Two Spartans Headed For SCSU Basketball Team

Maloney senior Ryan Belote and 2008 graduate Rashamell Vereen will both join Southern Connecticut State University's Division II basketball team – two of eight new players the squad has announced it will take on in 2011-2012 – according to a statement released today from the New Haven college.

Belote is a three-year captain for the Spartan basketball team and also the football team's quarterback. He has been named to All-State, All-Area and All-Conference teams. The 5-foot-10 guard will enter the school next fall as a freshman and will join the SCSU squad in 2011.

Vereen is a transfer from Post University in Waterbury, who will sit out the 2011-2012 season because of NCAA transfer rules. He is expected to play in 2012-2013, with one season of eligibility remaining. Vereen led Maloney to the state championship in 2008, and was named MVP of that game. According to the statement, he averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 rebounds at Post in 2009-2010, under current SCSU head coach Michael Donnelly, who left Post in 2010.

“Our coaching staff is very excited about this year's recruiting class,” Donnelly said. “We feel that we have added quality student-athletes who will not only achieve athletically, but also in the classroom as well.”

Both Belote and Vereen have been designated scholar-athletes for their achievements in the classroom as well. Belote is currently ranked 29th in his graduating class with a 3.85 GPA.