Penn State Takes Look At Prep Player

BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS -- There are so few quality players left in the class of 2002. But in the prep ranks, especially in the New England area, some quality recruits still remain. One such player is Mike Konovelchick, a 6-4, 180 pound shooting guard at New Hampton Prep.

Konovelchick is a good athlete who also is a kicker on the football team. This past season he knocked one through the goalposts from 50 yards out.

He is also a good basketball player who can score points in bunches. Rivalshoops.com saw Konovelchick play three times this season. In one game last month, Konovelchick torched fundamentally sound St. Thomas More for 21 points in the second half.

Konovelchick played well last Wednesday in New Hampton's win over Proctor Academy. He scored 17 points, including two three-pointers. He moves the ball well up the court and is a good passer.

Many programs are looking at Konovelchick, trying to figure out how high a level he can play. Manhattan, James Madison, Penn State, Ohio State, and Kansas State have shown all different ranges of interest. Kansas State requested tape but has yet to make a move. Penn State watched Konovelchick last Wednesday and appeared to be impressed. But will this lead to a scholarship offer?

"I don't know right now," New Hampton head coach Jamie Arnesault said. "Mike has done a great job for us all year. He got hurt but seems better. He is a good athlete who can shoot the ball."

Konovelchick is open, according to Arnesault. "Once our season is over we will see where he will visit," Arnesault said. "Right now he's just worried about helping us win this tournament."

New Hampton plays tonight in a semifinal game.