Mont Alto Men's Basketball is excited to announce its incoming freshmen class. The team is bringing in six players to build the roster of returning players. Of the six players five are expected to contribute this year to the success of the program.
Denver Cordell a hardnosed guard, who can really shoot the ball, will redshirt this year. Cordell will step in next year and give the team a tremendous boost. He brings an intensity that few can match and is not afraid to take the big shot. Cordell is one of two players from Greencastle Antrim High School's incredible season last year.
Collin Easter a 6'7" center from Middletown High School will be a force in the middle from the start of the season. Head Coach Jack Schenzel comments, "Collin came into the season in great shape. He is the strongest player on the team as a freshman and has been winning most of the conditioning sprints the first week of practice." Collin has the ability to shoot from the perimeter and is working extremely hard on developing his post-game. "I expect that Collin will provide us with a presence on defense in the paint with his size and athletic potential."
Bobby Ingram a 6'1" guard from Tuscarora High School will be an immediate contributor at the guard position. Ingram is a versatile guard who can handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. "I am excited by Bobby's potential at the point and wing. He is a scrappy defender and fits into our system perfectly. I expect big things from Bobby. He comes from a good high school program and has a great drive to be a great student-athlete," Coach Schenzel comments. "Bobby is not afraid to take charge of the team when he is on the floor and is a quick learner." He was selected to the Buffalo Wild Wings Round ball Classic Elite game, Frederick County All-Star game and won the 3-point contest. He was Second Team All-League and All-Area and Honorable Mention Gazette.
Justin Lacey a 6'3" forward from Philadelphia Military Academy will be a versatile part to this year's roster. "Justin has incredible athletic ability. He is a great rebounder on both ends and makes plays in scrimmages," Schenzel adds. "Once Justin gets more experience he will catch up to his physical gifts and will be a tough player to deal with for the opposition."
Corey Meyers a 6'2" guard from Greencastle Antrim High School will step right into the rotation with Ingram to provide great depth in the backcourt. Meyers will be pushing for a starting position on the wing. Coach Schenzel on Meyers, "his instinct on offense and defense are uncanny. He knows what to do and does it. He was coached by a very good coach in high school, Gary Martin and it shows. Corey has unlimited range with his jump shot and will really help to stretch defenses. He will also catch sleeping defenses off guard with his ability to create off the drive. On defense he is solid on the ball and uses his instincts to jump passing lanes on the weak side. I am excited to see where Corey's career will progress." Meyers won several awards in high school while leading Greencastle to one of their greatest seasons ever, including First Team All-Public Opinion his senior year and Second Team All-Public Opinion his Junior year. He was selected to play in the Buffalo Wild Wings Round ball Classic as well as the Franklin County All-Star game. In addition, Meyers also made Second Team All-Mid Penn.
Sharif Welton a 6'7" hybrid player from Sullivan County High School is one of the most celebrated recruits in program history. "Sharif has really no ceiling at this point. He can play any position on the floor with his combination of size and quickness," Schenzel comments. "Last year in watching him play we saw him play point and center in consecutive possessions. Welton works hard to improve and I think that maybe his biggest asset. The Mont Alto family is excited to see where Sharif can lead us," Schenzel adds. Sharif led Sullivan County High School on the greatest journey they have ever had. Last year they won their league, the district title and went deep into states. "Sharif can score in a variety of ways and plays tremendous defense," stated Schenzel. Sharif was named to many post season awards last season including Second team All-State Pennsylvania, First Team Middle Pennsylvania, First Team Sun Gazette, First Team All-League, Daily Review two-time MVP and Sun Gazette MVP runner-up.
The coaching staff is excited to see what this class of recruits will bring to the program. "Last year we inherited a group of guys who worked hard from start to finish. We believe that in bringing in these five players this year and Cordell next year we can turn the program around and continue to be a strong competitor in the PSUAC," Coach Schenzel comments. "I know in watching the first few practices this year the level of competition in scrimmages and drills is much higher. We knew we needed to get better on offense and Sharif, Corey, and Bobby will help immensely. Collin and Justin give us the ability to push our defense out and pressure more this year by protecting the basket with their size and athleticism. These players all understand the real reason they are here and that is to get a college degree and they work hard in the classroom," Schenzel adds.
