NHSHF 09 Preview: Montrose Using Festival to Prepare

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The Mustangs are making it a point to get better early.

December 10, 2009 – For a number of years now, Montrose Christian School (MD) has been a beacon to college coaches, in that that the latter flock to not only the school but its games in search of talented players. Case in point is last night’s season kick off for the Mustangs, a game in which they not only beat Theodore Roosevelt (DC) 63-47, but attracted the likes of NCAA Division I head coaches and assistants. For instance, Maryland’s head coach, Gary Williams was there along with his assistant Rob Ehsan, as was Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and its assistant coach Steve Wojchiechowski, American’s Jeff Jones, and a host of coaches from such far flung locales as the University of Texas.

It is clear Montrose isn’t playing in this year’s National High School Hoops Festival to attract attention for its players, a point the school’s coach, Stu Vetter noted when saying “We’re not going there for exposure. We simply wanted an opportunity to play in a local event. I heard good things about last year”.

Josh Hairston during NBAPA Top 100 Camp play.

Additionally, Vetter indicated Montrose is using the Festival “as preparation for Hawaii”. That would be the Iolani Prep Classic, an invitation-only event the Mustangs attend regularly.

Facing St. Mary’s Ryken in Festival action, observers can expect Montrose to run its half court/motion sets, and probably play a good dose of man to man defense. Truth be told, they have the roster to play many different styles.

Everything starts with a pair of seniors, Terrance Ross and Josh Hairston.

Ross, an athletic 6’6” slasher/finisher who is also at times a lights out shooter that possesses pretty shooting form, has worked on developing his handle this summer, according to Vetter. Terrance has orally committed to Maryland. Vetter thinks Ross is one of the best players in America, and labeled him a shooting guard.

A transfer to Montrose this summer, Hairston, who has signed to play at Duke, was labeled “outstanding” by Vetter for his ability to “play inside and out”. The coach believes Josh to be “just a complete player”.

Super sophomore Justin Anderson is another forward of note. Standing 6’6”, Anderson can finish, slash, and defend, prompting most of the major programs in America to evaluate him. Rounding out the forwards is Paul Gambwier, a 6’6” junior.

Point guard is where pundits questioned the Mustang’s proficiency, a school of thought Vetter rejects. Naz Long, a 6’2” junior Vetter projects to “play at the mid-major level” and starts at lead guard, while junior varsity product, 5’8” sophomore Darnell Diggs backs him up.

Also getting backcourt minutes is combo guard Tyler Hubbard; Vetter said of the 6’2” junior, “He’ll play a lot. He’s a very good shooter and knows how to play”. Apparently American was present at the Roosevelt tilt scouting Hubbard.

Expect other coaches to be in the house during Festival play, scouting the likes of him, Anderson, Long,et al. The Mustangs might not need the exposure, but during an event Vetter dubbed “outstanding”, they are sure to receive it.