Student Spotlight: Matt Rum

By: Joe DiBlasi

Name: Matt Rum

School: Loyola Blakefield

Grade: Junior

Sport: Basketball

With court presence beyond his years, a lightning-quick release and the ability to hit from anywhere, Matt Rum is quickly making a name for himself on the basketball court in the strong Baltimore Catholic League.

Last winter, Rum led Loyola Blakefield's basketball team in scoring with a 14.8 points-per-game average. In a non-league win over Archbishop Curley, the sophomore sensation nailed eight three-pointers and finished the day with a career-high 30 points.

This summer he has honed his shooting skills while developing his court presence. In the McDonogh Summer League, Rum again led the Dons in scoring (16 points a game). He had 22 against coach Mike Smith's talented New Town team, last year's State 1-A champion.

"He's really coming on, working hard and dedicating himself to the program," coach Josh Davalli said.

Rum will join a solid group of returning seniors next season (Steele Stanwick, James Davenport, Bobby Kirby and Sal Schtino). The veterans hope for continued success in the BCL. Look for Rum to be among the scoring leaders, and the Dons to be in the thick of things.