Former Hudson Catholic standout Boyd transfers to St. Anthony
Elijah Ingram had a wonderful week at the ABCD Camp at FDU in Teaneck, earning the highest grades of any of the seven New Jersey players invited to participate. That has to be great news for the St. Anthony basketball program, but there’s even better news to report. Ingram, who will be a junior this year, is staying put at St. Anthony. The rumors of his transfer to another school were greatly exaggerated.
"There was no truth to those rumors whatsoever," Ingram said. "I think it’s just been said by a few people who want me to go different places. But I never considered leaving St. Anthony. I don’t even know how those rumors started. I heard about it, but I don’t even pay attention to it. I’m happy where I am."
Ingram was asked if former teammate Tony Tate, now at Marist, was one of the people who was trying to get him to transfer.
"I’m not going to say anything like that," Ingram said. "It was just a whole lot of different people who wanted me to leave. But I never gave it a thought."
Ingram sparkled during his four days at ABCD, averaging nearly 11 points per game and four assists. He was named to the Underclassman All-Star Team.
"I was hoping to come here and get a little recognition," Ingram said. "I was a little hesitant at first, because I had hurt my back and I wanted to see how the back felt. But I felt fine when I played. It was good for me to come out and go up against some of the best players in the country. It’s going to help me both defensively and offensively."
Ingram said he was happy with the way his entire game is developing and he’s looking forward to a solid year with the Friars.
"I want to think and act like a point guard, so I look to penetrate and dish," Ingram said. "But if people fall asleep on me, I have to be ready to stick the shot and open things up. I felt like I was able to play my whole game.
"Last year, I think a lot of people were sleeping on us, but this year, we’re going to be much better," Ingram said. "I think we gained a lot of experience last year and we’re going to be ready to play, with four starters coming back."
The Friars’ chances will be bolstered by the arrival of another player who is familiar to Hudson County hoop fans. Zakee Boyd, who played at Hudson Catholic as a freshman two years ago, before transferring to St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, has announced plans to attend St. Anthony this fall.
Boyd, who also participated in the ABCD Camp, averaged 10 points and three rebounds per game during the four days. The 6-5 junior will be a welcome addition to the Friars’ hoop scene this fall.