ESPN

Georgia State head coach Ron Hunter announced the signing of Bridgton Academy (Maine) post-graduate forward Markus Crider on Monday.

Crider originally signed with Providence in 2011 as a senior at Wayne (Ohio) High, but opted to open his recruitment and spend a post-graduate year at Bridgton, where he averaged a double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds).

"I am very excited to be adding a player of Markus' talent to our team," Hunter said in a press release. "He will be a great addition to our wings. I am also excited that he is from my hometown of Dayton, which has produced many talented basketball players over the years."

Crider held an offer from Central Michigan and interest from George Mason and St. Bonaventure.

Millis/Hopedale head coach Dale Olmstead told ESPNBoston.com this afternoon that Boston College has extended a scholarship offer to sophomore two-way lineman Jon Baker, making that his third offer in the last month.

UMass was the first to offer the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder last month. UConn was the second to offer Baker, this past Tuesday.

At the Massachusetts State High School Football Coaches Association's annual combine last weekend at Gillette Stadium, Baker told ESPNBoston.com that he plans on participating in camps this summer at Virginia, Boston College, Wake Forest and possibly Michigan.

Lincoln-Sudbury junior forward Ashley Lutz has committed to Lafayette College for the 2013-14 season, her head coach Liza Feldman confirmed to ESPNBoston.com tonight.

The 6-foot-1 Lutz was an integral force this season for the Warriors, who advanced to the Division 1 North semifinals after a slow start to the season. A big part of the run was Lutz's play in the middle, leading the team in scoring (13 points) and rebounding (11). She also shot 83 percent from the free throw line, 45 percent from the field, and 35 percent from three-point range.

Lutz was named a Dual County League All-Star, and also to ESPN Boston's MIAA All-State Team, for her efforts this season. She has been named a captain for the 2012-13 season.

Roxbury Latin quarterback Mackay Lowrie verbally committed to Boston College for the fall of 2013, Rivals.com reports.

At this time, his only scholarship offer is from the Eagles. However, Rivals reports that Maryland, N.C. State, UConn and Virginia were also recruiting the 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect.

Boston College now has three verbals for 2013.

Former New Mission guard and Marianapolis (Conn.) post-graduate Kachi Nzerem has committed to the College of St. Rose for the 2012-13 season, according to New Mission head coach Cory McCarthy.

Nzerem, a Hyde Park resident, was fielding interest from several other Northeast-10 schools in addition to St. Rose, including Southern Connecticut State, New Haven and Franklin Pierce. He also fielded Division interest to varying levels at times in his high school career, including Maine, New Hampshire, Sacred Heart, Tulane and Florida International.

"I thought they were a good fit from day one when they called about him," McCarthy said. "They wanted him the most and he appreciated that. When it comes this time of year, you go where you're wanted most. He felt like they recruited him the hardest. They wanted him from the jump."

The 6-foot-5 Nzerem was an integral part of Mission's abrupt rise in the MIAA basketball landscape, helping the Titans win the Division 4 title in 2010 and then Division 2 in 2011. It was the first time in MIAA history that a team won back-to-back titles in different divisions.

Nzerem was also named to ESPN Boston's inaugural MIAA All-State Team in 2011, after averaging 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds. He is the third member of Mission's backcourt from 2010-11 to continue their career at a Northeast-10 school, joining Samir McDaniels (New Haven) and Darius Davis (Bentley).

Tilton (N.H.) junior guard Alex Cohen told ESPN HoopGurlz over the weekend that she has committed to Manhattan College.

A 5-foot-9 combo guard, Cohen finished her junior season last month with the Rams, helping guide them to the NEPSAC Class B prep school championship game. She also plays with the New Hampshire Rivals club during AAU season.

When she joins the Jaspers in the fall of 2013, she'll be playing with two Massachusetts natives from the Class of 2012 -- Ashland's Blake Underhill, and Wachusett's Bri Schnare, both of whom were named to ESPNBoston's MIAA All-State Team last month.

