Toby Gillooly Makes College Commitment to New Mexico Highlands University 

Toby Gillooly from Burnside High School makes his college decision to play at New Mexico Highlands University. Gillooly who averaged 14 points to go along with 9 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 57% on the season while playing for Burnside High School Coach, Joe Hammond. Toby is the son of Mike & Susie Gillooly. As one of Christchurch’s top players, Toby also played for the Canterbury Rams who finished as the NBL regular season champions. It was the first time the Rams won the regular season championship since 1993. Toby has been part of the Mainland Eagles Academy for the past 2 years under the coaching of Mark Dickel and Lori McDaniel. Most recently Toby played with the Mainland Eagles on their Annual Tour to Las Vegas in December. The Eagles are participating in the Prep Division of the Tarkanian Classic at Bishop Gorman High School which is one of the premier high school tournaments in the United States.

The Mainland Eagles Academy supports players from throughout the South Island in their goal of receiving a US college basketball scholarship. Toby has been doing regular morning trainings, strength training and academic support with the Mainland Eagles Academy staff. Academy Development Manager, Caleb Harrison said, “The US College pathway allows players from New Zealand to play basketball at an elite level while progressing towards their bachelors degree. After 4 years of US college, players like Toby will be positioned to play in the New Zealand or Australian leagues while at the same time be ready to begin his career outside of basketball.”

The New Mexico Highlands University compete in the NCAA Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Last season, they finished 12-8 in the conference with a 14-14 overall record. A number of current Australian National Basketball League players played in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference including Mark Worthington, David Barlow, Jesse Wagstaff, Mitch McCarron & Nicholas Kay. “Toby has earnt this opportunity. New Mexico Highlands Coach Craig Snow is getting a player who can play right away. Toby is a winner,” said Mainland Eagles Academy Head Coach Mark Dickel. Toby will be leaving for New Mexico Highlands University in the middle of January to do a redshirt semester. During the redshirt semester Toby will practice and because his academic studies to prepare to play his first season in November of 2017.

Mainland Eagles Academy Description- 

The Mainland Eagles Academy is operated by the Canterbury Regional Basketball Foundation with the goal of enabling the best High School basketballers from throughout the South Island to achiever their aspiration of receiving a US College scholarship through the nurturing of their basketball, academic & leadership development.

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https://nz.patronbase.com/_RAMS/Seasons/View?season_id=17PS 

Rams Facebook- 

https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyRams/

Mainland Eagles Academy Facebook- 

https://www.facebook.com/mainlandeaglesacademy/