Zips Targets Irwin and McClanahan

[Captain Kangaroo]

Both these guys (Irwin and McClanahan - below) have been offered by the Zips. A COUPLE of levels down from the aforementioned, the summer basketball circuit is confirming what the scouts and recruiters sort of figured when the high school season ended in March.Poca rising sophomore guard Noah Cottrill is the state's best college prospect long term, but among those in the Class of 2008, Bridgeport's Bryant Irwin is getting the most attention. The 6-foot-8, 205-pound Irwin, Nitro 6-5 wing forward Brett McClanahan and Capital's 6-2 Malik Witten are considered the best rising senior hoops prospects in the state -- although the versatile and talented Witten might go with football.Right now, Irwin is considered the state's top prospect, and he has about 15-16 schools that have expressed significant interest, said his AAU coach, Phil Miron of the East Coast Scholar Athletes.Miron's team has been rooted in Roanoke, Va., but is moving its base to Charleston. Prior to Irwin, state players who have summered for East Coast include Division I players or signees Patrick Patterson, Adam Williams, Josh Daniel, Chris Long, Adam Fletcher, T.J. Douglas, Josh Sowards and Josh Yeager.Miron said Irwin has offers from at least 10 mid- to low-major programs, and the Bridgeport star at this point is most interested in Marshall, Akron and James Madison. Others who have offered include Duquesne, Richmond, Appalachian State and UNC Greensboro. Davidson, American and Lehigh have also stepped up contact, Miron said.