Brewster Academy post-graduate guard Joe Bramanti put an end to his recruitment on Friday with a pledge to Wright State, according to the Dayton Daily News.

The 6-foot-2 Bramanti chose the Raiders over The Citadel, Jacksonville, Wofford and Rider.

"I pretty much liked everything about Wright State," he told the paper. "The situation was perfect for me. It being far away from home was the only drawback I saw. Athletically, it's a great spot. The facilities are amazing. All the coaches I love, and all the players I love, so it was a perfect spot for me."

Playing along side six future Division I players, Bramanti helped Brewster to a 33-1 record and a National Prep Championship this past season. Following his senior season at Andover High in 2010-11, he was named to ESPN Boston's inaugural MIAA All-State Team.

Everett High offensive tackle John Montelus verbally committed to Notre Dame following its spring game on Saturday.

"Committed to to Notre Dame," Montelus wrote on his Twitter account.

The 6-foot-5, 293-pound 16-year-old chose the Fighting Irish over offers from Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Virginia, UConn, West Virginia, North Carolina, Boston College, Maryland, Rutgers, Syracuse and UMass.

Montelus, the nation's No. 21 overall offensive tackle prospect, had named Florida his leader after visiting Gainesville on Wednesday. He becomes the fifth offensive line commit and the 11th verbal commit overall for Notre Dame. He is the ninth four-star player to commit to the Irish.

Montelus first burst onto the scene last summer, when he racked up four offers from BCS-level schools before his 16th birthday. He followed up with a monster junior season, racking up ESPN Boston All-State honors as he paved the way to Dartmouth-bound quarterback Jonathan DiBiaso shattering the state's career touchdown pass record. He has started every game at left tackle the last two seasons; over that time, the Crimson Tide have gone 25-0 with two MIAA Eastern Mass Super Bowl titles.

ESPNU's latest evaluation of Montelus reads as follows:

Montelus uses his functional playing strength to dominate as a run and pass blocker. Has the size and athleticism for the offensive tackle position at the major level of competition. His frame appears capable of supporting additional body mass over time. Playing out of both a two and three point stance we see the flexibility, agility and balance needed to pick up movement and handle change of direction movement in a tight box. Displays dominant upper body playing strength with explosive, strong hands however we see the need to improve his immediate surge and pop when drive blocking defensive linemen; at times this prospect comes off a little too high but is able to gain and sustain an immediate advantage due to his base, persistent leg drive and superior athletic skills. Demonstrates the ability to pull/trap and locate defenders on the move; can play on his feet in space and is an explosive finisher when blocking linebackers. We see the initial quickness needed to gain leverage on offset defenders while consistently getting a hat on active 1st and 2nd level defenders; does a great job getting out in front screen passes off the edge. This guy is a tough customer who displays the nasty finishing attitude we look for when evaluating offensive linemen. His long arms, quick hands and nimble feet are assets in pass protection; sets quickly, demonstrating the ability to bend, slide and play with excellent balance to the deep set point; doesn't cross his feet and is able to recover and stay out of trouble in space. Puts his long arms to use with good punch and location; flashes the ability to work his hands back inside the frame after initial contact; demonstrates the ability to pick up movement and late stunts. With added bulk and improved playing strength Montelus could be ready to compete for starting time once his collegiate career begins.

Just moments ago, Tilton (N.H.) center and Everett native Nerlens Noel committed to the University of Kentucky, in a live special at ESPN's Charlotte studios.

Noel, a 6-foot-10 shot swatter and the nation's No. 1 overall player, chose the Wildcats over Georgetown and Syracuse.

He revealed his decision on national television in an unusual yet playful manner, turning around in his chair to reveal the school's logo shaved into the back of his head. He then lifted up a No. 5 away Kentucky jersey.

"I just thought it was the best fit for me personally," Noel said. "I talked to my mom and she liked it as well. She liked all three schools, but when it came down to it, she liked Kentucky, Coach Orlando [Antigua], Coach Cal [John Calipari]. I see what they did with Anthony Davis, she thought it was the best fit for me, and I did too."

