ZG Prep Classic - Day 1 Recap

Saturday, December 1st, 2018

The Zero Gravity Prep Classic tipped off on Friday night at St. Andrew's School in Barrington, Rhode Island and included several big time matchups as well as some huge individual performances. 

IMG Academy 60 vs Mt. Zion Academy 72

The marquee matchup of the day turned out to be a great one. Mt. Zion jumped out to a big lead in the first half and got up by 15. Mt. Zion was led by Point Guard Ayinde Hikim, who finished with 12 points, but was the stabilizing force for the team when IMG made a late run and cut the game to 1 point.  Hikim controlled the floor all night and showed great poise. IMG’s comeback attempt was lead by Lester Quinones and Ellas King, who scored 18 and 24 respectively. 

Putnam Science Academy 81 vs Thornlea 63

Putnam Science Academy led this game from start to finish. PSA was led by Charles Pride, who put in 23 points. Putnam had a balanced scoring attack and saw 9 different players score. Thornlea had a standout performance from Keeshawn Barthelemy, who hit 5 three pointers and finished with 25 points.

Springfield Commonwealth Academy 62 vs. Ridley College 71

Ridley College and Springfield Commonwealth Academy tipped off this year’s Prep Classic. Ridley College was led by Malcolm Bailey and Jaden Bediako. Bailey had 14 points to go along with 8 rebounds and Bediako added 13 and 12. Ridley got out to an 18-point lead, and Springfield cut it to 3 in the second half. Bailey closed the game late for Ridley. Marial Mading led Springfield Commonwealth with 22 points.

Dexter 58 vs. Lee Academy 67 (2OT)

The last game of the night was a double overtime thriller. Dexter battled back from being down ten at the half virtue of the three ball. Charles Coleman hit a game tying three at the end of regulation to send the game to OT. Coleman finished with 10 points and did a nice job controlling the glass in the second half. After Dexter got up 4 quick in the first OT, Arsenly Semenov took over. Semenov hit a game-tying shot to send it to a second OT, and he finished with 22 points. Jordan Howard Mason hit 7 three’s all coming in the second half or overtime and led Dexter with 27 points.

Day 1 Standout Players

David Wilson (2019) - David scored 26 points for New York International Academy. David scored from all areas of the floor, including 6 3-pointers. Wilson led the team in scoring and the team to victory of London Basketball Academy

Ayinde Hikim (2019) - Hikim was one of the most impressive players on the floor all night. Controlling the ball and the tempo for Mt. Zion, Hikim put in 12 points, but his impact is felt much more than just scoring the ball. Hikim’s Basketball IQ was on display all night as he seemed to always make the right play.

Charles Pride (2019) - In a game full of tons of talent, Pride stood out tonight. Scoring 23 points, including 16 in the second half. Pride got to the rim all night and got tons of good looks. Pride was incredibly active and his presence could be felt all night. 

Miguel Tomley (2019) - Tomley was dominant from behind the arc tonight. Tomley his 6 three pointers and finished with 24 points. Tomley displayed a super smooth game and got whatever shot he wanted from the floor. 

Marial Mading (2019) - The 6’10 University of Rhode Island commit was impressive once again. Marial can score at all three levels and knows how to use his size to create scoring opportunities. Knocked down a couple three’s early in the first half which sparked his team. Mading led Springfield Commonwealth with 22 points.

Jaylen Ricks (2020) - Ricks (Masters School) is a shifty 5’10 point guard. Has a great handle + speed and got into the paint at will where he is a willing passer, but also can finish with either hand at the rim. Ricks finished with 13 points and 7 assists.

Bensley Joseph (2021) - 6’0 guard from Cushing is constantly in attack mode. Joseph is very strong and has great body control at the rim, along with being a great athlete. Joseph has several high-majors interested.

Jordan Mason (2019) - 6’4 shooting guard that has NBA range. Clean, quick shot release that poured in 7 three’s enroute to scoring 27 points. Doesn’t lack any confidence, and pulled up in transition multiple times. Big time shot maker.