Basketball and books: Union Leader Feature on Jordan Laguerre '11

By KEVIN GRAY
New Hampshire Union Leader


It's been four years since Jordan Laguerre scored his first basket for Trinity High of Manchester, breaking onto the varsity scene as an immediate star.

He moved up from junior varsity midway through his freshman year and helped lead the Pioneers to three straight championship appearances and a title in 2009. The lightning-quick lefty projected as New Hampshire's next NCAA Division I talent.

So where's he been hiding the past two seasons?

Laguerre took his game -- and academics -- to another level at New Hampton School, earning a scholarship to play for the University of Massachusetts. Coaches within the New England Prep Athletic Council say the Minutemen are getting a steal. The 6-foot-1 guard has been outplaying major Division I prospects and figures to make an immediate impact at UMass.

"I don't think you'll find a better scorer in New England," New Hampton coach Peter Hutchins said. "He's a dynamic offensive player who has really evolved in terms of hitting open shots and finding open teammates."

And hitting the books.

Last semester, Laguerre earned a spot on the Honor Roll for the first time in his life. At New Hampton, an all-or-nothing approach to learning includes classes six days per week and nightly two-hour study hall. Laguerre no longer dominates on Xbox 360 -- and that's a good thing.

"Oh, man. It's all basketball and school. There's barely time to hang out with your friends and play video games," said Laguerre, describing the New Hampton experience as a second chance in the classroom. "I've grown up a lot. At Trinity, it was all basketball, and I wasn't thinking much about class. It's completely different now."

Credit New Hampton coach Pete Hutchins, who won't hesitate to bench his star player and send a message. Turns out $42,500 in full tuition also buys tough love. (Laguerre's tuition was reduced with need-based, merit-distributed financial aid.)

"We took Jordan because he's a great kid and, obviously, he's a very talented basketball player, but the deal was he had to change his entire approach to school," Hutchins said. "You have to come here and really buckle down. That's exactly what he's done. I'm so proud of the way Jordan's developed as a student and a person. He's a special kid. As a coach, he's the reason why we do this."

Laguerre, averaging 17 points and eight rebounds, has refined his jumper and increased to 40 inches his vertical leap. He won MVP honors and led New Hampton (11-6) to a holiday tournament championship at Hill School in Pottstown, Pa.

"When he got here, he struggled to make shots without putting it on the floor," Hutchins said. "He's always been very good at the rim, but now his game is more developed in terms of catching and shooting and being more of a combo-guard."

Laguerre wasn't recruited heavily by teams in the ACC or Big East. He said Providence made an offer, and the University of Connecticut showed interest. He nearly committed to Virginia Commonwealth before finding a closer option at UMass.

"He could play in the Big East or ACC. He's an explosive athlete with a great motor. He never stops competing," said Jason Smith, coach of the defending national champion Brewster Academy of Wolfeboro. "(Laguerre) kept them in the game against us based on sheer effort."

That inner drive and basketball talent can set up Laguerre for the future. This he understands more than ever after two years at New Hampton.

"Basically, I've realized a lot here. You have to keep working hard if you want to go somewhere in life," the 18-year-old said. "It's all hard work. There are no days off. You have to go 100 percent if you want to be the best."

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