Battler recruit A.J. Robinson receives another honor

Alderson Broaddus men's basketball signee A.J. Robinson has added another honor to his long list of accomplishments for his high school career. The website DMVelite has named Robinson to the DMVelite All-Northern Virginia 2nd-Team for the 2015-16 season. Players are selected to the team based on their accomplishments on the hardwood floor. Players from public and private high schools in Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon and Prince George's counties make up this squad. Battler Beat congratulates A.J. on yet another award.

Below is the link to DMVElite's story on this all-star squad:

2016 DMVElite All-Northern VA All-Star Team

Battlers Put Offer Out to Class of 2017 Product Riley Heatherington

The Alderson Broaddus basketball coaching staff has been busy in the recruiting process in landing players for next school year. But in the process, the staff has also been thinking ahead in landing prospects for the future. Battler Beat was informed that the ABU men's basketball staff had offered to class of 2017 product Riley Heatherington of Ravenswood High School in Ravenswood, WV. Riley confirmed this information by posting on twitter that this was his first basketball scholarship offer. (see link to tweet below)


Heatherington is a 6'6" junior who is primarily looked at as a wing player. He averaged 18.1 points
per game this past season for the Red Devils and helped Ravenswood advance to the 2016 West Virginia Boys AA State Tournament. He is a player built with great length who likes to play on the perimeter. Video shows a tremendous shot from the outside with the ability to penetrate to the basket from the wing position. Riley is very good at passing the ball off the dribble or off of motion sets. He is very thin and would need to add some strength and weight to contribute more at the next level.

Heatherington is likely to fill the void that will be left by senior Dorrell Foster who will be graduating after next season. Foster has a similar build and game as that of Heatherington.

Riley Heatherington's Tweet on Offer

Sharpshooter A.J. Robinson Aims for High Targets On and Off the Court

When it was announced last week that Middleburg Academy guard A.J. Robinson would be bringing his game to Alderson Broaddus University, it became evident that the Battlers had found a guard with incredible shooting ability. It only takes one look at his statistics and honors to come to this summary. This past season Robinson averaged 18.1 points per game with a lot of those points coming from the 127 three-pointers that he made throughout the course of the season. As a four-year starter on the basketball team, Robinson racked up the accolades throughout his high school career. This past season he was named to the 2nd-team Division II VISSA all-state basketball team. During his junior season, he was named to the 1st-team Division III VISSA all-state basketball team while leading his team to the VISSA state title. Other honors have followed including 1st-team All-Capital Beltway team and the prestigious Washington Post All-Met (DC/MD/Northern VA) honorable mention team.

While the basketball accomplishments show tremendous ability on the basketball hardwood floor, there is another side that A.J. will bring to the Philippi campus in August. Robinson has been taught his whole life to be a person with more than basketball talents. His track record off-the-court displays his aptitude beyond the basketball setting. He has served as a student ambassador at Middleburg Academy. This designation calls for A.J. to represent the entire student body at fairs, open houses and  at the school when families come to visit the academy. This job has little or nothing to do with basketball. It has to do with Robinson's overall talents in the game of life. As student ambassador, he informs prospective students and parents about the school, its' academics and what all the school has to offer. He has also served on the Green Club. This involved A.J. working with a group of students who bring environmental awareness to the student body. He has performed such duties as road clean ups, helping stray animals be adopted and build sufficient recycling schedule that involves the entire school. Robinson was also named as a peer leader at Middleburg Academy where the goal is to bring students in the school closer together and helping struggling students or students in need in order to achieve at their highest level. One could summarize that Robinson's overall life is as well-rounded as the basketball that he shoots so well.

With this type of overall talents in the game of life comes someone who along the way has offered
guidance and leadership to A.J. He is quick to give much credit to his father for being such an influence for his life. "My father has by far been the biggest influence in my life," stated Robinson. "He's taught me everything I know on and off the court. He taught me how hard I have to work to be successful in life to the way I should treat people."

