The high school careers of Lance Stephenson and James Padgett came to an end Saturday…and Maryland coach Gary Williams was there to watch it.
“I was surprised to see him,” Stephenson told the New York Post.
James Stukes, an uncommitted 6-5 small forward, had 22 points and Miami-bound guard Durand Scott added 16 as Rice crushed two-time defending State Federation champion Lincoln 77-50 in a Class AA boys semifinal in Glens Falls, N.Y. Rice will meet Newburgh Free Academy on Sunday for the state championship.
Stukes, who decommitted twice from Robert Morris, will prep next year at South Kent (Conn.) and said he could still wind up at Robert Morris.
Stephenson, New York State’s all-time scoring leader, had 14 points, six rebounds and two assists for Lincoln and the 6-8 Maryland-bound Padgett posted 12 points and 10 boards.
“You gotta lose some games,” Stephenson told the Post. “I thought it would be closer. We gave up. I was surprised, but it happens.”
As first reported here, the 6-5 Stephenson is expected to announce next week that he will play at Kansas, which lost to Michigan State Friday night in the Sweet 16. Maryland and St. John’s also made Stephenson’s final list.
Speaking of Kansas, guard Sherron Collins told the Topeka Capital-Journal that he plans to come back to campus for his senior season.
“What I’m saying right now is I’m coming back,” said Collins, who added that he is in fine shape financially and has the blessing of his family to return. “Coach [Bill Self] has to tell me something, if coach doesn’t tell me nothing, I’m coming back. Whatever he decides is what I’m gonna do.”
Collins said the addition of Stephenson could help Kansas win the NCAA championship.
“We could be a contender for a national championship next year,” Collins said. “Possibly win it.”
Stephenson shared the co-Mr. New York Basketball award with Syracuse-bound senior guard Brandon Triche of Jamesville-Dewitt. Stephenson broke Sebastian Telfair’s state career scoring record in February and has helped Lincoln win a record four straight PSAL championships.
“I’m sad because I don’t really want to leave high school,” Stephenson said. “But I’m ready for the next step. I’m ready to have a career, go to the NBA and go to college. I have no regrets.”
WRIGHT ON THE GEORGE MASON VISIT
Sherrod Wright just finished up his official visit to George Mason and said he enjoyed it.
“It was good, I liked it,” the 6-foot-4 wing from Mount Vernon (N.Y.) High wrote in a text.
Wright spent Thursday-Saturday on the campus of the Virginia school.
Several other schools are also in the mix for Wright, including Hofstra, Seton Hall, South Florida and Central Florida.
He said he’s not sure what his schedule is going forward.
“I’m not sure yet,” he said.
The NCAA late signing period begins April 15.
(Photos courtesy New York Post & Daily News)
