MTHS basketball star who ‘changed our program’ officially signs with Division I Rider

Posted: November 25th 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

The tangible numbers produced by Jamir McNeil are easy to see.

McNeil, a point guard from the Middle Township High School basketball team, averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists last season in leading the Panthers to a 28-3 record, the Cape-Atlantic League playoff tournament championship and a berth in the South Jersey Group II title game. As a sophomore, he was an integral part of a Panther squad that won the 2023 South Jersey title.

He enters his senior season with 1,044 career points and a whole bunch of highlight-reel video clips on his resume.
McNeil’s impact at Middle goes far beyond the numbers and the accomplishments, however, according to Middle’s coach, LaMarr Greer.

“He’s changed our program,” Greer said. “He and the seniors that were here last year really changed our program. We’ll forever be in debt to Jamir and those guys. Now we’re on the rise, and we have third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders already talking about how they want to come to Middle and play basketball.”

McNeil was celebrated for his achievements thus far in a ceremony Monday morning at the school when the 6-2 guard officially signed to play college basketball at Division I Rider University.

McNeil had verbally committed to the Lawrenceville school earlier this month.

“It’s like my dream came true,” McNeil said with a smile. “I always dreamed about playing Division I basketball ever since I was little so to have the opportunity now, it really makes me happy and I can’t wait to enjoy it.”

McNeil, who was joined at the ceremony by his parents, other relatives, Greer and Middle Township athletic department staff, had also received interest from LaSalle, Temple and St. Peters before accepting the scholarship offer from Rider.

“I like everything about the campus and the coaches were very supportive,” McNeil said. “They just made me feel like I was at home so I made the decision to commit there.”

McNeil said being so close to home was a major factor in his decision.

“My family’s close by, so they can come to every home game,” he said. “That makes it easier on them and me.”

Rider, coached by Kevin Baggett, competes in the Mid Atlantic Athletic Conference. The Broncs are 4-2 going into Wednesday’s game at Villanova.

Greer believes Rider is the perfect place for his star player.

“It’s a great fit,” Greer said. “They develop kids very well, especially guards. They’re very demanding and I like that for him because he responds well to that. But he’s going to have to go in there and compete and work.”

Middle Township held its first preseason practice Monday afternoon. McNeil said having his college decision made before the start of the season “is a weight off my shoulders.”

“Now I get to play my senior year comfortable,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about what colleges are coming to look at me and what colleges are going to offer me. It’s definitely good for me.”

Greer echoed his player’s sentiments.

“It takes a load off him, for sure,” Greer said. “Now he can focus on what he needs to learn before he gets there. It helps us, too, as a coaching staff to prepare him for where he’s going and that goes for his teachers and everybody in the building here as well.”

With McNeil leading the way, Middle is again expected to compete for the CAL playoff title and make a deep run in the state playoffs this winter.