Life after high school hasn't gone exactly as planned for Nardi Bogues. But the former City standout's college goals are still well within reach.
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound point guard left Baltimore last fall for a post-grad year at Ernst Prep in Petoskey, Mich., a resort city better known for its skiing and boating than basketball.
Bogues, who helped lead City to the 2009 Class 2A state championship, was recruited as the upstart prep school's starting point guard, a role he assumed immediately. While the team struggled with a schedule that included prep powers Brewster (N.H) Academy and Oak Hill (Va.) Academy, Bogues naturally took over as the team's go-to player.
"I was the starting point guard. I was their main player," Bogues said. "I was averaging about 22 points and four assists. ... Cleveland State, Utah, Georgia and a couple other schools told my coach they were interested."A typical day for Bogues started at 5 a.m. with a morning run. At 7, the team convened in the gym for a couple hours of practice. After breakfast, Bogues and his teammates attended study hall, where the players spent much of their time on SAT prep work. Lunch, more study hall and an afternoon practice followed.
Bogues was comfortable with the routine, but in January a premature end came to Ernst Prep's season.
"Coach was at work one day, and something had hit him," Bogues said. "Something happened with his heart, so he was telling us how he was going to be [taking some time off]. His daughter actually started coaching us for a little bit, but she couldn't really handle it and we had to break out."
Suddenly, Bogues and his teammates were forced to find new schools that would help them meet NCAA qualifying standards. Luckily for Bogues, it didn't take long for him to get settled. He quickly joined another Ernst Prep teammate, forward Dominique Reed, at Progressive Christian Academy in Temple Hills.
Bogues said basketball went well for him at the Prince George's County school, and his SAT prep work there and at Ernst Prep was a positive experience. He should receive his scores any day now. If he reaches the necessary score for his NCAA eligibility, Bogues could make a college decision soon after.
"I'm really just waiting on my score and then I'll probably go ahead and commit. I'm really liking Appalachian State at the moment," Bogues said. "We've stayed in contact. As soon as I get my score, I'll go down there on my official visit. ... I like the way they talk. They say I can be of use to them. So I like that program."
Bogues said there's a possibility he waits a little longer to make his decision. He could play in a few AAU tournaments as a final showcase of sorts, just in case any other programs have a need at point guard.
Bogues' uncle Muggsy, the former Dunbar star and long-time NBA player, has guided his nephew every step of the way. The two talk on the phone regularly, with the elder Bogues imparting some much-appreciated wisdom.
"He's just making sure I make the right choice," Bogues said. "He's making sure everything's good and that I'll fit in real good in college."