Spellman hoops standout Morgan closing on in college commitment

Niajah Morgan’s took a chance and it is paying off.

The Cardinal Spellman senior wing had just interest to play collegiate women’s basketball Brandeis when the season end. Pilots coach Jane Morris told Morgan to go to an open gym at a Adelphi University and try to earn her way to a scholarship. She took her up on it recently and things couldn’t have worked out much better. Morgan took a tour of the school and like what she saw. Adelphi did too after watching her on the court.

“My coach told me I should go,” Morgan said.

Morgan, an All-Bronx First Team selection by the Bronx Times, played well enough during drills and scrimmages to peak the interest of the Panthers coaching staff. They asked her to send her transcripts over and are currently recruiting her/ Morgan was impressed with Adelphi also.

“It’s a nice school,” she said. “I like the school.”

Playing Division III or Division II is not important to her. Morgan, who wants to study political science in hopes of being a lawyer one day, is looking for whatever fits her best. Adelphi won the Northeast-10 title and reached the Division I NCAA tournament this season.

“It doesn’t really matter,” Morgan said.

Morgan has been one of Spellman’s most consistent players that last two seasons and formed a potent 1-2 punch with point guard Jade Vega. Her length and athleticism make her a strong rebounder and a vey tough defender for opponents to deal with.

She scored 10 of her 12 points in the second half in a playoff win over St. Francis Prep and had 18 points in a victory over Notre Dame Academy in the regular season. Morgan showed off her skills again last week playing for the Bronx in the Wheel Chair charities All-Star game at Riverbank State Park. She scored inside and showered off an improved jumper off the dribble.

Morgan hopes her hard work with payoff with scholarship in the near future.

“It’s stressful just thinking about the future,” Morgan said. “Thinking about what I will be doing for the next four years.”