First, a few weeks ago we reported that Dwight Burke, the 6'7" Delaware native who will be attending Rice High School this fall would be part of the class of 2005. We have learned that he in fact is recruitable this winter and will graduate in June 2004. He is a solid mid major prospect with a strong body and fine athleticism who could draw some high major look.

Two fine players, one a point guard and one a center, will be part of the class of 2005. Greg "Playstation" Johnson and Vernon Goodridge have both begun their junior years this September. Also Playstation remains at Holderness School in New Hampshire, not at St. Thomas More as was reported on several web publications. Goodridge, the 6'10" Brooklyn native who began his career at Erasmus is now at Philly Lutheran, where he has blossomed into a terrific defensive presence and rebounder in the paint, and continues to improve offensively. Johnson showed this summer that his shot has improved a great deal and that he's learning to compete at a high level. He has terrific point guard's instincts as well. Both Johnson and Goodridge will almost certainly be recruitable at the highest levels of college hoops next summer

Finally, I'd like to offer my congratulations and best wishes to a quartet of members of the All Hallows High School family. First, to Albert Forbes, who will join coach Jim Ferry at LIU next season. News of Albert's commitment was obscured in part because teammate Ronald Ramon committed to Pitt on the same day but Albert's toughness around the rim, and scoring potential inside and on the baseline will likely make him an important "piece of the puzzle guy" as Coach Ferry tries to bring the Blackbirds back to local prominence. Also congratulations to Ronald Ramon, whose play this summer should be an example to high school players that they can impress coaches by doing "little things" that help their team (the Gauchos in this case) win games. His steady hand at the point for the 'chos did not garner the attention that the explosive scoring of Yadda Gaines and Robinson did, but it made the staffs at Pitt, Providence, and Rutgers, three big east schools, take notice. The Panthers got a young guy who fits their system very well because he can knock down shots as well as deliver the ball on time and on target both on the break and in half court sets.

Lastly congratulations to coaches John Carey, who leaves All Hallows for Fairfield, and to Edwin Gonzalez who succeeds Mr. Carey as coach of the Gaels. I got to know Mr. Carey as a coach years before I got to know him as a friend. In both capacities, I have found him to be direct, honest, decent, and someone whose support and willingness to help never wavered win or lose. Edwin's energy and enthusiasm have been a vital part of All Hallows' program for years and while, as someone mentioned earlier on our site we hope and pray for his success, we also trust that his enthusiasm for All Hallows, and the kids, will make success a certainty and that the program will not only continue to develop fine ball players but fine young men as well.'