Mount Men's Basketball Signs Three During Early Signing Period
Emmitsburg, Md. (November 19, 2009)--Mount St. Mary's head coach Milan Brown has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2010-11 school year. Point guard Justin Burrell (Dumfries, Va./Potomac) and swingmen Jeff James (Bowie, Md./Bowie) and Donte Morales (Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown) have signed National Letters of Intent to enroll at the Mount in the fall of 2010.
Burrell, a 5-8 point guard, averaged 12.8 points as a junior for Potomac High School. Burrell is a solid point who can hit the outside shot while also having the ability to get in the lane. Burrell is ranked #618 in the nation by HoopScoop Online.
"Justin is going to be a very good addition to our team," said Brown. "He is a true point guard, but has the ability to score as well. We like his speed with the basketball as well as his three-point range. Plus, he brings a good basketball IQ and toughness to his position."
James, a 6-4 forward, is an athletic wing with good passing skills and a solid mid-range game. He is ranked #651 in the nation by HoopScoop Online.
"Jeff is a long athlete who can slash to the basket," said Brown. "He has a very good feel for the game and is a good passer from the wing position. We think he can be a very good defender in our defensive system and his speed will allow us to continue to play uptempo."
Morales, a 6-5 forward, averaged 19.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a senior at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach, Va., in 2008-09. He is a post graduate at Fishburne Military School in Virginia for the 2009-10 school year. Morales was named First Team All-Beach District and Second Team All-Tidewater Area his senior year at Landstown.
"Donte is a long lefty with good three-point range," said Brown. "He understands how to score the basketball in an efficient manner. We like his ball skills along with his athletic ability. He gives us another wing with size and will help us on the defensive end. With this extra year at Fishburne, he could step right in and be ready to play."
The Mount hosts longtime rival Loyola on Saturday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Knott Arena for the home opener.