LMU Signs PG Anthony Ireland

Press Release — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:33:01 -0800

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Anthony Ireland, a 5-10 guard from Winchendon School in Winchendon, Mass., has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Loyola Marymount University and play men’s basketball for the Lions, Head Coach Max Good announced on Friday.

Ireland went to Crosby High School in Waterbury, Conn., and transferred this fall to the Winchendon, a premier prep school in the New England area, for a post-graduate season. He was one of the team leaders in his career at Crosby, leading the team to a 70-7 record in three seasons and back-to-back trips to the CIAC State Finals, including a state title as a junior.

“We were very impressed with the way Anthony led his team both in his final season at Crosby and during his play this summer,” said Good. “He really became a scorer as a senior in high school, but this summer he showed his ability to lead his team on the floor as a point guard.”

In his final season, he averaged 29.2 points per game and led his team to a second place finish in the state playoffs and a No. 2 state ranking. They finished 21-4 overall, and 9-1 in the Naugatuck Valley League. The year prior, Ireland averaged 14 points, a team-best 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game, helping the team to a 26-1 record and the state championship. As a sophomore, the Bulldogs finished 23-3 overall and a perfect 10-0 in league play, falling in the third round of the state playoffs. Ireland led the team in assists with 6.8 per game and in steals with 2.6 per game. He added 10.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game that season.

“Anthony is a great young man who we were very impressed with when we got to meet him,” said Good. “He comes from great programs and he knows how to win and play in big games, playing in state championships and all over the country. We are excited to have him join us next fall.”

He had a break-out senior season in 2008-09 for Crosby, scoring 583 points, shooting 55 percent from the field, 45 percent from the three-point line and 76 percent from the free throw line. He also averaged 5.1 assists per contest (101 total), 6.7 rebounds (133) and 2.7 steals (54).

His single game numbers that final season were impressive, including three games with double-doubles. Against Ansonia he had 22 points, 10 rebounds and also added eight assists for a near triple-double. He also had a game against Kennedy with 40 points and 10 boards, and then against Sacred Heart with 37 points and 10 rebounds.

His best game on record for the season was a 46-point outing in the second meeting against Ansonia, hitting 13-for-19 from the field, 5-for-6 from long range and a perfect 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.

Ireland also played for the New England Playaz, a summer travel team, and helped them to a 30-5 record. His current season with Winchedon is just getting started.

anthony ireland

LMU Signs PG Anthony Ireland