July 2, 2010
McConnell is shining
A two-way threat in the world of sports usually means something along the lines of a quarterback who can both pass and run. But let’s add on to, or at the very least, amend such a definition to include someone like 6-foot-5 Reed McConnell of Sacred Heart Prep (SHP) who wins on the basketball court and most definitely succeeds in the classroom. This combination has resulted in offers from a pair of Ivy League colleges.
McConnell is expanding his game
A major force behind the Gators winning both the West Bay Athletic League and Central Coast Section (Division IV) titles this past season, as well as the most valuable player of the former, McConnell is multi-talented but with a certain skill that wows spectators and recruiters -- unlimited shooting range. Draw an arc wherever you wish on the court and McConnell will still drop the trey ball.
Just as he did in an early March playoff game against Santa Cruz -- which turned out to be his best on-court moment to date. "We were down by eight with a minute to play, we battled back and I hit a trey to win the game," McConnell explained. It was a 22-footer with four seconds remaining on the clock.
He produced 17.2 points a game in 2009-2010, shooting 48% on twos, 38% on threes and 80% at the foul line. McConnell also ended up second on his team in assists as well as leading in steals.
Asked about his best skills, McConnell replied, "Definitely shooting, plus passing and my court vision." When the question was flipped, the areas he is working on are "my quickness and athleticism."
On an Ivy League elite camp tour of late, he was genuinely surprised about what his play generated. Besides interest from Penn, Holy Cross, Lafayette and UC Davis, "Columbia and Brown have offered me," McConnell said.
A 1940 SAT score, along with topnotch grades and being a points producer will open those sort of doors.
What’s interesting is that McConnell’s father played football at Dartmouth. "But my Dad loves basketball and I was two or three when I started playing."
He cites his father plus his Oakland Rebel club team coaches -- "Coach Ray [Young], Coach Tap [Taplin] and Coach Phil [Taylor]" and Sacred Heart Prep Coach Tony Martinelli -- as his biggest basketball influences.
Here’s Ray Young on his player: "Reed is a joy to coach. You have to love any player that wants to be in the gym working on his game and, when I think Reed, the word ‘gymrat’ come too mind. Reed has worked hard in the weight room, adding 15 pounds of muscle and strength, and has become a stronger player. This summer, look for Reed too be recognized as a good player as well as great shooter."
What’s interesting is the dual roles McConnell plays. "With the Rebels, I’m more of a shooter while my role on my high school team has the ball in my hand every possession and I have to produce an overall game."
Sacred Heart finished 23-6 overall last season, 13-1 in league play. The Gators had a strong playoff run with wins over Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, Palma and Wallenberg before falling to St. Patrick/St. Vincent.
In 2010-2011 according to McConnell, "we should be a top team because most of the team returns. We’re hoping to make it to state."
But if McConnell keeps up his level of summer play with the Rebels, he will enjoy the options of many colleges in many states from which to make a choice, ivy-covered or no.