Savior Akuwovo, the 6-foot-9 Class of 2018 shot-blocking big man, will transfer to the Ranney School next year following the closing of St. Anthony’s, sources told ZAGSBLOG.
Akuwovo will join forces with the Class of 2019 duo of Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine at Ranney.
Last season, Akuwovo averaged seven rebounds, six points, and two blocked shots per game for the Friars.
“(Akuwovo) brings a winning, selfless attitude to Ranney,” said his guardian, former St. Anthony’s and Seton Hall star Terry Dehere.
“It’s a great addition,” Ranney coach and former Maryland player Tahj Holden said. “He complements the skill sets and the players that we have coming back from last year’s team. He’s also a great fit from an academic and personality standpoint. It’ll be exciting to see how quickly we can come together as a team next year.”
Following the closing of St. Anthony’s historic program, Akuwovo is the latest prospect to transfer from the Jersey City school. Class of 2018 guard Ithiel Horton announced he will play at Roselle Catholic next fall.
As to Akuwovo’s decision to transfer to the rising power that is the Ranney School, the big man noted the school’s prowess for being academically challenging, along with their high exposure basketball schedule that could result in serious contention for the coveted Tournament of Champions title. Along with the basketball benefits, Akuwovo said Ranney has in place a “great group of kids like myself” in reference to his selfless nature.
Meantime, 2019 guard Alex Rice is still visiting schools and weighing his options. The son of Monmouth head coach King Rice, he averaged 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists at St. Anthony’s.
