Cincinnati Recruit Banks 28 Not Enough

Cincinnati recruit Vincent Banks scored 28 points but his team was outmatched by a group of players that many high school basketball fans have never heard of but will in the future. Joe Miles, a 2004 guard who signed with Marshall, scored 17 points to lead St. Thomas More past Laurinburg Institute Prep at the War at the Shore in Milford, Delaware.

Banks, who signed a letter of intent last week with Bob Huggins' program, hit on 12 of 13 free throws and seven of 19 from the floor. He was the most effective offensive weapon for Laurinburg against a stingy St. Thomas More swarming man-to-man defense.

Miles, with Marshall head coach Ron Jirsa in the audience to see his new recruit, made several key plays in the second half to help Jere Quinn's team win a big game. Miles also had five rebounds and three assists.

"He is getting there," Quinn said. "He's very quick. He's still learning the game. But he is going to be a great player for Marshall."

St. Thomas More built up a big 42-24 lead after the first 20 minutes of play. But some excellent inside work by Longar Longar and some perimeter stroking by Banks cut the lead to seven points at one time during the second half. But Miles made a few key steals and hit seven of eight free throws to help Quinn's crew escape with the victory.

Sophomore Rob Thomas, who is likely to land on many top 100 lists for the class of 2006, added 13 points for St. Thomas More. Longar had 12 points and 15 rebounds.