Daniel Dingle has taken official visits the last two weekends to Auburn and Temple. He enjoyed both places thoroughly. The 6-foot-7 St. Raymond forward isn’t ready to make a decision yet, though, and said Miami and Seton Hall are also in the picture.
“I have no Idea when I want to commit,” he said after helping New York City top New Jersey, 133-101, in the third annual Sharette Dixon Memorial Classic at Bishop Loughlin. “No timetable. I have to discuss it with my parents, go over the pros and cons and we’ll take it from there.”
Dingle was able to play with the team at Auburn because at the time of his visit the college basketball season had yet to officially begin. He also attended the Tigers football team’s 17-6 win over Florida, which he said was thrilling. He also enjoyed Temple and likes that it is located in the middle of Philadelphia, a big city like New York.
“I love both places,” he said. “They have a family atmosphere and I get along with the players. I have an opportunity to play at both schools [right away].”
Bernardi ready for Big East: When Xaverian sharpshooter Brian Bernardi verbally committed to SMU in late August, he expected to be sinking 3-pointers in Conference-USA. Instead, he may end up in the Big East as the Mustangs have been targeted for expansion.
“It’s crazy, I found out during my [official] visit,” the senior said. “I was surprised. I was going to go there either way, but of course I’d be happy to play in the Big East.”
Tatum taking liking to new coach: The official start to preseason practices have yet to begin, but Amani Tatum is already thrilled with new coach Scott Lagas. The former C.W. Post assistant, who takes over for former head man Tom Catalanotto, has already set a standard of high expectations.
“He works us hard – there’s no walking in [workouts],” the junior point guard said. “We run to everything. He said we’re gonna work harder than every team in the Catholic division.”
Tatum said it was frustrating waiting the entire summer for a new coach after Catalanotto was unceremoniously let go after leading the Stanners to the New York State Federation Class A crown. She briefly considered transferring, but liked Molloy as a school too much. Her teammates felt the same way — nobody left — and now they hope to build on last year’s success, only with a new coach.
Jersey girls reign: Behind 20 points from MVP DeAsia Jones of Shabazz, New Jersey topped New York City, 87-80. East Orange Campus’ Teana Muldrow also had 20, including four 3-pointers, and University’s Britney Sykes added 18. Nazareth point guard Bianca Cuevas paced the city with 25 points and South Shore’s Fannisha Price and Murry Bergtraum’s Shequana Harris added nine points apiece.