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Archie Miller Dayton's new coach .... Thorpe says he is leaving Shaler

Written by Mike White on .

Yes, this is a high school blog, but we will talk about anything having to do with high schools, especially in this area. That's why I bring you news of Dayton's new basketball coach.

It's Archie Miller.

Reports have the former Blackhawk High School star being hired as the new coach at Dayton. Archie is an assistant at the University of Arizona under his brother, Sean.

Tim Wabler of the Dayton News had this in his blog today about Archie being hired at Dayton. "He hit everything we said we wanted when we began our search," said UD athletics director Tim Wabler. "And the more we talked to him, the more obvious it became.
"We need somebody that embraces the challenge of where we are at — of just breaking through and getting us to the point where we annually are in the NCAA Tournament — and it just became clerar he's the right guy for this time right here."

Great for Archie, who was a fun player to watch in high school and who was always great to deal with. He was never the biggest guy in the world, but could really shoot it, and played with a chip on his shoulder. Had to at his size. He also has been an assistant at Western kentucky, Ohio State, Arizona State and North Carolina State. In watching Arizona games this year, Archie seemed very active on the bench with the Wildcats.

By the way. Archie is a former Post-Gazette Player of the Year and two-time Fabulous 5 selection. And by the way No. 2. Dayton had made a scholarship offer to Beaver Falls' Sheldon Jeter. Wonder if Archie will recruit Jeter?

Here is Tim Wabler's full story on Archie.

Thorpe leaving Shaler

It has been rumored the past few weeks, but for the first time it is now on record. Shaler basketball player Geno Thorpe, one of the top sophomore players in Western Pennsylvania, says he will not return to Shaler after this school year.

Matt Whitfield of the NBE Report has a story after talking to Thorpe Friday. Thorpe (pictured No. 23) said he will attend a school in New Jersey next year - St. Anthony's, St. Benedict's or Hudson Catholic. Thopre said he had lunch recently with St. Anthony's coach Bob Hurley, so that might tell you something. It will be Thorpe's third high school in three years. He attended Shady Side Academy as a freshman and Shaler as a sophomore. He is playing for an AAU team in New Jersey.

Thorpe, a 6-foot-2 guard, was Shaler's leading scorer this past season in helping the Titans to a WPIAL Class AAAA Section 3 title. Colleges from the Big East Conference and Big 10 were already showing interest.

I have some thoughts on Thorpe and this situation that I will share at a later time.

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