Millis/Hopedale coach Dale Olmstead recalled Jon Baker's first varsity action a year and a half ago, starting at center as a freshman for the Mohawks, and reflected on a 250-pound kid throwing both hands in the air and letting out a howl as he got down in his stance.

A year and a half later, Olmstead sees a kid who shows up at UMass' junior day, and impresses enough to move on coach to utter, "Maybe we don't have to redshirt this kid."

Baker, a Class of 2014 offensive line prospect and Millis resident, still has two more years with the Mohawks, but he's already making waves. UMass head coach Charley Molnar became the first Division 1 FBS coach to extend a verbal scholarship offer this afternoon to the 6-foot-4, 300-pound sophomore.

The Minutemen first reached out to Olmstead two months ago for film. They invited Baker to their Junior Day last month at Gillette Stadium, and his combination of physique and athleticism immediately impressed. Baker wears his frame lean, demonstrates good footwork, and tests well for a 16-year-old -- reportedly, Baker runs a 5.1-second 40-yard dash, benches over 400 and squats over 500.

"He actually looks lighter right now than he did last year, but he's already 15 pounds heavier," Olmstead said.

Off the field, Baker carries a 4.0 grade point average, further speaking to a maturity beyond his years.

"He's just so motivated and so focused for such a young man," Olmstead said. "I've never seen anything like this in my 22 years. He gets it, and he got it from the first game.

"This kid has been playing every game like it's his last, and he just keeps better and better."

Boston College has also been showing interest in Baker, and had him on campus for their Junior Day last February. Both programs currently project him right now as either a center or guard, due to his IQ and mobility.

"He's one of those kids that I say, 'Jon, take a break, take a week off'," Olmstead said. "And he says, 'I don't see the point'. He always wants to become something better, and I think UMass saw that in him."

Tilton (N.H.) senior center Nerlens Noel, the nation's No. 1 overall player, checks in with his latest blog entry today on ESPNHS' boys basketball section, which you can read here.

Following last weekend's All-American Championship high school all-star game in New Orleans, Noel told reporters that he would make his decision for college on April 11, choosing between Kentucky, Syracuse and Georgetown. Bishop Gorman (Nev.) senior forward Shabazz Muhammad, the nation's No. 2 overall player, will also be making his decision at the same time.

Noel discusses the three finalists for his services, and bats down the rumors circulating that Kentucky is the favorite to land both him and Muhammad:

OK, so by now I assume most of you guys know that I cut my list to Kentucky, Georgetown and Syracuse a few weeks back. I just thought it was time to get it down to the schools that I was really looking at the hardest.

Kentucky had the big win Monday night and I had a good time watching that game. I was really liking how Anthony Davis continued to be effective even without scoring the ball. I know how it feels to not be able to get it going on the offensive end at times and that makes you just want to go even harder defensively. I loved that he got Most Outstanding Player, too.

Just seeing him have all the success that he’s had this year definitely makes me think a lot about what I could be doing there. That’s really appealing to me.

His IQ on the court is crazy. I talked to him a lot while I was down there and he told me all about how much better he’d gotten since he got there. He told me that I’d have to be ready when I got there because it was going to be a lot of hard work.

I’d definitely say it makes me think about Kentucky more, and with them winning with all of those freshmen was very attractive. Just seeing that it doesn’t matter how young you are, you can win a national title.

I talked to (Kentucky assistant) coach Orlando (Antigua) after they won and he was really happy, of course. He said that all he could think about was me being a part of something like that next season.

I wouldn’t say that all of that stuff gives Kentucky an advantage though. It’s just something I think about a lot.

With Syracuse, they’ve been on me the longest of the three schools on my list. That factors in heavy with me. That’s big for me. With Georgetown, I would've been crazy not to really give them a look with all the history they’ve had with big men and the development that I could get there.

This is going to be a hard decision y’all.

