Mission Statement

To provide endless opportunities for our student-athletes with college and career readiness, mentoring, and social emotional support.

College and Career Readiness Development

• Individual student-athlete development plans distributed to players and parents.

• College tours & Basketball Camps

• College placement meetings.

• College application support

• NCAA Eligibility Screening

Program Director of Mentoring & Social Emotional Support: James Reaves

Coach is Reaves was born and raised in Rochester, New York and attended Edison Technical High School. James was a two sports athlete with scholarship offers in both basketball and football. After two Section V Championships in basketball and graduating from Edison Reaves accepted a full athletic scholarship to Division I Niagara University. In his first year as a starter at Niagara Reaves earned All- Freshman Metro Athletic Association Conference Honors averaging 10 points and 9 rebounds. Reaves would continue to have success throughout his career at Niagara finishing with over 1000 points and 1000 rebounds under coach Joe Mahalic Sr. After graduating from Niagara University Reaves would played professionally in Finland, Germany, Venezuela, and Mexico. Reaves also played in the USA minor leagues such as the ABA, USBL and the PBL. His most notable minor league stint was with with the Rochester Razorsharks winning 3 Championship and earning all league honors. Reaves has been elected to the Rochester Section V Hall of Fame is and currently a school principal.

Director of College & Career Readiness : Dr. Gabriel Marshall

Gabriel was born and raised in Rochester, New York and attended West Irondequoit High School. Gabriel played basketball at Irondequoit earning All-Greater Rochester, Super 15 honors as a senior before graduating and accepting a basketball scholarship to Mercer County Community College in Trenton, New Jersey. In two years at Mercer, Gabriel earned first team All-State and first team All-League honors as a sophomore before accepting a basketball scholarship and transferring to Division II, Daemen College in Buffalo, New York. During his two years at Daemen, Gabriel led his team to the elite eight of the national tournament, earning All-League honors. In 4 years, Gabriel finished his career with over 1,800 points, 800 rebounds, 450 assists, and 150 blocks. In 2014 Gabriel was inducted Daemen College Hall of Fame.

After graduating from Daemen, Gabriel focused on advancing his education and developing the next generation of basketball talent in Rochester. He served as a Men’s Assistant Basketball Coach for 8 seasons at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Nazareth College as well as the Assistant Director of Next Level Hoops for 15 years. Professionally, Dr. Marshall has been employed at the college level as a Senior Counselor, Professor, Director, and an Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention helping students and families better understand college processes and how to navigate the higher education landscape to achieve their goals related to college and career success.

NCAA Recruiting Calendar

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/compliance/recruiting/calendar/2021-22/2021-22D1Rec_MBBRecruitingCalendar.pdf

Scholarships

The Lionel Gaylord Memorial Scholarship

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Lionel’s love and passion for the game of basketball ran deep. He was a valuable member of the Benjamin Franklin Quakers boys basketball team from 1998-2000 and played a significant role in the success of the teams during those years. The Lionel Gaylord Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an individual that diligently prepares for competition and is a great teammate.

The Wayne Kittelberger Jr. Athletic Scholarship

Wayne Kittelberger Jr. was one of Rochester’s finest basketball talents. As the floor general for the Franklin Quakers from 1996-2000, Wayne led with a contagious tenacity that instilled fear in opposing defenses. He was a 3-time All-City selection and 2-time All Greater Rochester Super 15 selection while being recruited by several Division I colleges. Unfortunately, Wayne passed away on October 22, 2014 at age 33 after a courageous fight against leukemia. The Wayne Kittelberger Jr. Athletic Scholarship is awarded annually to an individual with athletic potential to excel at the highest level and serve as a leader to their teammates.

The Gail Evans Legend Scholarship

A Rochester native that excelled athletically and academically, Gail was a standout student athlete at Benjamin Franklin high school. Gail remained local for college, attending Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and Nazareth College, as a student in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), expanding her interests of technology and refining her knowledge to make an impact in the world. A 1986 graduate of Nazareth College, Gail has led technology teams at several fortune 20 companies including Bank of America, Eastman Kodak, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft. Gail currently serves as the Global Chief Information Officer at Mercer, a consulting firm focused on talent, health, retirement and investments. At Mercer, Gail is leading the company’s technology strategy, transformation and innovation. The Gail Evans Legend Scholarship is awarded annually to an individual with the desire and drive to excel athletically and professionally, seeking opportunities to achieve their personal and career goals.

The Louise Evans Legacy Scholarship

The Louise Evans Legacy Scholarship pays tribute to the life of Louise Evans, mother of Gail Evans. Louise was the “rock” in Gail’s life, providing her and those around her with a moral fabric, character, faith, leadership, and a willingness to help others. In the spirit of uplifting others, spearheading a sense of belonging amongst groups, accepting responsibility, and pursuing holistic development, this scholarship is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates these qualities in their quest for excellence.