After year off to get his mind, academics in order, Fox Chapel grad Moorefield-Brown excels for La Roche men's basketball

When he was a child, Jefferson Moorefield-Brown always seemed to be dancing. This led his mother to give him the nickname “Boogie,” which has been with him ever since.

Even on the La Roche men’s basketball roster, the sophomore is identified as Jefferson “Boogie” Moorefield-Brown Jr.

But during his first year with the Redhawks, “Boogie” couldn’t find many reasons to dance. His playing time was limited on an experienced roster, while, off the court, he struggled in the classroom.

“I had some mental issues going on, and I wasn’t doing too well in school,” the Fox Chapel grad said. “I was ineligible for the second semester, so I just took some time off and got my mind right.”

He found a job at Longue Vue Club, where he enjoyed not only the work but a friendly group of co-workers. He said he stopped thinking about basketball.

Soon enough, however, those urges to play returned. After playing for so many years and having so much success at Fox Chapel — a WPIAL title, all-section honors, Roundball Classic MVP — he couldn’t just walk away.

So Moorefield-Brown went to summer school, got his academics in order and rejoined the Redhawks for this season. Through five games, he is looking and feeling like his old self.

Often the first man off coach Hermie Carmichael’s bench, Moorefield-Brown is averaging 9.6 points and shooting at a 55.6% clip, including 40% from 3-point range.

“It wasn’t that he wasn’t talented enough to be on the floor (last season),” said Carmichael, in his 14th season at La Roche. “It was just the people that were in front of him were better, were seniors.

“I’m a big second-opportunity person with kids his age. He’s embraced a role, too. There’s not a big difference between a couple of our starters and a couple of our bench guys. … He’s kind of that energizer guy that a lot of teams like to have as that first guy off the bench.”

Added Moorefield-Brown: “I feel good. I feel real confident in my game, and my teammates help me every day, showing me that I am what I think I am and that I can keep on proving to people that I can play at this level.”

Moorefield-Brown’s athleticism and ability to get to the basket never have been in question. He is explosive off the dribble, and, despite being only 6-feet tall, can dunk with ease. (He said he dunked for the first time as a 5-foot-8 16-year-old.)

His ability to hit from 3-point range has been surprising. Moorefield-Brown admits outside shooting isn’t his forte, but he worked a lot on it over the summer, and Carmichael gives his players the green light to take an open 3-pointer.

“I really just focused on shooting and working on my form,” he said, “making sure every shot feels the same and that I can just shoot without second-guessing myself.”

“Being able to shoot the ball spaces the court out for my other teammates, and it just helps our whole team.”

Unlike last season, these Redhawks are young. With a combined five juniors and seniors on the roster, there’s plenty of opportunity for Moorefield-Brown and his talented sophomore classmates, which also include Allderdice grads Logan Golle (12.6 ppg) and Major Rainey (12.2).

With South Allegheny grad Bryce Epps (19.2) leading the way, Carmichael’s team won’t have any shortage of points. And despite the Redhawks’ slow start (1-4), Moorefield-Brown believes they can contend for the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference title.

As for himself, Moorefield-Brown said he couldn’t be happier with his current situation.

“I feel this year is going to be fantastic,” he said. “I’m happy that I came back, for sure.”