate, Winston Cousins, will soon be the star. But for now, Robert is the one who usually carries the scoring load.

Jeff Klauder 6-4 shooting guard, Washington Turnpike, NJ. HS #516. Through early February Jeff was among the scoring leaders in southern Jersey with 22.9 ppg. 3/2/98: Inquirer: 'Klauder to return? Washington Township's Jeff Klauder, who has been out since injuring his knee in the eighth game of the season, could return for the postseason. Klauder, a 6-4 guard headed to Wagner, will get his right knee examined today to see if it is strong enough to play. "I'm pretty sure I'll be able to play," Klauder said yesterday. "I've been doing shooting drills and running, and it feels pretty good." Township will host Cherry Hill East at 8 p.m. tomorrow in a South Jersey Group 4 game. Klauder was averaging 22.8 points, and despite missing so many games was named to the Olympic Conference American Division first-team all-star squad.'

Sean Kennedy 6-2, point guard, St. Dominic, NY. HS #600. Sean's got game, but as the Bayhawks' only returning starter, it can sometimes be a struggle. 10/6/98: Sean and Maurice Manning star in Long Island preseason All-Star game.

Dave Trani 6-3, small forward, St. Dominic, NY. Not rated. Dave is the tallest player on his team and spends much of his time in the paint. In the Diane Brennan tournament this January, he went outside often enough to hit 6 of 10 three pointers. He's an intriguing prospect.

Yves Kabore 5-9, point guard, Holy Cross, NY. Not rated. Tom Konchalski and Mike Quick of MSG High School Report are touting Yves as this year's sleeper pick among the City's seniors. From the Daily News - 12/13/97: Holy Cross scored the game's final four points in the last 30 seconds to pull out a 46-44 win over Hayes yesterday in boys basketball. With Hayes ahead 44-42 and 30 seconds left, Knight Jermaine Morris made the first of two free throws. Holy Cross' Kendell Craig rebounded the second and passed to Yves Kabore, who was fouled and made both shots for a 45-44 Holy Cross lead. Craig (18 points) added a free throw and Hayes missed a half-court shot at the buzzer. Kabore had 10 points for HC (5-0). 12/30/97: Holy Cross 51, Trinity Catholic 46: Michael Connor scored 18 points and Yves Kabore had 12 points and seven assists, for Holy Cross (7-1) in the consolation round of the Northeast Catholic Classic. 1/11/98: Kendell Craig scored a game-high 27 points but Yves Kabore won the MVP with 12 points and 10 assists as Holy Cross beat Kellenberg, 74-65. 2/11/98: Holy Cross 73, McClancy 56: Kendell Craig had 28 points and 11 rebounds and Yves Kabore 18 points for HC (10-11, 2-9 CHSAA B/Q).

Dana Jones 6-0, point guard, Taft, NY Not rated. 1/14/98: Daily News: Jones' 57 Fall Short. 1/20/98: Daily News: Scoring the Thing For Taft's Jones. 1/29/98: Daily News: Hot Prospect. 3/21/98 from Harry Psaros: 'Hello, my name is Harry Psaros. I'm known as the Pitt Guru and you can find my site here. I wanted to drop you a line and tell you that I hear Dana Jones, a 6-1 Point Guard, out of Taft HS in New York has committed to the Panthers. He will attend JC for one year then join the team after that. Pitt is also recruiting a JC point guard to give Vonteego Cummings a rest for Pitt next year. Word is, the staff loves Jones and can see him teaming up with Panther recruit Fred "Downtown" Primus as a deadly 1-2 combination.' Thanks, Harry.

Class of 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003+.