AU Men's Basketball Signs Four to National Letters of Intent

Nov. 19, 2008

WASHINGTON - American University head men's basketball coach Jeff Jones has announced the signing of four student-athletes to National letters of Intent during the NCAA's early signing period. Mike Bersch, Jeff Holton, Blake Jolivette and Josh Snodgrass have each committed to enroll at AU and will join the Eagles in the fall.

"The newest members of the American University basketball family all have several things in common," Jones said of his new recruits. "First, they have performed at a very high level academically and athletically. Second, they share a strong love for and commitment to the game of basketball. We are extremely pleased to have these four outstanding young men join our program."

Bersch, a 6-foot-6-inch forward out of Mt. Holly, N.J. (Rancocas Valley Regional HS), was named First Team All-South Jersey Group 4, Second Team All-Burlington County and All-State Honorable Mention in 2007-08 while playing for coach Jay Flanagan. Bersch led his team to the New Jersey Group 4 State Championship last season and set a school record with 10 three-pointers against Trenton Central in the championship game. His team finished the season ranked fifth overall in the state of New Jersey and received the No. 1 ranking among public schools in the state by the Newark Star Leader.

"Mike Bersch is a standout member on the court and in the classroom," Jones said of the incoming freshman. "A basketball junkie, Mike is a great shooter with range who possesses a high basketball IQ."

Holton is a 6-foot-8-inch forward from Ft. Washington, Pa. (Germantown Academy), who averaged 13.3 ppg and 9.0 rpg last season for coach Jim Fenerty. Holton helped his team to the Philadelphia Inter-Ac Championship as a sophomore and junior alongside current Eagles freshman Joe Hill.

"Jeff is a smart and skilled player with a versatile offensive game," Jones said. "Playing for Jim Fenerty at Germantown Academy gives him a tremendous foundation on which to build."

Jolivette, a native of Houston, Texas (St. Thomas HS), is a 6-foot point guard who is described by coach Neil Laminack as a great player, student and leader. Last season Jolivette led his team to the TAPPS 6A State Championships while averaging 12.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 8.0 apg and 4.0 spg.

"Blake possesses all the skills you look for in a point guard," commented Jones. "His love for the game is apparent when you see him in action."

Snodgrass, a 6-foot-5-inch guard out of Gainesville, Fla. (P.K. Yonge HS), was named First Team All-State, Class 3A and the Gainesville-Sun Player of the Year in 2007-08. Snodgrass led his team to a 25-7 record and the Florida State Class 3A Final-4 last season while averaging 22.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 3.6 apg.

"Josh brings a tremendous passion for the game to AU," Jones said. "He is an extremely versatile performer who can play multiple positions."