Rice to riches: Former players from closed Harlem power continuing school’s legacy
Rice, the legendary Harlem high school that churned out Division I boys basketball players by the bushel, closed last spring for financial reasons. The school no longer exists, but the tradition of excellence has continued – just at different locations throughout the city and beyond.
Former Raiders are thriving everywhere, from the CHSAA to the PSAL, even New Jersey and Connecticut.
“I’m not really surprised,” former Rice coach Dwayne Mitchell said. “We had some good kids, we had kids that understood the importance of working hard and being a team player. If you play a certain way, you can have success, and that’s what’s happening. They’re buying in to the programs they are at and listening to the coach.”
Miami commit Melvin Johnson has emerged as one of the top players on New Jersey powerhouse St. Benedict’s Prep, ranked seventh in the country by USA Today. Talented combo guard Dayshon Smith left the city for Putnam Science Academy and has shined for the Connecticut prep school, scoring 37 points in a recent loss to top-notch Notre Dame Prep (Mass.).
Cardinal Hayes is considered the class of the Catholic school league despite moving up from Class A this fall in no small part to the impact Rice transfers Tyler Wilson, Chris Robinson, Shavar Newkirk and Naasir Williams have made.
Wings Academy has owned Bronx AA in the PSAL and its glue guy is Jaequan Brown, a versatile 6-foot-4 junior wing. Additionally, 6-foot-8 forward Dominique Nelson has given coach Billy Turnage an inside presence that was sorely needed, combo guard Stephen Turner has surpassed expectations at Wadeigh and forward Jean Toussaint has fit in well at Brooklyn AA up-and-comer South Shore. Mount St. Michael isn’t quite thriving like Hayes, but the Mountaineers have upset perennial contender St. Raymond, with 6-foot-4 forward Ed Correa breaking out as a possible all-league selection.
Naturally, with all this success, it has made some consider what Rice would’ve been like this year if the school never closed. Smith thinks he has a pretty good idea – it would’ve competed for a city title.
“Almost everybody is the star player on their team,” Smith said.
One Division I coach who recruits the city heavily and is familiar with all the Rice players echoed Smith’s belief.
“They made the city championship game last year and with all the kids they had returning, come playoff time they would’ve been the favorite,” the coach said.
Talent evaluator Tom Konchalski said Rice certainly would’ve been a contender to win a city and state championship. He feels the school’s closure has evened out the Catholic league, improving 15-3 Mount and 16-1 Hayes in particular. Hayes coach Joe Lods certainly attests to that.