Congratulations to former Saint Louis University basketball star Erwin Claggett, who was recently named the new head basketball coach at Saint Louis University High.
Claggett spent the past nine seasons as the head coach at McCluer High, where he annually fielded one of the area’s top teams. Under Claggett, the Comets were always battling for the championship of the Suburban North Conference, which is one of the toughest basketball leagues in the state of Missouri.
In nine years, Claggett’s teams posted a record of 169-60, including three Suburban North Conference titles. During his tenure, the Comets produced many talented players, including NCAA Division I players Lonnie and Shaquille Boga.
Claggett now takes over a SLUH program that has an excellent tradition, but has fallen on hard times in recent years while competing in the rugged Metro Catholic Conference.
Surge opens season
The St. Louis Surge of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCL) will be opening their season on Saturday night, May 5 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The admission for the game is $8 for adults, $5 for students with a current high school I.D. and $3 for children who are 12 and under.
I encourage you to come on out and check out some exciting women’s semi-pro basketball featuring some of the area’s former stars. Team owner Khalia Collier has worked tirelessly to put an excellent team on the floor while creating an entertaining atmosphere for kids. Two weeks ago, the Surge ventured to Florida to play a pre-season game against the Miami Rain, which was played before a NBA game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats.
Some of the more recognizable players for the Surge include former Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Drake University Jordann Plummer, former East St. Louis High and Kentucky standout Rita Adams, former University City standout Tiffany Foote, former Pattonville standout Nancy Hesemann and former Harris Stowe State University All-American Chanel Ross.
Not only will I be attending the Surge’s opening on May 5, I will be serving as the public address announcer for the season opener. For more information on purchasing season’s tickets to the Surge home games, you can go on-line at www.stlsurgebasketball.com.
Battle for the Arch
Some of the top high school basketball players in the country will be in St. Louis this weeekend to participate in the Battle for the Arch Tournament, which will be held at the St. Louis Sports Center as well as many other venues. Many of the top summer basketball programs around the country will be on hand as well as many of the top coaches in NCAA basketball as this is a certified NCAA event. The action begins on Friday and will run until Sunday afternoon.
Same ‘ol
Ron Artest to Metta World Peace. Different name, Same ol’ idiot. Enough said.
JC All-American
Congratulations to former McCluer North basketball standout Ryun Davis, who was recently selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American Team. The 6’5” Davis was the leading scorer and rebounder as a sophomore at St. Louis Community College. He averaged 17 points and eight rebounds a game to lead STLCC to 22 victories and a No. 15 national ranking.
