The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

JOSHUA Burrows’ athletic and academic career will go the prep basketball route for the upcoming year.

The former Doris Johnson Mystic Marlin and junior national team player announced his commitment to the Illinois Prep Trojans in Carbondale, Illinois.

Prep programmes offer student athletes an opportunity and hone their skills during a “gap year” between the completion of high school and the beginning of college or university.

According to the Trojans website, joining the programme affords student athletes access to top-notch training, coaching and mentorship from coaches with college experience.

“You will gain experience and exposure by playing national high school teams and JUCO’s all without losing a year of eligibility,” the organisation said.

“Our post-graduate programme is for athletes that have completed their high school education but need more exposure in order to receive a scholarship or make a collegiate team. A player’s collegiate level is often determined by game performance, work ethic, athletic ability, size for position, and college position needs. This programme allows athletes to take a year off before attending college (also known as a “gap year”) without losing any of their four-year eligibility.

“Athletes in this programme will compete against many of the top prep schools, independent high schools and junior colleges in the country. After 35+ games, players will have the experience and confidence to play at the next level.”

Burrows’ local high school basketball career is filled with accolades at every level.

As a junior, he helped lead the Temple Christian Suns to an undefeated season and BAISS championship.

After his transfer to the Mystic Marlins, he was a member of back-to-back GSSSA championship teams and also was a member of the school’s first Hugh Campbell winning team in programme history.

At the junior national team level, he was a member of the Bahamas’ historic FIBA Centrobasket Under-17 Championship team that won bronze in the Dominican Republic and qualified for the Tournament of the Americas.