April 19, 2006 - Rider Signs Cheltenham’s Mansell
April 19, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Men’s College Basketball
Rider Signs Cheltenham’s Mansell
LAWRENCEVILLE—Patrick Mansell, a senior at Cheltenham High School, has signed a national letter of intent to further his education and basketball career at Rider University, Rider head coach Tommy Dempsey announced today.
“We are very excited that Pat has decided to continue his academic and basketball careers at Rider,” said Dempsey, who begins his second season at the Rider helm. “Whenever you have an opportunity to add a player like Pat Mansell you have to jump on it.”
A 6’1” guard, Mansell was twice a first team All-Suburban One League selection, compiling 1,874 career points at Cheltenham, second highest all-time. The Cheltenham career scoring leader is Harris Mansell, Patrick’s older brother, who just completed his freshman season at Rider.
“We will have some competition for minutes at the guard spots the next few years but that’s healthy,” said Dempsey. “The guys have to push each other hard so that we can be a better team.”
Mansell made 334 three-point field goals in his scholastic career, and averaged 22.4 points per game as a senior. He led Cheltenham to a 99-23 four-year record and four consecutive PIAA tournament appearances.
Harris Mansell played in all 28 games for the Broncs in 2005-06, averaging 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. At Cheltenham, the older Mansell compiled 1,919 career points. With both Mansells in the line up, Cheltenham had a two-year record of 51-10 in 2004 and 2005.
In 2006 Rider had four freshmen and a sophomore among its top eight players, and turned out an All-MAAC and a MAAC All-Rookie team selection.
Patrick Mansell joins Lenape High School senior Ryan Thompson on the 2006-07 roster. Thompson is a 6’5” guard who earned First Team All-Conference and All-Group IV South Jersey honors. Ryan is the younger brother of Rider sophomore Jason Thompson. The Thompson brothers led the 2004 Lenape squad to a 28-1 season and the NJSIAA Group IV Championship. Jason Thompson earned All-MAAC honors this season.
-RU-
