St. Anthony loaded with underclassmen

Undefeated and with a top five national ranking, St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, N.J., is loaded with talented underclassmen, and Coach Bob Hurley has them sharing the ball and sharing minutes. Forward A.J. Rodgers has already committed and a couple more commitments are expected soon.

A 6-foot-5 forward, Rodgers committed to St. Joe's late last week. He is averaging eight points and eight rebounds in St. Anthony's very balanced attack.

Point guard Travon Woodall is expected to be the next commitment. Coach Hurley would not divulge where Woodall might be headed, but a commitment to Pittsburgh is expected.

"Travon is supposed to turn into me a sheet of paper with the reasons why he would commit to a certain school," said Coach Hurley. "If I like what I read and feel he is committing for good reasons, then we will finish up the process."

A talented player, Woodall is being challenged for playing time at the point guard spot by junior Jiovanny Fontan. Woodall and Fontan have both started approximately half of St. Anthony's games, but it was Fontan who stood out in St. Anthony's win over Jai Lucas's Bellaire (Texas) team at the Hoophall Classic.

"Jiovanny brings it everyday in practice and is doing what it takes to become a player," said Hurley. "We just need to get him a little physically stronger. He understands the point guard position and guards it extremely well. And he makes shots when we need him to. He's shooting 50 percent from three."

Look for Fontan's recruitment to take off after his strong performance against Lucas. Oklahoma has inquired about him since the event.

Junior guard Mike Rosario, who lit it up from the outside against Bellaire's zone defense, is close to committing as well.

"Mike is also close to committing, and he'll probably stay close to home," said Hurley. "St. John's, Seton Hall, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, and Penn State are the schools involved with Mike. They all love the way he can score and get his own shot. I know St. John's and Rutgers could use a shooter."

Coach Hurley also spoke highly of the abilities of junior guard Tyshawn Taylor. He did not perform well at the Hoophall Classic, but the talent is there.

"Tyshawn usually leads us in steals and all the hustle things that we emphasize. He can play the one or the two and is a big time athlete."

Miami, Florida State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Seton Hall have all offered Taylor, and more offers are expected to come in.

St. Anthony also has a high-major sophomore in Dominic Cheek. He was unable to play in the Hoophall Classic because of an injury.

"Dominic is a big guard who is going to be outstanding," said Hurley. "Syracuse and Rutgers have already offered him."