His talents have led A.J. to many awards, honors and recognition during his high school career. But one of his biggest thrills from his high school career came when Robinson helped lead Middleburg Academy to the 2015 VISSA Division III boys state basketball title. "Winning the VISSA State Championship as a junior was a great experience for me," Robinson said. "Being able to play on that stage and pull out the victory in such a tight game against Christ Chapel in a game that came down to the wire felt incredible. It was definitely a game and season that I will remember forever." This type of accomplishment further leads Battler fans to believe that not only is A.J. a talented player and student, but also a player that can continue to lead Alderson Broaddus basketball to its' winning ways.

Robinson had success outside of the high school regular season. He has been able to gain exposure but also further develop his overall basketball game by playing in off-season basketball camps and AAU events. He was noted as a top day one performer at the notable Pitt Jam Fest for select AAU squads. A.J. was highlighted by the Pitt Jam Fest website for his first day performance where he shot 7 of 10 from beyond the arc. He talked some about that event: "We played teams from all over the country. We played teams from North Carolina, New York, Indiana and even a team from Canada. I had a pretty strong performance that weekend and shot real well  that first game."

A.J. was also named last summer to the Old Dominion University's Elite Camp Top Ten Performer List for his quality play. He told Battler Beat how that experience helped further develop his overall game: "I was able to see all the top talent from the DMV and Tidewater area in one gym," stated Robinson. "Playing with and competing against all of them was a real eye-opener. It helped to really gauge where my game was. I was able to really assess my strengths and weaknesses."

Robinson told Battler Beat that he first got attention from Alderson Broaddus due to a contact that he had with one of the opposing high school coaches that he faced during his high school career. A.J. stated that he happened to be sharing emails with Riverdale Baptist head boys basketball coach Lou Williams. Robinson told Williams that he still hadn't decided on a college. It was a short time after that when Robinson received a text from Alderson Broaddus assistant men's basketball coach Duncan Williams. A.J. talked about what went down after that: "A few days later after I emailed Coach Lou Williams, Alderson Broaddus Assistant Coach Duncan Williams texted me and asked me to come down for a workout/visit. I went down for the visit a few days later. I played pick up for a few hours against the AB players and Coach Zimmerman offered me afterwards."

A.J. Robinson says he and the coaching staff at ABU project him as a two-guard with some ability to run the point if needed. This would fill a big gap for next year's Battler squad. Robinson noted the following about his ability to play the two-guard at the college level: "I would say my biggest strength is my ability to knock down three point shots. However, I also can see the floor well and am a pretty exceptional passer." This strength would be a big asset that ABU lacked last season after a Division I transfer two-guard failed to show up for school and then the dismissal of two-guard Devin Colston from the team prior to the start of the season. These openings on the squad give Robinson an early chance in his career to play minutes for the Battlers. But he also realizes that he brings a pretty good intangible when it comes to playing for a demanding coach like Greg Zimmerman. "I also think of myself as having a high basketball IQ," claimed Robinson. This is a must to fit in and gain playing time as a freshman for ABU.

Robinson was quick to point out that in order to be able to play significant minutes coming out of high school does require some adaptability to the college game and that some aspects of his basketball game would need to be further developed.  A.J. told Battler Beat that he wanted to focus a lot more on his on-the-ball defense. He felt that was an area that he would have to continue to improve in order to help the Battlers. He also noted that he needed to get physically stronger to adapt to the college game. He told Battler Beat that he was committed to making these improvements to his game.

A.J.ended his interview by talking about what led him to Alderson Broaddus and what his academic plans were during his time in Philippi. "I want to study communications. I think I would really like being a sports reporter and broadcaster," stated Robinson. He felt that the ABU campus had the environment where he could succeed on the academic side. "AB feels like the kind of place I can thrive," said Robinson. "There is a very insulated environment and I really enjoyed my time on campus. Coach Zimmerman and Coach Williams seem like great coaches, and I was looking for a place where we could win and I could play right away." Based on his overall talent and accomplishments, A.J. Robinson will be aiming his goals at a high level on and off the hardwood.

ABU gets commitment from point guard Kevin Simmons

Battler Beat learned Saturday afternoon that the Alderson Broaddus men's basketball team got a commitment from Brunswick High School (OH) senior point guard Kevin Simmons. Rumor broke Saturday afternoon that Simmons had given a commitment to the Battlers. We got confirmation from Simmons later that afternoon via twitter when he gave his intentions to sign with the Battlers. He fills a much needed void with the departure of four-year starting point guard Malcolm Tatum. Simmons was recruited hard by the Battler basketball coaching staff.

