Hairston Headed to Montrose

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Hairston is headed up I-95 before he goes down it.

July 4, 2009 - Headed to Duke in 2010, Josh Hairston is known as a multi-talented forward, one increasingly capable of shooting from the perimeter and operating around the tin. The 6'8", 220 pound rising senior shared at this year's
NBAPA Top 100 Camp, the ability to play in various situations on the basketball court has him slated for "the Kyle
Singler role" at Duke; Singler is a skilled performer that creates mismatches in the Blue Devils' offense focused on creating them, at times pulling big men away from the cup and others taking smaller ones to it.

That future utilization is in part the reason he has changed high schools for his senior year.

"Yes he is" said Josh's mom, Natalie Hairston, when asked recently if it was true her son was bouncing to Montrose Christian School (Rockville, MD).

Why you ask? "Well, just the program Stu Vetter runs, and there is housing right there for him" she said. Fredricksburg, VA area residents, the Hairstons had reviewed several options for Josh, who in their estimation needs a place
where his game can further develop. Given their home's location, housing is critical - traveling to and from the
Washington area's Beltway via I-95, one of the busiest corridors in America, would prove unworkable.

Josh Hairston showed heart and versatility at the NBAPA Top 100 Camp this summer. He dropped nine points a game in camp play, good for 36th on the scoring leader list.

"The history of the program", continued Natialie on the family's thinking. "His (Vetter's) history of being able to develop players". The Hairston's were also impressed with Montrose's "Christian-based foundation for school. We met with the principal and academic staff and felt comfortable" she said.

Washington Catholic Athletic Conference schools were considered - the league's member institutions are largely
situated around the Beltway - as well as others like Hargrave Military Academy: located in rural Chatham, Virginia, Natalie said of Hargrave's coach Kevin Keatts "I really liked him, it would have been a good fit". Hargrave's military lifestyle and culture was not as attractive to Josh. Richmond's Benedictine was also evaluated.

The decision became finalized "two to three weeks ago" recalled Josh's mom. "He was supposed to go to Duke (for an unofficial visit) after the Top 100. We said 'We needed to get the school thing taken care of immediately'". In short order the decision was made, with Josh still visiting Duke in time for the NBA draft, joining current members of the program in supporting eventual first round pick Gerald Henderson.

Mrs. Hairston, along with her husband Keith, were intent on respecting Courtland and its coach, J.T. Nino during
the process. Josh led that school with 23.2 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks a game during their 27-2 and Virginia AA Division 4 championship run last season, and the lines of communication between family and coach were always open. "We had taken Courtland on a year to year basis" she confided, while also indicating their decision to leave needed be presented to Nino before publically announced. "The first year was OK. The second year was OK".

But in the final analysis, the family concluded Josh would be best served by Montrose, Vetter, and the school's well
known workouts. The move it is not an indictment of Courtland, per Natalie.

Immediately up for Josh is seventeen and under travel team play with DC Assault, of which Natalie termed "a whole
different animal". During July's evaluation period, Josh and that team have a murder's row schedule: "Cincinnati,
Breakdown's tournament in Florida, Richmond (the Super Elite Showcase), Vegas, Orlando. He will also be in the
Adidas Nation in Dallas the first week in August". From an individual pespective, "Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
workouts at Montrose" will occur - it would seem the transfer may pay travel team benefits as well, added value indeed.

That's a prodigious agenda, for a young guy capable of handling it. After the experiences of travel team ball and
Montrose Christian School, Hairston will be better as a result of them.