Gibbons MVP finds college home
James Demery went to Twitter on Monday night and told the world that he is headed to St. Joseph's University to continue his basketball playing days. The 6-foot-5 wing from Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte, N.C. visited the Atlantic 10 school last month and saw enough to put an end to his recruitment.
Just committed to Saint Joseph University....Hawk Nation
— ***James Demery*** (@JKDemery25) October 1, 2013
Demery was the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions and one of the very best players to come through Suwanee Sports Academy this travel season.
He helped Team Charlotte win the Gibbons event and a great showing overall from March until August. Demery was the top player of Jeff McGinnis's program.
What we've said about Demery:
From Gibbons: (He) helped navigate and willed his team to the championship. Down by double figures against Team Heat, the junior proceeded to score the next three baskets to not only cut into the lead before getting an overtime win. His ability to slash, take defenders off the ball and lock down opposing players was the recipe in getting the 17U National bracket championship.
From Gibbons 17U championship game: Charlotte’s guard depth, however, was just too much for the Raptors to handle. The catalyst was James Demery. The 6-foot-5 guard was slithery quick and so explosive he was hard to contain. He also attacked the basket with one mission in mind finishing above the rim. Demery scored a game-high 20 points to win secure the title and the Most Valuable Player award.
During his recruitment, Demery told us his goal was to find a school that would develop him on the court.
"I am trying to go in and play for a school and coaches that can help me achieve my full potential in basketball," Demery said in the spring. "I think any kid in high school would love to go to a school where they can come in and play right away as a freshman. But I know that isn't given. I know I have to earn it. I want to go somewhere that allows me to play to the best of my abilities."
He found that in St. Joe's.