2023 Zero Gravity Prep Classic Recap
The National Prep Championship Circuit witnessed a basketball spectacle at the Zero Gravity Prep Classic, once again delivering three days of high quality games hosted by the great Dana Barros facility.
One of the standout moments of the event was Will Riley's breathtaking display, where he dropped a staggering 46 points. What made this performance even more remarkable was Riley's ability to score 20 straight points, showcasing not only his scoring prowess but also his clutch factor. The four-star is currently ranked in the top 50 by 247Sports, and had the highest scoring game at the Zero Gravity Prep Classic since Quinnipiac ‘27 Khaden Bennett’s 43 point game last winter.
Dexter Southfield’s Sam Hughes added to the excitement by delivering a dazzling performance, contributing 37 points in a thrilling victory. Hughes' ability to take over a game and lead his team to success demonstrated his status as a rising prospect amongst the ranks of the 2025 class. The 6’6” guard received offers from UMass and Saint Louis this summer, and we don’t expect them to stop there.
Texas A&M-commit Andre Mills once again proved to be a game-changer for the Brimmer & May squad as he electrified the gym with a spectacular 37-point performance, securing a significant NEBL win. Mills' impact on the court showcased his versatility and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. In a game where his team was down around 15 in the first half, Mills fired up the squad and willed them back into the game. The atmosphere in the facility was unmatched for this one.
Phillip Andover's Xavier Abreu emerged as a player to watch, erupting for 27 and 30-point games. Abreu's impressive scoring outbursts not only created a buzz around his name but also solidified his position as a key player for the Phillip Andover team. The most impressive part of Abreu’s strong outing was the efficiency he did it in. Abreu limited his dribbles, thrived from the corner three ball, and slashed to the basket.
In a star-studded face-off against Phelps School, Kayvaun Mulready stole the spotlight with a mesmerizing shot-making clinic, putting up 36 points, with an incredible 25 points scored by halftime. Mulready's three-point shooting was on full display as he hit six and his ability to will his teams into contests showcased the depth of talent present at the Zero Gravity Prep Classic.
The NEBL once again delivered high-quality matchups that captivated the packed crowd. The event proved to once again be jam-packed with scholarship level players, showcasing the immense skill and dedication of the players participating in the National Prep Championship Circuit.
Let’s take a look back at what NERR’s Dylan Thayer came away impressed by throughout the weekend:
Canadian native Onyx Nnani is another big player for @phelpshoops
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
At 6’9-6’10, Nnani is extremely versatile - able to guard/play multiple positions, strong scorer inside & mid-range, and can really throw it down.
Offers include Oregon, Penn State and Oklahoma State. pic.twitter.com/z1FejysnlY
Georgetown-commit Kayvaun Mulready played a huge game despite the loss today at #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
With a packed gym, he went off for 38 points on six 3’s - giving it his all to try and pull out a win. Made an impact on defense too as he always does.
One of New England’s best pic.twitter.com/1TOLQJLz2TGreg Brooks turned some heads today at #ZGPC despite a close loss.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
Brooks is a smaller guard but has a great handle on the ball, is lightning quick, a relentless finisher around the basket, and a perimeter scoring threat.
Finished with 24pts and 3 steals for @NMHBoysHoops pic.twitter.com/alxq2G5SEa2026 duo @Newman_Hoops #E75 alums led the way for a W.@quinncostello3 knocked down the three ball and controlled the boards finishing with 19pts 6reb and 3 ast.@chasegeremia captained the offense with 9pts 3reb and 8ast making numerous passes for buckets. pic.twitter.com/xcrX5jB7uK
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023
Seen this before at #S16 but @WNAcademy guard DJ Brown put his explosive dunking ability on display here today. Brown gets up quick and finishes powerfully over contesting defenders, magnet to the ball for rebounds and a capable defender.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023
Finished with 20pts & 7reb in a win. https://t.co/yEdu0l8a7y pic.twitter.com/nnuVUMjCkg
Bridgton pulled out a gritty win led by Portland native Silvano Ismail.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023
Our #1 ranked ‘24 in ME had 18 pts and 7 ast off a number of finishes around the basket powered by his quick burst, lightning speed, and threat to make a great pass.
NE schools you NEED to get involved. pic.twitter.com/iaKtx3lvVw
2025 Ebuka Okorie with a big outing here at #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023
The guard dropped 26 scoring inside & out highlighted by a spin-off for a monster dunk. Made some big rebounds, crowded lanes and forced timely turnovers. pic.twitter.com/3SbiJRUy6R
2024 Justin Johnson of @PSAhoops with a strong performance today at #ZGPC as he accumulated 26 points in a #NEBL showdown.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Johnson has amassed a lot of D1 interest due to his strong outside shooting, dunking abilities and overall versatility on offense. pic.twitter.com/ArWRpUu6c9
Daithi Quinn of @TaborHoops was once again amazing tonight.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Quinn made a number of big plays in transition, hit shots from behind-the-arc and sought out contact around the basket with improving bigger guard skills.
