Suffield Academy Big Man Earns Scholarship

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

On Monday, Suffield Academy's Anthony Simmons committed to Gannon University in Erie, PA. Gannon is the fifth ranked division II program in the country according to the last national poll.  Simmons, a 6'8" 250 pound center, came to Suffield via Rochester, New York. 

Simmons arrived at Suffield coming off a huge senior campaign at Allendale-Columbia School, where he averaged 24.2 points, 13 rebounds, and just over 2 blocks per game and was named Second Team All State in New York.  In the process, he led his team deep into the state tournament. Simmons matched his strong senior campaign with a strong AAU season with the East Coast Fusion.

"Anthony came to Suffield with the goal of earning a scholarship, but he really took advantage of more than just what was offered on the court during his post graduate year. He has worked hard in the classroom earning over a 3.0 GPA, and in the weight room as well adding twelve pounds of muscle to his frame in the fall," said Suffield Coach Jeff Depelteau.   

His hard work in the weight room and on the court certainly showed as Simmons was a major presence for Suffield night in and night out in the post as he averaged 14 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game for the Tigers who finished the year with a 14-7 record, and a trip to the Western New England Tournament.

Simmons was the fourth member of this years' Suffield team to commit to a college joining fellow Post Graduates Matt Edwards, Pierce Edwards, and Senior Roshard Bryant all who previously committed to play at Amherst College next season.