IJ Ezuma Surpasses 1,000 Career Points

In a season that presented challenges unlike any other, the Hargrave Tigers continue to set records and hit milestones. This week, IJ Ezuma ’21 passed 1,000 points scored in his high school career. Ezuma, a 6’8″ forward from Raleigh, NC, has been a staple for Hargrave for the last five years. He is the only player in the history of the program to play on the Middle School team, High School Varsity team and Postgraduate Team. Even more impressive is that IJ has been a part of some of the winningest teams at all three levels. He helped guide his Middle School team to an undefeated season (2016-17), then was a part of the best three year stretch in the history of the varsity program, including three state elite 8 appearances and setting the single season wins record. Finally this year on the Postgraduate team, he has started every game for a Hargrave team that just capped off it’s 4th undefeated regular season in program history, is the highest scoring team in program history at over 114 points per game, and is currently ranked #2 in the country. 

 

“IJ has had one of the best careers in the history of Hargrave Basketball,” commented Head Coach Thomas Messinger. “He has been an integral part of teams at every level here, and has grown so much over the years as a player, person and student. He’s transformed from a player that was dominant over smaller guys as an 8th grader on the middle school team, to a player that can dominate against the best players in the country as a senior. His versatility on both offense and defense is what sets him apart. He is going to make whatever program he signs with next year better from day 1.”

 

His Varsity Coach from 2017-2020 and current Hargrave Military Academy Director of Athletics, Ben Veshi, added that he “has really enjoyed watching IJ mature and grow over the years. He is one of my favorite players that I’ve ever coached, and he is deserving of every accolade that comes his way.”

 

Ezuma is currently averaging 14.7 points per game for the Tigers, while shooting a robust 65.8% from the floor and 58% from the 3-point line. In addition to his scoring output, he leads the team in both rebounds (9.4 per game) and blocked shots (2.4 per game). 

 

He currently holds scholarship offers from Tulsa, East Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, UNC-Wilmington and Hampton. He has been hearing from schools in the ACC, SEC and Big East as well.

 

Ezuma will look to cap off his incredible Hargrave career in style as he will look to help lead the Tigers to a National Championship in Rock Hill, SC on March 12-14. The Tigers will be the #2 overall seed in the tournament and will take on #7 seed DME in the Elite 8 round on Friday.

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