I’ve decided to announce my decision a week from today on ESPN so I’ve got a lot of thinking to do between now and then. And I’ve heard the rumors about me making a decision already. That’s not true. Rumors are rumors, what can you do, but just know that I'm far from a decision no matter what you hear.

Like I always say, don’t believe things you don’t read from me right here in my blog. I definitely haven’t made up my mind yet.

Me and Shabazz Muhammad are deciding at the same time on ESPN so that should be pretty cool. It’s definitely just a coincidence because me and Shabazz have never even talked about schools or anything like that.

I would love to play with him in college though, but we’ve never talked about that and he’s got to do what’s best for him like I’ve got to do what’s best for me.

I will say that one of the biggest factors in my decision will be who will be there on the team when I get there because my No. 1 goal is to win a national title.

ESPN's Dave Telep checks in today with Tilton (N.H.) senior center Nerlens Noel, who recently eliminated North Carolina from his list of suitors and is down to Georgetown, Syracuse and Kentucky.

The entry can be found here on ESPN's Basketball Recruiting Blog. Here is an excerpt:

“I cut it a little bit today,” Noel said Sunday night. “I took North Carolina off. I didn’t want to delay the process.”

A potential March 19 visit to UNC isn’t happening. While Georgetown, Syracuse and Kentucky –- Noel’s final three –- have been with him a long time, the Tar Heels tried to make a run at him following his reclassification. Turns out it was too late. Connecticut was also trimmed from the final list.

“I think I’m getting close,” Noel said. “I think after my mom talks to coaches and Kentucky does an in-home visit. Then Syracuse is on Wednesday and my mom already met with Georgetown when she went with me on my visit.”

Each of the three remaining schools has a different angle with which to approach the shot-swatter. The Wildcats, well, they could be four games away from replacing probably No. 1 NBA Draft pick Anthony Davis.

“I don’t like to think like I’m replacing somebody,” Noel said. “I want to go in there and play my own game. I don’t want to replace him and I know we’re similar but I want to go in there and do my own thing.

“Kentucky, when I was there they showed me how good of a job they do with their players and that maybe in 1-2 years in college I could be a professional.”

Then there’s Syracuse. Noel’s always been fond of the Orange. “Syracuse has a great tradition. Whenever I go there it’s a family thing and I like (Jim) Boeheim and (Mike) Hopkins a lot. Playing with Mike Carter-Williams again would be real good. They do a great job of explaining the place.”

The Hoyas' past is not easily lost on Noel. Some of the game's great shot-blockers roamed the lane under the watchful eye of two generations of Thompsons. From Patrick Ewing all the way through Roy Hibbert, the Hoyas have always loved having an anchor in the middle.

“Georgetown really showed me what they’re about. I watched video about how they utilized their big men and I can pass the ball and get assists in that system.”

The University of Massachusetts football program has never landed a recruit like quarterback Todd Stafford before.

When Stafford told UMass coach Charley Molnar that he wanted to be a Minuteman last Thursday he became the first player to commit to UMass during his junior season in high school.

“I really liked the coaching staff and the more I researched UMass the more I liked it,” Stafford said. “My dad grew up in Massachusetts [Somerset] and he likes it there. I really felt like it was a perfect fit for me.”

Stafford, who plays for the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn., received a scholarship offer from UMass after he attended a UMass junior day in February. He also received early interest from Boston College, Duke and Miami, but UMass was his only offer.

Stafford is a pro-style quarterback with good size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds), but suffered season-ending knee injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons. He missed almost all of the 2011 season after being injured during the second quarter of Brunswick's opener against Taft.

“I was planting and got my foot stuck in the turf, then I got hit,” Stafford explained. “The rehab went well. The doctor told me my knees right now are as strong as they've ever been.

“I'm more of a drop-back quarterback. I prefer to throw it more than run it. Their style of offense fits me pretty well.”

Stafford said he first heard from UMass about two months after his junior season. The UMass coaches were watching film of Brunswick wide receiver Donqutae Robinson and saw something from Stafford's sophomore season that they liked.

