Jonathan Smith To Continue Basketball And Academic Career At Medaille College, Will Join Former Bobcat Greg Bean Who Is An Assistant Coach (04/23/16)

(By Clarion Area Basketball Coach Jess Quinn)

Jonathan Smith, A 6’5″ Senior Forward of the Clarion Area Bobcats this season signed a “Letter of Intent” to attend Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. Jonathan averaged 20.7 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists per game in the 2015-2016 campaign.

Seated from Lt to Rt... Jerome Smith, Sr. (Father), Jonathan Smith, Anita Smith (Mother), Standing L to Rt... Clarion Area High School Principal John Kimmel, Head Basketball Coach Jess Quinn, and Jerome Smith, Jr. (Jonathan's Brother) Jonathan Smith, A 6'5" Senior Forward of the Clarion Area Bobcats this season signed a "Letter of Intent" to attend Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. Jonathan averaged 20.7 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists per game in the 2015-2016 campaign. "It was a wonderful surprise to see Jonathan walk into the building on the first day of school. He gave us an immediate inside presence and helped us tremendously in securing the #6 seed in the District 9 Single-A Playoffs." Head Coach Jess Quinn comments. Jonathan was a transfer student coming to Clarion from Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, Maryland. "I've had a good year at Clarion. It was an exceptional year when it comes to basketball. The season was a huge turn around from last year. We went from a 2015 seasonal record of 5-17 to a 2016 seasonal record of 17-7, making a playoff run. I prepared mentally for each game by expecting the best from every team we played despite their record. I knew I was the main target, that just made me and my teammates go even harder. Some of the games were fun but most were very gritty. Jess Quinn (head coach) and I have a good relationship on and off the court. He's a great guy. He has helped me a lot. I couldn't have asked for a better coach. I've been told that my time at Clarion revitalized the basketball program. I brought a type of game and style that was unique. I made the decision to attend Medaille because I feel I will continue to grow personally, academically (majoring in Criminal Justice) and athletically. The campus is really nice and the people are genuine. I met and conversed with my future teammates. They were all good guys and expressed how much they like the school. It was just a great atmosphere. I've started to develop great relationships with the coaches, Mike Blaine (head) and Greg Bean (assistant). Both have great knowledge of basketball and can help elevate my game. I am excited, ready and looking forward to having a great next 4 years in the classroom and on the court." Jonathan Smith. (Photo provided by Clarion Area High School) Seated (L-R) Jerome Smith, Sr. (Father), Jonathan Smith, Anita Smith (Mother), Standing (L-R) Clarion Area High School Principal John Kimmel, Head Basketball Coach Jess Quinn, and Jerome Smith, Jr. (Jonathan's Brother)

Seated from Lt to Rt… Jerome Smith, Sr. (Father), Jonathan Smith, Anita Smith (Mother), Standing L to Rt… Clarion Area High School Principal John Kimmel, Head Basketball Coach Jess Quinn, and Jerome Smith, Jr. (Jonathan’s Brother)

It was a wonderful surprise to see Jonathan walk into the building on the first day of school. He gave us an immediate inside presence and helped us tremendously in securing the #6 seed in the District 9 Single-A Playoffs.

Jonathan was a transfer student coming to Clarion from Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, Maryland.

Jonathan had this to say about basketball at Clarion Area, “I’ve had a good year at Clarion. It was an exceptional year when it comes to basketball. The season was a huge turn around from last year. We went from a 2015 seasonal record of 5-17 to a 2016 seasonal record of 17-7, making a playoff run. I prepared mentally for each game by expecting the best from every team we played despite their record. I knew

“I was the main target, that just made me and my teammates go even harder. Some of the games were fun but most were very gritty.

“Coach Jess Quinn and I have a good relationship on and off the court. He’s a great guy. He has helped me a lot. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. I’ve been told that my time at Clarion revitalized the basketball program. I brought a type of game and style that was unique.”

On his decision to continue his career at Medaille College, Jonathan said, “I made the decision to attend Medaille because I feel I will continue to grow personally, academically (majoring in Criminal Justice) and athletically.

“The campus is really nice and the people are genuine. I met and conversed with my future teammates. They were all good guys and expressed how much they like the school. It was just a great atmosphere. I’ve started to develop great relationships with the coaches, head coach Mike Blaine and assistant coach Greg Bean. Both have great knowledge of basketball and can help elevate my game.

“I am excited, ready and looking forward to having a great next 4 years in the classroom and on the court.”

Jonathan was named to the Tri-County Sunday/Courier Express, D9Sports.com, and KSAC All-Conference First Teams. Jon was named to and played in the Sportsmanship I All-Star Game where he was awarded the MVP scoring 36 points. He also competed int the 40th Annual Roundball Showcase All-Star Game held in Harrisburg, PA. He was a member of the East Coast North Team. Athletes from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and New York competed in six different games.

Jonathan will continue his basketball career at Medaille College under the guidance of Head Coach Mike Baines and Assistant Coach Greg Bean. Coach Bean is a 2003 graduate of Clarion Area where he was instrumental in the Bobcats securing a District IX Class A Championship his senior year. Most recently Coach Bean was at the helm of the Redbank Valley Bulldogs, leading them from a one win season in his first year to a District IX Class AA Championship in 2014-2015 season.

Jon is a very talented player. I can honestly say it was my pleasure to have coached him this season. He definitely brought an excitement to our gym that hasn’t been there in a long time. I wish Jonathan all the luck in the world at Medaille!.

(Sports Zone Note: Jonathan, it has been my extreme pleasure, watching you this past season, and getting to know you personally. What a fine young man you are! Congratulations on your decision! You, Coach Quinn and Coach Bean make Clarion proud!!!!)

(Thanks to Coach Quinn for this article and to Clarion Area for the photo.)

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