17/07/10

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk —- Ryan Plaice (Kings Lynn, Norfolk) and Jean Hubert (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire) sign with Madison College (Madison, Wisconsin USA) and Leeds Met University respectively to continue their educational and basketball playing careers.

 Ryan Plaice:

Ryan is not only the first County Upper School basketball academy player to sign with an American programme this year, but also the first Academy player to sign with a Div 3 Junior College, and the fourth overall County Upper student-athlete to sign with an American University.

Madison College is coached by Scot Vesterdahl. Coach Vesterdahl started coaching the Madison College Men’s Basketball programme during the 2004-05 season. This past season, he directed the WolfPack to an overall record of 21 wins and 8 losses, including 14 wins and 2 losses in their conference, as Madison College won the WTCC conference title and claimed its second consecutive state title.

Ryan said: “Playing basketball at the highest level I could, wherever it may be has always been a passion of mine. Two years ago I turned down the opportunity to attend County Upper Basketball Academy. Through that year I was persuaded by one of the players attending the academy how good it was and the opportunities it could possibly give me. Since attending County Upper School Basketball Academy, coach Johnson’s experience and strict programme has helped push and develop me into a better player and person. Coach has also gifted me with an opportunity to attend a college to play basketball in the USA. I am very thankful for everyone that has supported and helped push me to gain this chance to pursue my dream”.

“This is great news for County Upper School, Kings Lynn Fury and Ryan” said Coach Johnson, Director of County Upper Basketball Academy. “Ryan joined us this year with the main ain of attaining a place on a College basketball programme in America. This whole season he has worked 100% during all practices and games, he has really proved to me that he wants this opportunity. I am glad I have been able to help Ryan develop as a student-athlete but also help him achieve his dream. However the easy part was getting him ready and opening the door of opportunity, the hard part is just beginning as he needs to prove him self to the coaches and the players at Madison College. He is joining a programme that know how to win and have a great reputation, he will need to rise up and meet this challenge head on if he is to become successful with the Madison College Wolf Pack”.

Jean-Herbert Kanyamibwa:

Jean becomes the first County Upper student-athlete this season to join a UK university and the third County Upper student-athlete overall to do this.

Leeds Met/Leeds Carnegie is coached by Matt Newby who is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Carnegie programme. Last season Coach Newby guided Leeds Carnegie’s first team to a joint second place finish in the EBL Men’s Div 1 conference with 16 wins and 6 losses.

Jean said “Basketball has always been a sport close to my heart since a young age so after completing my A-levels and International Baccalaureate at Impington Village College I decided in my gap year to take my basketball to another level while also receiving further education. With the help of Coach Johnson and the Sixth Form it allowed many doors to open for the following year to go to university abroad and in the UK. These opportunities were accomplished from hard work on and off the court and importantly the assistance of Coach Johnson and the school were very significant. I would highly recommend County Upper Basketball Academy for those players looking for the next step, I will truly miss County and will like to thank everyone and wish the best for those joining the academy next year”.

“This is great news for County Upper School, Cambridge Cats and Jean-Herbert” said coach Johnson, Director of County Upper Basketball Academy. “He now has a great opportunity to continue his basketball and educational career at the next level. The Leeds Carnegie programme is a very good programme and I am sure Jean will really improve as a basketball player by being apart of this programme. It has been great having Jean apart of our programme and we wish him all the best for next season.