Hoop star can’t play for Paulsboro

Paulsboro basketball star Daryus Quarles' appeal to be allowed to play for the Red Raiders this season was denied by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education.

Lucille Davy, the commissioner, issued a ruling earlier this week upholding the decison by the NJSIAA declaring Quarles ineligible this season under the organization's transfer rules.

"Rules are rules and we respect the decision," said Albert Quarles, Daryus' father.

The 6-foot-6 Quarles probably would be South Jersey's best player this season. He has made a verbal commitment to attend St. Joseph's University.

Quarles played his freshman and sophomore years at Paulsboro, then transferred to Life Center Academy in Burlington before the start of his junior year. Quarles attended Life Center and played on the school's high-powered basketball team last season, then transferred back to Paulsboro in March.

The NJSIAA ruled that Quarles was ineligible because he had transferred without a change of address. Quarles appealed the decision, citing financial hardship as well as homesickness.

In her ruling, Davy wrote, "The commissioner appreciates that petitioner (Quarles) is a young man with great promise but is constrained to uphold the letter and spirit of NJSIAA by-laws that were promulagated to ensure fairness in secondary school athletics."

BURKE, TAYLOR COMMIT. Two South Jersey rising seniors who are members of the Dajuan Wagner Rising Stars AAU team have made college commitments, according to their AAU coach, Aaron Burt.

Egg Harbor Township point guard Anthony Taylor, who started his high school career at Holy Spirit and also played at Living Faith Christian in Pennsauken, has committed to sign with Longwood University, a Division I program in Farmville, Virginia.

Willingboro swingman Chris Burke has committed to sign with St. Peter's College, a Division I program in Jersey City.

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