ELON, N.C. – Elon University head men’s basketball coach Matt Matheny recently announced the addition of five newcomers to the Phoenix program in 2014-15. Jack Anton (Mason, Ohio/Archbishop Moeller), Elijah Bryant (Gwinnett, Ga./New Hampton School), Collin Luther (Pittsburgh, Pa./Hampton), Dmitri Thompson (Orlando, Fla./Orlando Christian Prep) and Jack George (Libertyville, Ill./Carmel Catholic) will all don the maroon and gold next season.
A 6-8, 230-pound forward from Mason, Ohio, Anton helped Moeller to the Greater Catholic League (GCL) South title last season en route to both district and sectional championships. Anton earned second-team GCL South accolades as a senior and led his squad to a 24-2 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark in league play.
“Jack is coming from one of the strongest high school programs in the country at Moeller, led by head coach Carl Kremer and his staff,” said Matheny. “He has a willingness to compete, a strong skill level and valuable experience from a winning high school program.”
A 6-4, 225-pound guard from Gwinnett, Ga., Bryant averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists at New Hampton School last season, helping the Huskies reach the NEPSAC AAA final.
“Elijah is coming off a fantastic season playing for Peter Hutchins and the nationally ranked New Hampton School,” said Matheny. “His experience competing and winning in the NEPSAC – one of the nation’s top high school leagues – has readied him to bring a skilled floor game and a winners’ edge to our program.”
A 6-6, 210-pound forward from Pittsburgh, Pa., Luther was a three-time first-team all-section honoree at Hampton. A three-year team captain, Luther averaged 14 points, six rebounds and six assists as a senior, when he became a member of Hampton’s 1,000-point club. Luther helped his squad to a sectional championship and a state semifinal appearance during his tenure, as he was named to the Pittsburgh Tribune’s “Terrific 10” in 2014. Luther was also a standout wide receiver on Hampton’s football team.
“Collin led his Hampton High School program, coached by Joe Lafko, to a fantastic senior season,” said Matheny. “He brings great versatility, savvy and a winner’s toughness to our team.”
A 6-4, 195-pound guard from Orlando, Fla., Thompson helped his Orlando Christian Prep squad to a pair of state titles (2014, 2012) during his tenure. A member of National Honor Society, Thompson was a first-team all-state honoree as a senior, averaging 14 points and eight boards per game. He was named district player of the year as a senior as well.
“Dmitri had a wonderful senior year at Orlando Christian Prep,” said Matheny. “Led by their longtime coach, Reggie Kohn, Dmitri helped his team win its second state championship this past year. He brings athleticism and versatility that will be valuable as a wing in our system.”
A 6-10 forward from Libertyville, Ill., George averaged 16.3 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks at Carmel Catholic last season – all team highs. George helped Carmel to a 25-9 mark his senior year, as he earned first-team all-area honors by the Daily Herald and Pioneer Press.
“Jack is a skilled post player from Carmel Catholic in the very tough Chicago Catholic School League,” said Matheny. “He has continued to show improvements in his game and we are excited to have him joining our program.”
The 2014-15 season marks Elon’s first year in the Colonial Athletic Association.