Coaches get in on him now before it’s too late. pic.twitter.com/DfpnhLeFsK
Big win for the reigning Class B/ISL champs @RiversAthletics with big man Andrew Alekseyenko.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Alekseyenko controlled the paint with a number of big offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. His physicality and ability to absorb contact was huge for Rivers. pic.twitter.com/NV4r8xTfMs
Raul Cruz Jr. led the charge for @nobles_hoops this morning at #ZGPC with 15 points as three others reached double figures in scoring.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Cruz made shots in a variety of ways on drives to the basket and shots from outside, while finding others for scoring opportunities. pic.twitter.com/F7DzYdM3Aq
Xavier Abreu put on an excellent shot-making display today at #ZGPC for @PABoysBball
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Abreu finished with 27 points on 5/9 shooting from downtown. The guard was excellent from the corner, efficient with his dribbles, and made a number of contested layups/mid range pull ups. pic.twitter.com/qkThDv5hSK
Came away impressed by 2025 Taj Walters of @gcdsathletics at #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Walters plays with motor and used a number of moves to get the shots he wanted around the basket. Made smart passes, threw strong boxouts and some very athletic plays.
Holds a number of offers including Fordham. pic.twitter.com/JCvPe5AfIG
2025 Ibrahim Gati of @DarrowHoops is a big to keep an eye on moving forwards.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Gati posted an impressive 16 & 9 to go along with a huge block and a number of altered shots in the paint. Moves around very well. pic.twitter.com/885U0HQe6q
Virginia-commit Ishan Sharma of @FortErieMBB stood out in a W at #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Sharma made plays all over the floor knocking down shots from deep, facilitating + getting his teammates involved, and is a great lateral defender as a big guard. pic.twitter.com/SavB70aWoT
In what was the best performance of the 2023 #ZGPC thus far… Will Riley WENT OFF for 46 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Riley knocked down shots from everywhere. Three-balls, fadeaway jumpers with a defender draped on him, and a number of dunks.
Remember the name ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/pwgQ0wAb2z
Cheshire Academy has a good one in 2027 Kamsi Awaka
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023
Can’t say I haven’t seen him before though (#E75)
The big man is a force on the interior holding down the paint on both ends. He’s strong with a still developing body, younger brother of Tobe.
Finished with 8pts 10reb 4blk pic.twitter.com/IGqORR1QH9
First time getting a look @WNSBVBasketball wing/forward Ore Odutayo today at the #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
Odutayo is lengthy and uses it to his advantage on the defensive end, and to get up for dunk opportunities as well. Moves quick down the floor with an interesting overall game.
One of note. pic.twitter.com/fm58kHj9rS
Brown-commit Jeremiah Jenkins is an annual face at the #ZGPC and once again played a great game.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
The guard paced the team with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists as he came up big down the stretch, putting his body on the line on drives to the basket and getting + making FT’s. pic.twitter.com/fOy0hhViCM
Andre Mills once again proved why he is amongst the best in the country here at the #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
36 points in a huge comeback win powered by Mills’s contagious energy felt around the gym.
(I’ve taken too many pics of him throughout the year to bother him for another from today) pic.twitter.com/LgDVxBuETj
Milton’s big man & Princeton-commit once again showed out at #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
Happy controlled the paint finishing with 23 points and 8 boards. He also showed his floor stretching abilities knocking down a C & S three ball.
Led the way for a @MA_Athletics W pic.twitter.com/YJuAu5hGup
Good win for @CATSBoston today as their trio impressed.@otey_patrick 18 pts 4 reb 3 stl@desthefuture11 13 pts 4 stl 3 ast@Jaylen_Harrell6 21 pts pic.twitter.com/WfCKP0xNeY
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
For those who are unaware, Milton has one in 2027 Reece Ayala.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
The guard is shifty as they come, has a very impressive bag of moves with the ball, scores it in bunches and has an overall impressive offensive repertoire.
Know the name! pic.twitter.com/MKTcsuMArF
Ryan Altman helped lead Rivers to a win in today’s action at #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
The wing was all over the court finishing with 23 points - highlighted by a big slam - 8 rebounds and a few steals and blocks.
He currently holds offers from multiple Ivy’s amongst others. pic.twitter.com/455PIHE84H
After finally getting to see him at both #NPS & #ZGPC I’ve became a fan of Naz Meyer.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023
Meyer made some key plays down the final stretch of a big @The_NEBL win.
He’s a lengthy wing with a knockdown three point shot, passing chops, defensive awareness & bounce.@NERRHoops pic.twitter.com/1q88N3oTDU
Unsigned big guard @myles_mucius came up clutch for @MacduffieHoops tipping in a game winner as the buzzer rang.
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 4, 2023
Coaches should check in on Mucius, he is a talented 6’ 5” guard with shot creation + defensive skills, poise and bounce.@NERRHoops pic.twitter.com/8cL5xerk8b
Texas A&M-commit George Turkson came up big for @BCABoysVBB in another big @The_NEBL matchup at the #ZGPC
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 4, 2023
15 points and 7 rebounds as he held down the paint through the stretch in the second half highlighted by a crazy alley-oop thrown to him by Warren Keel. pic.twitter.com/NW613uoHYJ
Xavier Abreu
George Turkson
Daithi Quinn
Andre Mills
Ryan Altman
Kayvaun Mulready
Kamsi Awaka
Ebuka Okorie
Raul Cruz
Sam Hughes
Reece Ayala
Justin Johnson
Warren Keel
Silvano Ismail
Naz Meyer
Jeremiah Jenkins