Okoroh earns MVP honor in Cap Classic prelim
Courtesy Brandy Simms, Prince George's County Sentinel
Eleanor Roosevelt senior and Howard University signee Prince Okoroh shined in Sunday’s 38th annual Capital Classic High School All-Star Game before 1,600 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.
The 6-foot-5 swingman finished with 16 points and earned game MVP honors, helping to lead the Suburban All-Stars to a 104-97 win over the District All-Stars in the Capital Classic preliminary game.
“It’s a great honor just to come out with a lot of great kids who can really play who are all going to play high on the next level,” said Okoroh, “just to come out with the MVP (trophy) that’s just all you can ask for. I just thank God for the opportunity.”
Okoroh was one of three Howard University recruits competing for the Suburban All-Star team joining fellow Prince George’s County products Brandon Bailey of Largo and Brandon Ford of Gwynn Park.
“It’s going to be unbelievable next year,” said Okoroh. “We’re all from PG County, we all played together so we know that we’re going to make each other play to a high level so when we get out there next year it’s just going to be go time. We get to turn the program around.”
The Howard University men’s basketball program struggled last season under first-year head coach Kevin Nickelberry. The Bison finished the 2010-2011 campaign 6-24 overall including 4-12 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Bailey, who averaged 8 points and 8 rebounds per game at Largo this season, also received offers from Saint Peter’s and Saint Francis (Pa.) among others.
Ford averaged 18.4 points per game and helped lead Gwynn Park to a 17-9 record this season. He was also recruited by Loyola (Md.) and American University among other schools.
“We want to do something special at Howard,” said Ford. “That’s what we all want to do.”