Melifonwu Sticks With Syracuse, Despite Late Michigan Offer

With his mother at his side, Grafton star Ifeatu Melifonwu made it official, signing with Syracuse Wednesday.

By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

Even late interest from one of football's most recognizable coaches, and an offer to play for one of the NCAA's most prestigious programs didn't sway Grafton's Ifeatu Melifonwu.

The star athlete, who helped lead Grafton to the MIAA Division 3 state championship game at Gillette Stadium in December, officially signed with Syracuse, the school he committed to last summer, during a ceremony in the school library Wednesday.

Melifonwu's destination was one of the state's biggest questions heading into National Signing Day, as Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh personally attended one of Melifonwu's basketball games earlier this month, and the Wolverines formally extended a scholarship offer last Friday, just as Melifonwu was leaving Ann Arbor for a final trip to Syracuse.

Grafton Leaves No Doubt Against West Boylston

By Connor Evans (@RonnocEvans)

West Boylston took a trip to Grafton High School Friday night to face off against the out-of-conference Indians. Grafton would take an early lead that it wouldn’t relinquish, cruising to a 37-6 victory.

Familiarity

As big a game as this was for players, the coaches wanted to give a little extra push this week. West Boylston coach Mike Ross coached Grafton for years, winning a Super Bowl in 2012, and he hasn't been forgotten in Grafton.

“Both coaches were fired up this week,” said Grafton star and Syracuse commit Ifeatu Melifonwu, whose brother Obi, now at UConn, played for Ross at Grafton.

“Coaches were really hyping up the game all week,” added defensive end Sean Deely. “It felt good to beat Coach Ross.”

Massachusetts Football Recruit Profiles Coming in the New Year

Brockton lineman Aaron Monteiro is one of several MA football players going D1 in 2015.

 By Joe Parello (@HerewegoJoe)

We are happy to announce that between January 4th and National Signing Day (February 4th), our SuitePreps section will be churning our recruiting profiles on many of the Massachusetts high school football players that will be continuing their careers at the next level.

Our initial group of players can be found below, and please note that this is not an exhaustive list of every MA player taking their game to the college ranks. Rather, it is a collection of players I have seen enough of to profile.

If you are a Massachusetts high school football player and are playing in college next year (at any level), feel free to Tweet me @HerewegoJoe, or email me at jparello86@gmail.com to spread the good news.

Taking You to School: Selection Sunday Special

Editors Jeremy Conlin and Joe Parello welcome in RoundballDaily.com's Kels Dayton to discuss the newly released NCAA men's basketball tournament bracket.

How do our guys see each region shaking out, which players should you keep an eye on, and who should be on upset alert? All that, and more, in this Selection Sunday edition of "Taking You to School."

Ok, Now it's Basketball Season

Tyler Ennis' 35-foot buzzer beater officially kicked off basketball season for me this week.

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

I make no bones about it, I'm a football guy.

Now, basketball is my second-favorite sport, but it isn't exactly a close second. To me, there are three sports seasons: 1. Football season. Basketball season. 3. Waiting for football season.

Now that the Super Bowl is finished, and National Signing Day is in our rear view mirror, it is officially basketball season, and I've got a lot of work ahead of me to catch up with the rest of the basketball watching world.

Long and Suite Preview: The ACC

After showing tremendous potential as a freshman, much will be expected of Miami's Duke Johnson in 2013.

By Joe Parello  @HerewegoJoe

The ACC enters a new era as it welcomes Syracuse and Pittsburgh, but don't count on either of those two teams making much noise in 2013.

The Panthers were a middle of the pack Big East team last year, and now have to replace three-year starting quarterback Tino Sunseri and star running back Ray Graham. Pitt's heir apparent at running back, stud recruit Rushel Shell, transferred to rival West Virginia, so questions abound for coach Paul Chryst's second season.