“I had some solid film from my sophomore year,” Stafford said. “They told me they liked what they saw. They were debating about offering me because of the injuries, but they made the offer at the first junior day. I've been thinking about UMass since then.”

UMass is transitioning from the FCS level (Colonial Athletic Association) to the FBS (Mid-American Conference). The Minutemen will begin play in the MAC this year.

Stafford, who also plays lacrosse for Brunswick, said he would have committed to UMass even if the program wasn't moving to the MAC.

“If they had remained at the I-AA level (FCS) the appeal would have still been there,” he said. “It just seemed like the right place for me.

“I'm glad I made the decision early. Now I don't have to go to all of those one-day camps. I can focus on my team.”

Shortly after University of Massachusetts football coach Charley Molnar secured his first recruiting class in February, he talked about how he wanted New England players to form the foundation of his program. Apparently that was more than just talk.

UMass has clearly made New England –- and Massachusetts in particular –- the focus of much of its recruiting efforts.

BC High offensive lineman Jack McDonald, Everett offensive lineman John Montelus, Xaverian defensive lineman Maurice Hurst Jr., Tabor Academy defensive lineman Tevin Montgomery, BB&N tight end Brendan O'Neil and Catholic Memorial defensive end Peter Ngobidi have each received a scholarship offer from UMass, which held two junior days last month.

In addition, Todd Stafford, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound quarterback from the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Conn., committed to UMass on Thursday. He became UMass' first commitment from the class of 2013.

“I went to the first junior day and [Molnar] said with the move to the MAC they want to start with the local kids,” McDonald said. “He talked about how good the talent is around here, and they want to bring in as many local kids as they can.”

UMass has been competing at the FCS level in the Colonial Athletic Association, but will move up to the FBS level when it begins play in the MAC next season. The Minutemen won't play on campus, but will use Gillette Stadium as their home field.

“It's a little bit of a drive from the campus, but I got to play at Gillette in last year's Super Bowl and it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” McDonald said. “They'll have their own locker room there. I think the positives will outweigh the negatives.”

McDonald also has offers from Boston College and Maryland, and has received significant interest from Duke and Temple.

“Right now I'm considering everything,” he said.

Montelus and Hurst each have at least 10 Division 1 scholarship offers. Hurst received his offer from UMass while at one of the junior days last month.

“I'll definitely consider UMass,” Hurst said. “I really like the coaching staff and a lot of Mass. kids seem to be going there.”

There were six players from New England in Molnar's first recruiting class: wide receiver Khary Bailey Smith (Weymouth), tight end Nevin Cyr (Pelham, N.H.), quarterback A.J. Doyle (Lakeville), linebacker Vondell Langston (Everett), linebacker John Robinson (Springfield) and linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox (Middletown, Conn.).

Wide receiver Derek Beck, a New Jersey native who played at Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton, Maine, signed with UMass as well.

Jake Kennedy, who is perhaps the best offensive lineman from New Hampshire in the Class of 2013, also has a UMass offer. Kennedy plays for Souhegan High School in Amherst.

Kennedy received his offer from UMass defensive line coach Dave Sollazzo earlier this week. He's also receiving interest from Boston College, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Brown and Harvard.

Kennedy said UMass is a school he'll strongly consider.

“Most definitely,” he said. “I could see myself there.”

ESPNHS Lacrosse Editor Mike Loveday is reporting that Needham senior midfielder Tory Waldstein has verbally committed to Harvard University for the 2012-13 season.

Waldstein was named to the ESPNHS Top 25 defensive midfielders list this past fall. The senior standout was also named to the ESPNHS 100. The Needham captain tallied 46 assists and 35 goals for the Rockets last season, and was named to ESPN Boston's inaugural MIAA All-State Team.

Harvard is a Division I program located in Cambridge, Mass. The Crimson went 10-6 and went 5-2 in the Ivy League under head coach Lisa Miller.