DMV Quintet Doing Well at Harcum

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Five Guys representing well in PA.

November 10, 2009 - The names Percy Woods, Stuart Clarke, Keith Mitchell, Wilbur O'Neal and Jeremiah Bowman will likely ring a bell for hardcore high school hoops enthusiasts in the DC-Baltimore corridor, as the four were standouts at Crossland (MD), Friendship Collegiate (DC), Hylton (VA), National Christian (MD) and Notre Dame (VA), respectively. Though never previously high school teammates, O'Neal and Bowman, both of whom graduated from high school two years ago, join Class of 2009 guys Gray, Mitchell and Woods at Harcum Community College (PA).

How you ask?

Actually, we went down there and recruited" said Barry Uzzell, a Harcum assistant when posed that question today. Apparently the school's staff, via a scouting service "were looking at another kid and heard about Percy woods". The Reebok All-American game participant, one who was one of the best scorers in the DMV last year decided Harcum, a school of 1,200 outside of Philadelphia was a good fit for him.

Clarke, an offensive minded guy was earmarked, pursued and obtained through scouting, as was the multi-faceted Mitchell, whose nickname Bam-Bam is what most call him.

Harcum, as junior colleges do, demands only a high school diploma/GED, and its academic support is attractive. "We have study hall everyday of the week for an hour or two hours" shared Uzzell. "We have tutors, the coaches check the classes. We make them go to class. We get up and go get them. If they are late or don't go, they have to get up and run. It's mandatory".

O'Neal, a skilled banger transferred to Harcum form a junior college in Texas. Bowman's (a guard that loves to penetrate) route was more circuitous, as Uzzell noted "Jeremiah, came to us from Marist. He was at Marist and he ended up redshirting. Then the coaches had a coaching change and he was available for JUCO".

The older two have earned NCAA Division I scholarships; Robert Morris for O'Neal, Longwood is set to receive Bowman. Uzzell believes the remaining three, as well as everyone else at the 1,200 student, Division I level JUCO, "has an opportunity to go to a four year school". In fact given the institution's private status, it's greatly important students matriculate to four year schools, just to remain in business.

Where are all the Philly kids? Is the staff feeling heat for not having more on the team?

"No, we actually have three" on the roster, said Uzzell. "What we are trying to do is actually fill it up with DC kids". That's not to say the Harcum staff doesn't value Philly talent, Uzzell said "We don't discriminate". It's just some kids do better away from home.

On the road this past weekend, Harcum did quite well, winning the Hagerstown/Food Lion Tournament, leaving the Bears with a perfect 3-0 record.

It looks like on the ledger of DC area players, the school is five and zero, snagging all winners.

The Guys:

Percy Woods is racing up and down the floor for Harcum at his guard position.

Guard Stuart Clarke can pass and score.

Keith 'Bam-Bam' Mitchell is a forward that can give you inside/outside action.

Wilbur 'Big Burr' O'Neal is a load down low.

Jeremiah Bowman will take his skill set, including a penchant for driving, to Longwood next year.