12/2/2004 football Edit

Pena making a big impact on the trail

Rob Matera

RivalsHoops.com Recruiting Analyst

6-foot-8 225 pound forward Antonio Pena has a new address this fall after transfering to St. Thomas More in Oakdale, CT. However, that hasn't stopped college coaches from showing up in droves to watch him compete. Rivals.com recently caught up with the elite class of 2006 prospect for an update.

A year ago Antonio Pena was a junior power forward doing most of the dirty work inside for Sebastian Telfair's Abraham Lincoln HS Railsplitters in Brooklyn, NY. Although Telfair was clearly the focal point of that team, it wasn't hard for coaches to spot Pena and recognize the talent and work ethic that he possessed.

This year Pena transferred to St. Thomas More and re-classified as a junior, and since has taken on a larger role as the Chancellors' go to guy at the offensive end of the floor. While it has been something of an adjustment, he has for the most part flourished under the direction of St. Thomas More coach Jere Quinn.

In three games at the CSG National Prep Showcase last month he averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds per game against, perhaps, the most dominant competition at the high school level. Pena has honed his shooting touch and is a major threat from 17' and in. However he does most of his damage closer to the basket and along the baseline. While not a great athlete, Pena is a gifted rebounder and a physical defender.

He told us that Georgia, Georgetown, Seton Hall, St. John's, Miami, Pittsburgh, and Villanova are the schools currently on his list. He says that all have offered scholarships.

Last season for Lincoln HS Pena averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds per contest. He recently took the PSAT for the first time, but has not yet received the results from that test.

Pena is rated #71 nationally in the class of 2006 by Rivals.com, but based on his recent play don't be surprised if he climbs a bit higher in the next revision.

You can catch Pena this winter playing for St. Thomas More, or this spring and summer on the Reebok circuit with coach Gary Charles' New York Panthers.