Wednesday, November 09, 2011

JOHNSON CITY (Nov. 9, 2011) – ETSU head coach Murry Bartow announced Wednesday the signing of two guards to begin the Buccaneers’ 2012-13 recruiting class. Bartow said the Buccaneers have received national letters of intent from guards Mario Stramaglia (Birmingham, Ala.) and Lorenzo “Petey” McClain (Mobile, Ala.).

“We’re really pleased with these two early signings,” Bartow said. “Both Mario and Petey give us very athletic guards that can help our program.”

Stramaglia, a 6-foot-1 guard who is entering his senior season at Mountain Brook High School, averaged 18 points and five rebounds a game as a junior, while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range. The 1,000-point scorer has averaged double-figure scoring in each of his previous three high school seasons, and was picked to participate in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s North/South All-Star Game. He was also an All-Metro, All-Area and All-State selection last season.

“Mario is a two-guard and a big-time shooter,” Bartow said. “He’s a strong, powerful and athletic player who can really score. We are very excited about what he can bring to our program.”

McClain, a 6-foot guard who is entering his senior season at Faith Academy, was selected to play in the 2011 Alabama all-star game as well, and has twice led his high school team to the state “Sweet 16.” In his high school career, McClain has scored 1,107 points, dished out 513 assists, swiped 288 steals, and grabbed 423 rebounds. A 5A all-state honorable mention as a junior, McClain has career numbers that include a 44 percent shooting percentage and 31 percent 3-point shooting percentage.

“We love his speed and he has a great motor,” Bartow said. “Petey really knows how to compete and knows how to run a team. He can score and is phenomenal off the dribble.”

With these two signings, the Buccaneers will have two scholarships remaining to offer as part of the 2012-13 recruiting class.

Bartow and the 2011-12 Buccaneers will open their regular season Saturday at Virginia Tech, with tip set for 2 p.m. inside Cassell Coliseum. For more on ETSU men’s basketball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men’s hoops link.