Here's a bit more on Kiwi Gardner and Providence

This is somewhat brief and the extended article requires a subscription but enjoy what is available here on Kiwi Gardner's commit to Providence.

A Kiwi and PeeWee update

Spoke with Marvin Lea, an assistant coach at Westwind Prep and a former star at Pepperdine, and he filled us in on a couple of Bay Area natives currently ballin' and studying in Phoenix. 

Lea said that Kiwi Gardner has passed his SAT exam and that Providence remains very interested in him despite the recent change in coaches (from Keno Davis to Ed Cooley).

He also informed us that Kiwi has been chosen to participate in the National High School Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships to take place April 1 in Texas. The competition will air on Sunday, April 3 at 1:30 p.m. on CBS.

Here is a short video of Kiwi at the National Prep Showcase.

Peewee Gardner is also at Westwind Prep now and will be a junior next season. Here's a YouTube video on the younger Gardner.

Findlay versus Westwind -- the battle of the preps

Two powerhouse prep squads met last night, with some Bay Area talents mentioned.

From Anthony Ray, Arizona Preps (Rivals sub required):

"...Westwind Prep did not get much help from a few of their key members of the team, as 5-foot-9 senior point guard Kiwi Gardner would pick up four quick fouls as a result of his out of control play on the basketball floor. 6-foot-9 senior post Keanu Post was a non-factor on both ends of the floor, as the game seemed to move too fast for him.

6-foot-6 prep forward George Matthews (University of Utah signee) and 6-foot-6 prep forward John Green (UC-Santa Barbara signee) did their part in the loss, going for 16 and 17 points respectfully. Both players fought hard whilenot much was going right for their team..."

Westwind Prep falls to College of Southern Idaho

John (Castlemont High) Green and Kiwi (Manteca High) Gardner led the way for Westwind in the 109-95 loss on the road to College of Southern Idaho but Kiwi must reduce the miscues if the expectations are that a high level D-1 coach is gloing to hand him the reins.

"...Green finished with 26 points and 10 boards for Westwind..."

"...Gardner, who tallied 25 points and 15 assists, but had 12 turnovers..."

Here's the complete game report.

A note on ex-Bay Area baller Jamal Ford

From one of Gary Trousdale's latest tweets:

"Jamal Ford, 6-5 Class of 2011. Westwind Prep, played solid today. Ford gets better everyday".

John Green, Castlemont High, getting eyed by BC?

Adam Desautels is an assistant coach at Westwind Prep and recently tweeted this:

"Joe Jones from Boston College is here today! Taking a look at John Green and who else we've got down here in Phx!"

Green is doing a prep season at Westwind.

Westwind Prep covers Kiwi

Westwind Prep/Gary Trousdale has Kiwi Gardner officially posted at it site -- here you go.

Let's hope Kiwi handles the academics -- it's worth noting he isn't listed as a 2011 prospect.