Simmons averaged 15.2 points per game this past season for Brunswick High School. But his stat sheet goes well beyond his scoring average. Throughout the season, Simmons was able to fill the stat sheet with big numbers in the categories of steals, assists and rebounds. He helped Brunswick to a 21-5 record and a number one seed in the Ohio Division I Copley District. They would win the District Title in the post-season playoff. It was Brunswick's first district title since 1999.  Brunswick would eventually end its' season at the Akron/Toledo Regional semi-final against Ohio power Canton McKinley. That game was played at the University of Akron (see pic at the right) and saw Simmons pour in 23 points in a losing effort.

Simmons was coached at Brunswick by head coach Joe Mackey. Battler Beat has reached out to Simmons for an interview and will have that in the coming weeks. Simmons' video below shows a player that is very similar in build and stature to former AB point guard All-American Terrell Eargle. His game is also very similar to that of Eargle. Simmons has the ability to be a lock-down defender. He is explosive around the rim. He also has a good outside shooting game. He has very good court vision in the half-court set.

Simmons elevates against Canton McKinley

Simmons' Junior Year Highlights

Simmons' Career Highlights

A.J. Robinson commits to Alderson Broaddus

Battler Beat has gotten confirmation that Middleburg Academy senior guard A.J. Robinson has
committed to the Battlers. Battler Beat did a story yesterday on Robinson's recruitment to Alderson Broaddus. The first day for signing letters of intent is this Wednesday, April 13th. Battler Beat will have an interview and story on A.J. Robinson in the coming weeks.

Battlers offer JUCO guard Aaron McDonald

Battler Beat got confirmation from Harford CC head men's basketball coach Mike Smelkinson that Harford Community College basketball player Aaron McDonald has received a scholarship offer to play basketball at Alderson Broaddus University. McDonald was a 6'3" freshman guard this past season for the Fighting Owls. He was the leading scorer for Harford this past season which finished the season with a record of 21-12 and advanced to their first ever NJCAA tournament in Hutchinson, KS.

McDonald's stats do appear to be a bit deceptive at first glance. He averaged 12 points per game this past season for the Owls. That number is lowered by the fact that McDonald did not score in double-figures until the eighth game of the season. It was at that point that the freshman began to turn up the production. He had six games from that point where McDonald scored 20 or more points in a game. In fact, McDonald scored in double-figures in every single one of Harford's last 12 games. Against traditional JUCO power Cecil CC, he would score 28 points on 12 of 19 shooting from the field including four of seven from beyond the arc. He also tallied four steals and eight rebounds in that game.

It was during the near of season NJCAA Division I Region XX Tournament that Aaron McDonald showed what he had developed in his game. Harford's game against Baltimore City CC saw McDonald pour in 25 points on 8 of 18 shooting from the field including four of eight from beyond the arc. He would follow that up with a 24-point performance in Harford's championship rout over Allegany CC which saw McDonald go 10 of 19 from the floor including four of nine behind the three-point line. For his efforts, Aaron McDonald was named the Region XX Tournament Most Valuable Player.

McDonald is a native of Fulton, Maryland. He graduated from Reservoir High School. Battler Beat projects that McDonald would play on the wing in Alderson-Broaddus' double-wing sets. He would likely be an ideal replacement for graduating small forward Thylas Perkins. His video below demonstrates an extremely quick catch-and-release shot for McDonald. The video shows his ability to also take the ball off the dribble and create his own shot from the wing. According to Harford CC head men's basketball coach Mike Smelkinson, Alderson Broaddus is the first to give a full-ride offer to McDonald. If he were to sign on with the Battlers, he would be joining former Harford player Exzavier Cooper on the squad. Cooper redshirted this past season at Alderson Broaddus. Battler Beat will keep fans updated on any further developments with Aaron McDonald.

Video Package of AB prospect Aaron McDonald

Alderson Broaddus offers Virginia High School Guard

Battler Beat has learned that the Alderson Broaddus men's basketball team has offered to Middleburg Academy guard A.J. Robinson. He is listed as a 6'2" combo guard on many recruiting service sites. Robinson averaged 18.1 points per game this past season for Middleburg Academy which is located in Middleburg, Virginia. He is known as a shooter with range beyond the arc. He hit an uncanny 127 three-point goals this past season for Middleburg.

