The presence of 7-foot sophomore Thon Maker should help Carlisle make a splash nationally this season.
Photo by Nick Koza
Jason Niblett
2012-13 record: 23-2
Players to watch: Kevin Cuesta (6-4, Sr., F),
Adrian Hatfield (6-0, So., G),
Eric Johnson (6-2, Sr., G),
Kaleb Johnson (6-6, Jr., G/F),
Sebastian Kruger (6-7, Sr., F),
Thon Maker (7-0, So., F/C),
Yesid Mosquera (6-5, So., F),
Malcolm N'Diaye (6-2, Sr., G)
Breaking down CarlisleCarlisle returns virtually everybody from last year's 23-2 team and even added a few key pieces. So why isn't the elite academic institution ranked even higher?
Niblett's team is going to be taking a huge step up in competition, going from playing primarily other Virginia independent schools to a full-blown national schedule.
Maker averaged over 23 points and 12 rebounds per game as a freshman.
Photo by Nick Koza
The presence of 7-foot sophomore Maker should make that transition a bit easier. A native of Sudan by way of Australia, Maker is one of the most tantalizing prospects to come along in years with his size, length and ever-expanding skill set.
As a freshman at Carlisle, Maker averaged 23.4 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.9 blocked shots per game.
"The improvement just over the last six months has been unreal," Niblett said of Maker. "The sky is the limit for him. Off the floor, he is a great kid, very respectful, not a head-case. Thon really studies the game and doesn't mind asking questions – you want that in a player."
There is a chance Maker could be joined by brother Matur – a 6-9 freshman – on the varsity roster this season. Paperwork clearing up his status is in process.
Senior guard Eric Johnson is back and was Carlisle's second-leading scorer a year ago at 16 points per game to go along with 8.3 assists.
The international feel continues with Colombians Cuesta (13 points per game in 2012-13) and Mosquera, N'Diaye of Sweden (11.3) and Spaniard Kruger – a newcomer to the program.
Stepping upNiblett says college coaches have thrown out comparisons to Jalen Rose for Kaleb Johnson, who played high school ball in Southfield, Va., last season.
"He's a lefty and can play the one, two or three spot, hit the three ball or go to the rack," Niblett said. "He is from a small town and didn't get the pub last year but I think his stock could really go through the roof."
Auburn, South Florida and East Carolina are among the programs showing interest in the first-year Carlisle player.
Key datesNov. 27 – vs.
Huntington St. Joseph Prep (W.Va.)Dec. 19-23 – Chick-fil-A Classic
Dec. 26-28 – HighSchoolOT.com Invitational
Jan. 3 – vs.
Oldsmar Christian (Fla.) at Chance Harman Classic
Jan. 7 – at
Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem, N.C.)Jan. 10 – vs.
Curie (Chicago) at McCracken County Festival of Hoops
Jan. 11 – vs.
Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights, Ill.) at McCracken County Festival of Hoops
Jan. 25 – vs. Quality Education Academy
Feb. 5 – at Huntington St. Joseph Prep
