Peterson Picks Princeton – Choice is Win-Win for Both Parties

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 18, 2006 – Jeff Peterson has decided to attend Princeton University next fall. At first blush, many will congratulate the young man, and rightfully so, as that school has a stellar academic reputation and has a distinguished alumni listing. But those who know the young man would also conclude Princeton has just benefited as an institution.

Standing around 6’0” and weighing around 185 lbs, Jeff, a senior point guard for nationally recognized DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, MD), responded during a recent phone interview “I just felt it was the best fit for me”, when asked why he chose Princeton. “Its academics are at the top, and the basketball is not too far behind”.

“Coach (Joe) Scott is a good guy” added Peterson. “And he seems like a good coach”.

Jeff Peterson possess superior academic and athletic ability. Princeton Tiger fans should rejoice he will be in New Jersey, next year. (picture property of i95Ballerz.com)

Those opinions were cemented during his official visit to the New Jersey-based institution, as was his opinion of the school’s unique offensive attacked, dubbed the Princeton Offense. “When I went up there on my visit, I got to play pick up with them” recounted Jeff. Even in that informal setting, there was “constant movement, screening, and back-cutting. I never really played like that in pick-up before”.

That doesn’t daunt him, as Peterson is confident his skill set will mesh will with the team, and he will grow from the experience. “I think it can maybe bring out some new aspects of my game” he opined.

Jeff is a point guard capable of scoring by shooting or driving. His versatility – and the demands of the school’s offensive scheme - has led the coaching staff at Princeton to indicate he will play both point and shooting guard.

Last year at DeMatha, Peterson shared he averaged “A little over 10 points a game, about four or five assists, three rebounds, and two steals”, while shooting 43% from three point land, for a team that finished 34-1. The school would win the second of consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Association (WCAC) titles.

It was primarily that body of work that created offers from the likes of Colgate (which he visited), Penn, Marshall, Richmond, American, Loyola and others, given the injury challenges faced this summer: With lower body injuries that carried over and worsened from last season, Peterson was unable to play much on the travel team/AAU circuit.

According to Brandon Broadnax, a certified physical trainer in the Washington, D.C. area Peterson’s groin and hamstring injuries this summer were related to “a hairline fracture in his hip”. Having worked with Jeff “since the end of his sophomore year”, he’s well aware of not only Peterson’s physiology, but what the young guy’s body requires to heal. “Right now, I’d say he’s at 80-85%” said Broadnax. “Right now, all he needs is rest. I want him to rest his lower body until practice (at DeMatha) resumes”.

While working with Peterson, Broadnax has become intimately aware of Jeff’s work ethic. “He’s improved a lot” said this physical trainer, who focuses only on strength and conditioning improvement. “He’s put on 20 pounds of muscle” and has increased his workout bench press from 115 lbs to 170 lbs.

Jeff has worked hard not only on the court, but off it as well, given his cumulative 3.9 GPA. Additionally, Peterson has had to endure personal sacrifice as well: He and his father, John, both moved to the D.C. from Springfield, MO to facilitate his basketball development. As such, Jeff has been separated from his mother Chiquita Hendrick and siblings, Jourdyn and Jalen for long periods of time.

The Peterson’s have no regrets. “It was a great move” said Jeff. “Both of my parents had to sacrifice a lot but it has worked out”.

When asked to recognize those who have helped him along the way, Peterson included many people. “I want to thank my parents and family for everything they have done for me” started Jeff, who finished “Also coaches, teammates, Brandon, trainers; everyone who helped me out”.

Though he has secured entry into Princeton, Peterson is not talking his senior season at DeMatha lightly. “Seven out of our nine non-conference games are against Top 25 teams” he shared. That schedule includes a contest at Huntington (W.V) – which boasts three of the most highly regarded seniors in the country – and with Towson Catholic (MD). Those two games will be nationally televised.

Another game of note will be DeMatha’s game in St. Louis, MO. According to Jeff, the school's coach, Mike Jones “set that up for me”. In many ways it was Jones’ way of acknowledging the young man's sacrifice to DeMatha.

Peterson believes the team can equal last year’s accomplishments, which of course includes another WCAC crown. “We’ll be fine as long as we just continue to work and not get content” he opined.

Expect Jeff to work hard his senior year, and upon matriculation to Princeton, continue that ethos. He’s bound for success. The university, founded in 1746, will be positively impacted by his presence.

As Broadnax, the trainer put it “I definitely think he will be successful there…I can’t imagine him going anywhere, and not being successful”.

It couldn’t have been put anymore succinctly. Congratulations go out to Jeff Peterson. Keep doing your do.

Note: Brandon Broadnax has worked with numerous high school student athletes, with great success. He is a Certified Physical Trainer and Certified Conditioning Specialist, recognized by the National Strength Professionals Association (NSPA). Direct Inquires to 301.651.4994.