A.J. Robinson was recognized at the Old Dominion University Elite Camp as a Top 10 Performer for his efforts. He was also named as a Day 1 Top Performer at the Pitt Jam Fest while playing for his AAU squad Hoop Hill. The Hoop Group website had this to say about Robinson: "We saw a lot of guys make shots yesterday. None of them were as consistent as AJ was however. The point guard shot an incredible 7 of 10 from three-point land in Hoop Hill's loss to Wayne PAL. Robinson did all he could in the losing effort and it was enough to get him a top performer nod."



Robinson was named this past season to the 2nd-team Division II VISSA all-state team. For the
2014-15 season, he was named a 1st-team Division III VISSA all-state team. According to Verbal Commits, Robinson also holds a basketball offer from Division I school Longwood University. Battler Beat will keep fans updated if Robinson were to sign on with the Battlers. Judging by his ability to hit shots from beyond the arc, Battler Beat would tend to project Robinson as a two-guard for the Battlers. This is one of the positions of need for next season for the Battlers as they have several spots open on the wing.

Possible North-Central WV Prospects for the Battlers

The 2015-16 boy's basketball season would no doubt be termed successful for north-central West Virginia area high school basketball programs. The WV AA and AAA field was loaded with quality teams with Division I, II and III talent. North central area high school teams had many a player and teams on that list. Battler Beat decided to take a look at a few of the players that the Battlers may have been keeping their eye on throughout the season. We will keep the site updated throughout the spring and summer to let fans and readers know if any of the prospects previewed below sign with the Battlers.

Luke Dyer is one player that has caught the eye of several of the D2 coaches in the state of West Virginia. Dyer was known as a 'staff-sheet stuffer' for the Eagles. The senior point guard statistics this past season were amazing. Dyer averaged 17.8 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, 4.5 assists per game and 3.3 steals per game. These numbers are impressive for any player but are more impressive considering Dyer was the focal point of many opposing team's defensive strategy. Dyer was the only returning starter this past season for RC Byrd HS. Despite his team's inexperience, he led the Eagles to the quarterfinal round of the WV AA state tournament. Dyer is known as a player that makes his teammates better by his overall skill set and basketball IQ. He would be considered a good prospect because of his versatility on the floor. Many project him as a 2-guard at the college level but still with the ability to
fill in at the point guard position if needed. His shooting ability lends well at the two spot along with his ability to dribble off the wing and penetrate to the basket where he has an uncanny ability to pass or shoot. Dyer was named to the WV AA 1st-team all state basketball squad for this past season's
accomplishments.

Another nearby prospect that the Battlers could be taking a look is Zach Musgrove. He is a senior that attended Grafton High School which is eight miles north of the Alderson Broaddus campus. He is another versatile player that stands 6'4" and can play a couple of different positions on the floor. He averaged 20.2 points per game this past season for the Bearcats to go with 7 rpg and 3.2 apg. He is a good shooter from the three-point range but can also finish on the break. Musgrove would not be the first Grafton product to land at ABU. During the early '90s, the Battlers had both Al Smith and Terry Cole on the men's basketball team as products of Grafton High School. Cole would later be inducted to the Battler Hall of Fame. Musgrove was named to the WV AA 2nd-team all state basketball squad this past season.

Ben Riley is another versatile prospect who could possibly play the three or four at the Division II level. At 6'5" tall, Riley was able to both post players up as well as take players off the dribble from 10-12 feet from the basket. He averaged 19.1 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game this past season for the Lewis County High School. He led the Minutemen to the WV AAA Regional
championship game where they lost to Musselman HS. Riley was selected to the WV AAA 2nd-team all state basketball slate for his efforts.



The last prospect that we will feature may be the most intriguing. RC Byrd senior Dante Speas was a late-bloomer as a high school basketball player. He was a valuable reserve for the Eagles during the 2014-15 season. But this past season, Speas became a starter and as the season progress he became on of the top productive players in the state of West Virginia. For the season, Speas averaged 14 ppg and hit 39 treys. He was also known as a relentless defender on the perimeter. He had several productive games during the second half of this past season when the Eagles took on some of the best teams in the state.