Rudolph, Teammates Wrap up Recruiting

NewEnglandBasketballServices.com | Sunday, April 29th, 2007

Brian Rudolph (pictured above) may be the feel good story of the year in New England. The New Bedford, Massachusetts native had committed to Providence College last year when some legal problems forced him to pursue a post-graduate season at Bridgton Academy. Rudolph has admitted to making a terrible mistake and has done his best to rebuild his life since arriving at Bridgton in September.

“He’s been our team’s heart and soul all year long,” Bridgton Academy Head Coach said last month at the National Prep Championship in Washington D.C.

Not only has Rudolph been a first class citizen and teammate since arriving in Maine, but he has continued to impress on the basketball court, especially in the second half of the season. His solid play at the point guard position was one of the main reasons why Bridgton was able to win their third consecutive NEPSAC title, advance to the finals of the National Prep Championship, and earn a season ending national ranking of 2.

Down the stretch Rudolph was the prototypical point guard thinking pass first but still showing the ability to create offense for himself and his teammates when their half court sets broke down. Additionally, he showed his ability to been a tremendous on the ball defender and even showed an improved perimeter jump shot.

When it became evident that Rudolph had grown as both a person and a player college coaches began to reform the line to pursue his services. Despite receiving interest from a good number of high major programs late in the year, Rudolph will be heading to Loyola to play for Head Coach Jimmy Patsos. At Loyola, Rudolph will have an opportunity to play immediate minutes for a team that advanced to the semi-finals of the MAAC tournament this year before losing to eventual champion Niagara.

Another MAAC school, Manhattan, is also said to be very close to landing a commitment from one of Becklens’ teammates at Bridgton. 6’4 shooting guard Rashard Green, who earlier in the year was close to landing at North Carolina State, was said to be leaning heavily towards committing to the Jaspers this weekend. The left-handed slasher was a consistent factor in the Bridgton offensive attack all season long and would be joining a young and talented Manhattan program that is expected to make a quick return to the top of the MAAC. Not only is Green likely to be an impact player at Manhattan but he is also bound to be a fan favorite since he is a native of the city.

In other news, 6’6 small forward Cory Vejraska is headed to the NE 10’s Southern New Hampshire. Vejraska is a very fundamentally sound player who was a consistent member of Bridgton’s starting line-up this year despite other high major swingmen coming off the bench. Vejraska has a high basketball I.Q. and an excellent perimeter jump shot when left unguarded.

In addition to Becklens, Green, and Vejraska this year’s Bridgton Academy team also produced Justin Burrell (St. John’s), Paris Horne (St. John’s), Aaron Ellis (South Carolina), Greg Hill (Purdue), Clay Harris (Wagner), Paul Becklens (Toledo), and Ronnie Moss who is likely headed to junior college.