Alex Rice, the 6-foot-2 Class of 2019 shooting guard and son of Monmouth coach King Rice, will transfer to Mater Dei next year following the closing of St. Anthony’s.
“I really get along with the coaching staff,” Alex Rice said.
Rice averaged 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists last season under Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley at St. Anthony’s. He will join six returners at Mater Dei, which went 25-4 last season, winning back-to-back Shore Conference championships.
“I am excited that Alexander Rice will attend Mater Dei Prep,” Mater Dei head coach Ben Gamble, Hurley’s longtime former lieutenant at St. Anthony’s, told ZAGSBLOG.
“The resurgence of the program and adding a very good young player with a high IQ will make us a state contender. Alexander will join a returning backcourt of Kenny Jones, Kyle Cardeci and Yasin Prelaw. It’s a great problem to have. He also arrives as an Honor Student.”
Alex Rice is the third high-profile member of St. Anthony’s to pick a school after Hurley announced the school’s closing in April.
Ithiel Horton, a 6-2 guard, will play at Roselle Catholic next fall, while 6-9 big man Savior Akuwovo will join forces with Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis at Ranney School.
Rice’s move makes the New Jersey Non-Public B South bracket even more loaded.
“Non-Public South B is so difficult,” Gamble said. “Roselle Catholic, Gill St. Bernard, The Patrick School, Ranney, Trenton Catholic, St. Mary’s-Elizabeth are all tremendous programs. However, Rice gives us a chance to compete with all the above.”
Led by six Division 1 signees, including Nick Richards of Kentucky and Jordan Walker of Seton Hall, The Patrick School won the school’s sixth Tournament of Champions title in March.
Photo: NJSports.com
