NIAGARA KNIGHTS MEN'S BASKETBALL ADDS ANTHONY MERCANTI

WELLAND, Ont. - The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation is pleased to announce the addition of Anthony Mercanti to the men's basketball program. Mercanti is a standout player with the Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary High School and Blessed Sacrament basketball teams.

At a media event held at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre Knights men's basketball head coach Steve Atkin commented "Anthony has the potential to be a real impact player at the CCAA level. He is a good kid who comes from a strong program where he has received great skill development under coach Steve Maga."

The 6-foot-4 Hamilton, Ont., native owns a long list of personal and team accomplishments including a Hamilton Spectator all-star selection, an All-Ontario Catholic all-star selection, and a team division one OBA championship gold medal.

"Being a member of a post-secondary basketball team has been a goal of mine since day one and in joining the Knights I feel like I've accomplished that goal," said Mercanti.

Mercanti will add power and height to the 2013-14 Knights roster, and Coach Atkin feels his versatility is Mercanti's biggest strength. "Anthony has the ability to play the shooting guard, small forward, and power forward positions. He rebounds and plays with real intensity, and he can also score in the transition game."

Mercanti will enroll in the Landscape Technician Co-Op program beginning in September. "I am very much looking forward to September," commented the 18-year old. "The Landscape Technician Co-op program is specific to Niagara College and it just seemed like the right choice for me, and will teach me how to own and operate my own business."

When asked about his on-court goals during his time at Niagara College, Mercanti commented, "I plan on improving as a player under Coach Atkin and developing my ball handling and shooting skills. I want to grow as a player in order to perform at this level."

The dedication to learning and developing as a player is something that Coach Atkin feels will benefit Mercanti during his time in a Knights uniform. "With a good summer of work and dedication, Anthony is really capable of earning himself significant minutes for us this year. Down the road he has the real potential to be a fantastic player."

The Knights will resume formal activities this summer when they lead three sections of the annual Niagara Kids' College summer camp program. The team will tip-off the 2013-14 season on Wednesday, Oct. 2 when the they host the Seneca College Sting for an exhibition game.

Source: Niagara College