Team Workout Series: Princeton Day
Ron Bailey, Publisher
New school succeeding on and off the floor.
September 15, 2009 – Having been in existence for just two years, Princeton Day is succeeding beyond anyone's previous assumptions. "The school has had students transfer in from 32 different schools since starting our first marketing campaign" shared its coach, Vann Whitfield of Princeton Day's overall success, creating an enrollment of 80, in grades 4-12.
From a hoops team perspective, Whitfield, a 15 year veteran of high school and AAU basketball coaching noted "All of our seniors from last year are in college, with eight of them receiving full scholarships - two academic".
Eric McKnight is gushing with potential.
That's prodigious success for a fledgling school, one that boasts a work load which demands constant focus and effort by students, while also supplying academic support, preparing kids to meet it. NCAA Clearinghouse issues are averted though planning, transparency, and these high expectations.
According to the coach, all praise goes to Princeton Day's principal.
"Glennis Gill instituted a National Standards based curriculum" informed Whitfield of the school's chief administrator, "and as a former scholarship athlete at UConn understands the responsibilities and commitment student-athletes must make to their studies". Gill, a "two time Principal of the Year" also holds multiple advanced degrees.
Whitfield has high expectations for this year's Storm, as he opined "Without a doubt, this is the best, most talented group of kids I've ever had". That's high praise coming from a guy that has seen around 80 of his former student athletes play post high school ball.
Check out some of Princeton Day's 2009-2010 sqaud.
Eric McKnight, 6'9", 190 pound junior forward - Long and versatile, McIntyre recently garnered scholarship offers from Memphis and Oklahoma State, with many more to follow.
Chris Thomas, 6'3", 160 pound freshman point guard - Just arriving from Denver, CO, Thomas is a penetrator and passer of national note.
Stephane Manga can finish with either hand.
Stephane Manga, 6'4", 215 pound junior forward - Manga can attack the rim and pull up for jumpers. Hailing from Paris, France, Stephane is a high major level slasher currently.
Jacob Batyki, 6'10", 250 pound junior center - Swedish pivot man with international amateur experience, is a banger, instinctive shot blocker and great outlet passer.
Mike Cheatham, 6'3", 175 pound sophomore swingman - From Baltimore, Cheatham does a little bit of everything, solidly.
Devin Gallman, 6'5", 200 pound junior swingman - Devin has great athletic ability, is a smooth lefty who can stroke it. A natural lefty.
Kesse Bernard, 6'8", 210 pound junior center - A rebounder and shot blocker, Bernard is learning the game, though he has improved tremendously since arriving in the U.S. from his home country, Cote D'Ivoire, last year.
Ryan Woodard, 6'4", 180 pound junior - Hyper-athletic, Woodard can strap, rebound, and score from both perimeter and post.
Issac Fullwood, 6'1", 190 pound senior point guard - Fullwood is a guy that just makes plays, one that can shoot, drive, and dish. Was described by Whitfield as "100% our leader".
Issac Fullwood (shooting) is the type of guard that can direct a program.
Jade Dade, 6'4", 170 pound freshman swingman - Dade can put the ball on the floor, and possesses a great basketball I.Q.
Chris Hampton, 6'0", 160 pound senior point guard - Hailing from Queens, NY, Hampton is the pass-first floor general who relishes running a team.