Recruiting Report: Sam Vascellaro (2018)
Stock is rising quickly for senior forward Sam Vascellaro of St. Thomas Academy.
We saw it at the Breakdown Tip-Off Classic last weekend: Sam did a little bit of everything. He’s a versatile 6-foot-5 piece who is key to STA’s play on both ends. He’s leading the Cadets in PPG (19), APG (3.8), SPG (3.2) and BPG (1.2) as undoubtedly one of the best 15-20 uncommitted seniors in the state.
“More D2 schools have come into contact with me,” Vascellaro said. “Bemidji State texted me after my game Saturday; Jamestown offered me a scholarship. I’m planning on continuing to play at a high level against the tough teams we play coming in the next few weeks. Hopefully that leads to more attention and more D2s contacting me.
“I feel that if I keep playing at this level, my stock will raise. I want to find a school that is somewhat big and is a good fit for me. As far as academics I want it to be a good school so when I come out of there after college I can be in a good place for finding a job.”
Visiting a Cadets game would be useful for colleges looking to scout both Vascellaro and junior point guard Jack Thompson. Jack is a slippery talent who will almost definitely draw strong D2 attention in the next 12 months.
“I think when we’re on the floor together (Sam and Jack), teams have to guard both of us,” Sam said. “We spread the floor well together, and we also create for each other.”
One program to watch is St. John’s (MN), a very strong MIAC team that is off to a 4-0 conference start. Sam plans on taking an overnight visit up there in the coming weeks.
12/17/17 revision: NSIC programs Sioux Falls, Southwest MN State and Minot State have all reached out to STA coach Jason Birr this weekend about Vascellaro.