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May 23, 2008
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Head Men's Basketball Coach Frankie Allen announced the signing of six athletes to National Letters of Intent on Friday. "Overall we are very pleased with the signees and feel that we have started to put together a foundation that the entire basketball community will be proud of in the upcoming years," said Allen. Coach Allen who took over the helm on April 10 put together a solid core of prospects during the late signing period that will look to contribute to the Hawk basketball program in 2008-09, including Reginald "Tyler" Hines (6-7, 220, PF/C, Sewell, N.J./Timber Creek H.S.), Mark Robertson (6-5, 215, SF/PF, Lakewood, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep), Christopher Conner (6-4, 210, SG/SF, Powell, Tenn./Hargrave Military Academy), Neal Pitt (6-6, 230, SF/PF, Ft. Washington, Md./Frederick C.C.), Hillary Haley (6-6, 210, SG/SF, Waldorf, Md./St. Bonaventure Univ.), and Samuel Obetoh (6-7, 190, SF, New York, N.Y./Washington Irving H.S./Boys' Club of New York). Hines, a South Jersey native, is a rugged rebounder who led Timber Creek High School with 11 boards per game to go along with 13 points a contest. He will add toughness and bulk to the front line at UMES, something that has been much needed the past few seasons. Hines was named All-Camden County while leading his team to a 21-10 record and in the process eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for his career. "Tyler will have an immediate impact on our team with his much needed strength and size," said Allen. The Hawks dipped into one of the top prep schools in the nation, St. Benedict's Prep, to ink Robertson who averaged 15 points and nine rebounds for the Gray Bees. Robertson, another New Jersey native, is a strong wing that can slash to the basket or knock down the three-point shot, while his strength gives him the ability to be effective on the inside. He is the cousin of current Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith.
"Mark is a versatile player that will play multiple positions for our team," said Allen. "His athleticism and skill set will be a great asset to the team." UMES once again made a splash with the signing of Conner who attended the top ranked prep school in the country last year, Hargrave Military Academy. He posted 12 points and four rebounds per game for the 2007-08 prep school National Champions. Conner is a native of Powell, Tenn. where he led Powell High School to its first ever state tournament while contributing 24 points, eight boards, and four assists per game. His three-point shooting ability will open up the floor for the Hawks. "With Chris' ability to stretch the defense with his three-point shooting he will be an integral part in our offensive style of play," said Allen. Pitt, who hails from Ft. Washington, Maryland, will join the UMES family from Frederick Community College where he led them in scoring and rebounding the past two seasons, including 18 points and 11 rebounds this past year. He is a lengthy combo forward whose strength will allow him to play inside and out. He was named an All-Maryland Junior College First Team selection in 2007-08 and a 2006-07 Second Team member. Pitt's ability to crash the boards is an asset that UMES coveted. "Neal brings the ability to score on the block or on the wing," stated Allen. "He also brings size and strength to the team." The coaching staff is excited about the addition of Haley, a transfer from St. Bonaventure University. The Waldorf, Md. native averaged 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game as a freshman for the Bonnies. Hillary scored season-highs of 16 points and seven rebounds against Wright State and Loyola Marymount, respectively. St. Bonaventure recruited Hillary from North Atlanta Prep where he averaged 19 points a contest and was ranked as the 67th best prep school player in the nation, according to Hoop Scoop. Prior to prep school, Hillary attended Friendly High School in Ft. Washington, Maryland. There he posted 20 points and eight rebounds per game while being named to the All-Prince George's Country First Team and the Washington Post All-Metro Second Team. Hillary also competed in the Capital City Classic on the campus of George Washington University. He will have three years of eligibility left after sitting out the upcoming season. "Hillary is capable of being a complete all-around player," said Allen. "We will utilize all of his skills while at UMES." Obetoh will head south from Manhattan once his senior season is done at Washington Irving High School for a chance to play for the Hawks. This past high school season he competed for the Boys' Club of New York where he averaged 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, and four assists per game. Obetoh posted 27 points a contest during the 2006-07 season while attending Adelphi High School. His ability to score was on display in high school when he scored 36 and 50 points on consecutive nights. Obetoh is a skilled wing that runs the floor well and finishes in transition. He also has the ability to breakdown defenses while slashing to the basket and can also open up the floor with his three-point touch. Obetoh chose UMES over interests in schools from the Patriot League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and the Atlantic Coast Conference. "Sammy will give us another proven scorer on the wing," stated Allen. "With his length and athleticism he can develop into a strong combo forward." UMES will now start to prepare for the upcoming season as they open up in October with Hawk Hysteria. |
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