Laurinburg Prep Loaded in 03-04

There are a lot of prep schools on the East Coast but there may not be a more talented squad than Laurinburg Prep (NC). Head coach Chris Chaney more than a dozen Division I prospects at his disposal. Here’s a look at the majority of his squad.

Jackie Butler, the former McDonald’s All American from Mississippi, headlines the bunch at Laurinburg Prep this year. The 6-foot-10, 240 pound power forward/center is taking a fifth year at the North Carolina school and despite speculation regarding him pulling out of a verbal commitment to the Mississippi Bulldogs, he is still going to the SEC school according to Chaney.

“I know you hear the rumors but he’s still going to Mississippi State,” Chaney said. “He’s definitely going.”

Butler is a huge bodied power player but struggles with consistency. With a year at Laurinburg and continued weight training Butler could be a big time prospect in the aggressive SEC.

Joining Butler on the frontline is 6-foot-10, 220 pound Longar Longar, who Chaney said is still firm with Oklahoma. Joe McCray, a 6-foot-5 guard, is also in the mix and is committed to Nebraska.

Vincent Banks, a 6-foot-2 guard, is a big time scorer and former Mr. Georgia basketball. He was once committed to the University of Miami but after failing to qualify he quickly changed lanes and pledged to Cincinnati.

Richard Dorsey, the 6-foot-7 Baltimore native, is Memphis bound. The athletic forward is an athletic player that will help make the Tigers 2004 recruiting class battle for top national honors.

C.J. Anderson, a 6-foot-5 guard, is favoring Virginia Tech, where he’ll take an unofficial visit on October 11th, but Pitt is still in the picture. Georgetown, Miami and Seton Hall have all been in the mix in the past.

“He’s a very long player that’s active,” Chaney said. “He’s just a warrior type of a player.” Anderson, who is usually playing on the wing, may see time at the point guard spot.

Banney Songondo, a 6-foot-10 forward from the Central Africa Republic, has a lot of potential because of his long, lanky frame an athletic ability. Schools like Georgetown, Texas and LSU are remaining in the mix but Chaney said Songondo will likely make a late decision.

Chad Ferguson, a 6-foot-8 forward with perimeter skills, will visit Coastal Carolina this weekend. He is also considering Hartford and George Washington but according to Chaney, Michigan State among other big name programs are trying to come in this week to watch the small forward in an open gym setting.

Earl Risby a talented 6-foot-1 point guard had Charlotte visiting with him at an in home visit on Wednesday night. The 49ers will try to coordinate an official visit on their visit.

Dwayne Forman is a 5-foot-10 point guard originally from Florida and is leaning towards Georgia Southern. Kris Clark, a 6-foot-3 combo guard is looking at New Orleans and Coastal Carolina. Clark will visit New Orleans next week.

Chance McGrady, the younger brother of NBA superstar Tracy McGrady, is a 6-foot-2 combo guard and is looking at Florida Atlantic and Fordham. Maurice Rice, a 5-foot-11 big time scoring guard from Philadelphia will be a late signee.

A majority of the Laurinburg players will be in Greensboro, North Carolina this weekend for a showcase at the Greensboro Sports Complex. Stay tuned to RivalsHoops.com for recaps on the event.