NEPSAC Profiles: The Governor’s Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, the&nbsp;<em>NEPSAC Profiles</em>&nbsp;series continues with a look at The Governor's Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Located in Byfield, Massachusetts, Governor's Academy is an independent day and boarding school that competes in the&nbsp;<em>NEPSAC B</em>&nbsp;division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Governor's will be led this winter by [player_tooltip player_id='1532626' first='Thomas' last='Ferdinando'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2396729' first='Momo' last='Nkugwa'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferdinando, a <strong><em>Babson</em></strong> commit, is one of the top perimeter shooters in New England. He plays with a high basketball IQ, is comfortable handling the ball as a decision maker in the half court, and has developed into a consistent three level scorer. Above all, he can really stretch the defense with his jumper, showing in the gym range off the catch, with the ball in his hands, and when coming off screens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nkugwa, the <strong><em>Vermont</em></strong> commit is a big time athlete that makes highlight real plays above the rim. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands, can finish through contact, and has an explosive first step. The lefty is a terrific on ball defender that can shut down opposing guards and is an effective rebounder from the perimeter. He's done a great job of developing his skill and has some secondary creator elements to his game in the half court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are seven more prospects that should have a major impact for the Governors:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2638185' first='Tait' last='Christensen']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christensen, a recent <strong><em>Johns Hopkins</em></strong> commit, is a jumbo combo forward with great length, some athletic pop, and versatility on the defensive end of the floor. He'll provide rim protection for the Governors while serving as a primary rebounder and high level defender who can guard in the post and on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106071' first='Joey' last='Hart']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart, who'll head to <strong><em>Claremont McKenna</em></strong> in the fall, is a do it all wing that makes plays that impact winning. He's a connector on the offensive end, capable of playing inside and out and keeping the ball moving. He can score at multiple levels, attacks the glass on both ends of the floor, and is a versatile, multi-positional defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2568389' first='Sam' last='Murray']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'2" guard, Murray is an athletic presence on the perimeter that excels in the open floor by putting pressure on the rim with his finishing ability. He's become a consistent perimeter shooter and does a good job of moving without the ball, but his best attribute might be his ability to be a lockdown defender on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2568360' first='Magezi' last='Nkugwa']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nkugwa is a 6'0" guard that has a great feel for how to run an offense and get everyone involved. He's a talented passer, knows how to navigate ball screens, and can really score in the mid-range. He's a talented on ball defender that can really guard in the open floor and doesn't mind guarding out to 94'.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470977' first='Seven' last='Pridgen']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'3" combo guard, Pridgen thrives on his athleticism and strength. Only a sophomore, he already has some impressive physical gifts including the strength to guard in the post, the quickness to keep guards in front of him, and the burst to be disruptive around the rim and in the passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532445' first='Will' last='Wertz']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wertz is a do-it-all wing that has really come on strong in the last year. At 6'4" he has the size to impact the game in the paint and on the perimeter and is a capable ball handler, facilitator, and multi-level scorer. He does a good job on the defensive glass, is instinctive in passing lanes, and can guard multiple positions easily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->