Reading’s Ruben Rodriguez makes college debut at Rider

Reading High grad Ruben Rodriguez scored seven points off the bench in his college debut Monday, helping Rider to a 113-67 victory over visiting Immaculata.

The three-time All-State pick played 17 minutes off the bench for the Broncos, grabbed six rebounds and had two steals. He made his only 3-point attempt and was 2-of-6 overall from the field.

Rider’s next game comes Friday at Marquette, and against former rival Stevie Mitchell of Wilson. Rodriguez and Mitchell faced each other frequently during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

The Broncs were picked as the MAAC preseason favorite by the league’s coaches. Mervin James was named MAAC preseason Player of the Year, joining Allen Powell on the preseason all-league team.

James had a game-high 18 points Monday. He averaged 12.9 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. Powell averaged 10.4 points last season. They are joined by a third returning starter, Tariq Ingraham.

Rodriguez is one of eight new players and five freshmen added to the roster. He scored two points in nine minutes in a preseason exhibition win over Georgian Court.

Rodriguez led the Red Knights to a PIAA championship as a senior and finished his career with 2,008 points.

He was part of a dozen championships – division, league, district and state – during his three seasons with Reading and one with Muhlenberg.

The two-time Berks Player of the Year led the league in scoring as a senior at 21.7 points per game.