Pettinella Prepping for Ivy Future
Ryan Pettinella has continued the momentum from a fine summer, leading his McQuaid Jesuit H.S. program of Rochester, N.Y., to an undefeated mark this season.
Pettinella earned game MVP honors laqst weekend at the Prime Time Shootout in Trenton, N.J., scoring 18 points in a 73-60 victory over Harrisburg H.S. of Pennsylvania. Pettinella scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half in staking the Knights to a 41-26 half-time lead over Harrisburg.
Advertisement
Pettinella's performance had to excite the fans of the Penn Quakers. Playing just 40 minutes north of his future college destination, Pettinella showcased his offensive skills that he hopes to utilize next winter for Fran Dunphy's Ivy League powerhouse.
"He had offers from schools like Holy Cross, St. Bonaventure and Davidson, but I think his dad really wanted him at an Ivy League school," McQuaid Head Coach Joe Marchese said. "Penn is perfect for him, with great basketball and the Wharton School of Business."
While the loss of star 6-9 senior forward Ugonna Onyekwe will leave some huge shoes to fill at Penn next year, there's a good chance that Pettinella could help to buffer that with the set of skills that he will bring.
"I am going to continue working on my ball handling skills and get stronger," Pettinella said after the game. "I can shoot the ball pretty well for a big guy and can also score in the low post."