Ewing High’s Jamie Allen and Robbinsville’s Brian Herbert are two players who have represented their community, school and family both on and off the basketball court this season.
It is because of their leadership, ability and character that they will be receiving the George O’Gorman and Jim Davis Scholarship awards at this Sunday’s Mercer County Basketball Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony.
Joining Allen and Herbert in being honored is a very impressive group of Hall of Fame inductees: Val Akerman, Deon Hames, Sean Casey, Michelle Campbell, Bryan Caver, Mykeema Ford, John Castaldo, Bob Pugh and Jim Davis.
The ceremonies will begin at Mercer Oaks Country Club at 3 p.m. with a cocktail hour followed by dinner, induction and awards. Anyone interested in tickets should contact Linda Weise at lindaweise@mercercountybasketballhof.com
For many years, George O’Gorman chronicled the careers of many girls basketball players in the county and Jim Davis did the same for the boys.
Both former Trentonian sportswriters left us way too early and the Hall of Fame committee wanted to honor their legacy with scholarships to a pair of deserving players.
The players who both George and Jim loved to watch were those who always put the team first, left in all on the court and were just as impressive in the classroom.
Both Allen and Herbert displayed all those qualities.
“I was shocked when I heard that I was receiving this honor,’’ said Allen. “My mom and everyone was very excited and of all the seniors that deserve this award I’m extremely grateful and honored.’’
Allen, who has been accepted at Rutgers and several other schools is still weighing her options, was part of the NJSIAA Central Group III Sectional champion and Mercer County Tournament champion 25-2 Blue Devils.
Herbert, who is headed to Catholic University in the fall, did just about everything for the Ravens in his four years and was named The Trentonian’s Colonial Valley Conference Player of the Year.
“This is an honor that puts things in perspective,’’ said Herbert. “It shows that hard work can pay off and if you can work as a team things will always work out in the end.’’
This is just the beginning, however, for Allen and Herbert as they prepare for the next chapter in their young lives.
“This was a very special year for me,’’ said Allen. “Not only because of the success we had, but that I was able to contribute and help my team out in any way. This year we had a real connection and that we had a great bond on and off the court.’’
Allen grabbed 166 rebounds and picked up 24 steals for the Blue Devils. She knows none of this would be possible without the support of her mom, Gwendolyn and her older sister, Kamryn.
“My mother, my sister and my coach (Dan Montferrat) have always been there for me,’’ said Allen. “My coach was there to help me all the time if I was getting down on myself. I’m thankful for them all.’’
Ever since he started playing basketball, Herbert had a strong passion and desire to succeed along with a ton of support.
He nearly averaged a double- double this season with
“I always wanted to become the best version of myself,’’ said Herbert. “I’ve had so many great coaches and really great teammates and my parents (Carolyn and Keith) that have really shaped me to become the player that I have become.’’
Besides his parents, his brother Austin and sister Kaitlyn have been solid role models for Brian.
Austin was a standout goalkeeper for the Ravens and his sister Kaitlyn was the first 1,000 point scorer in girls basketball at Robbinsville.
Both Allen and Herbert are more than deserving of the George O’Gorman and Jim Davis Scholarships.
Should anyone wish to contribute to the scholarship fund donations can be sent to MC Basketball Hall of Fame, 13 Clearwater Dr, Allentown, NJ 08501.
