Boys Basketball: Woodgrove's High-Scoring Senior Brad Gilson Commits to Play at Ivy League's Columbia

(Jan. 18, 2012) - Woodgrove High School high-scoring senior Brad Gilson -- who scored so many points (54!) in a game Jan. 4 at Park View that they had to go to the videotape to confirm the all-time points night for a Loudoun high school player -- has committed to play next year at Ivy League's Columbia University in New York City.

"Columbia was my top choice. Coach (Kyle) Smith and his staff really recruited me hard for over a year," said Gilson, who averages 30.7 points per game, currently No. 1 in the Washington Post's metro area scoring charts.

Continued Gilson: "Ivy League academics were also important to me. Also, the vibe at Columbia and NYC is great. Their alums and students are really supportive and they sell out their conference games."


Gilson, who helped Woodgrove make a Division 3 playoff run last year in the Wolverines first year of play, had guided the team to a 9-6 mark this season including 6-3 in the very balanced 9-team Dulles District. Gilson has had eight double-doubles and seven times has poured in 34 or more points in a game including the big night against the Partiots and a 43-point effort against Handley.

While it has been tough for Loudoun standouts to make an impact at the next level, Gilson has conference going into college.

"I think my game transfers well. Coach Smith thinks I'll play a major role next year. It was the perfect fit for me," said Gilson.

Gilson was offered by Columbia last summer at their Prospect Camp but waited to accept until his visit of the campus this past weekend.

"After visiting, he also likd the players and felt comfortable with the University as a whole. Really class place from top to bottom," said Gilson's mother Debbie. "Ivy League was always a goal since Brad has always valued academics and works hard to get really good grades. Although Brad is unsure of what he wants to study at this time, he knows Columbia will offer many advantages and opportunities, both in basketball and beyond."

Brad Gilson: Game-by-Game 2011-12 Season
Jan. 13: 26 points (63-60 win over Briar Woods)
Jan. 11: 29 points (76-64 loss to James Wood)
Jan. 10: 30 points (61-46 win over Dominion)
Jan. 6: 25 points (69-62 win over Loudoun County)
Jan. 4: 54 points (100-87 loss to Park View)
Jan. 3: 43 points (92-87 loss to Handley)
Dec. 21: 34 points (82-52 win over Tuscarora)
Dec. 19: 35 points (63-51 win over Freedom)
Dec. 16: 24 points (50-48 loss to Heritage)
Dec. 15: 21 points (72-53 win over Potomac Falls)
Dec. 13: 17 points (49-41 loss to Loudoun Valley)
Dec. 10: 18 points (55-46 win over Stone Bridge)
Dec. 9: 36 points (82-73 loss to Broad Run)
Dec. 2: 34 points (77-45 win over Dominion)
Nov. 30: 34 points (92-74 win over James Wood)