2023 Zero Gravity Prep Classic Recap

Monday, December 4th, 2023

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

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Georgetown-commit Kayvaun Mulready played a huge game despite the loss today at #ZGPC

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/1TOLQJLz2T
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Greg Brooks turned some heads today at #ZGPC despite a close loss.

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/alxq2G5SEa
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

2026 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.

Finished with 20pts & 7reb in a win. https://t.co/yEdu0l8a7y pic.twitter.com/nnuVUMjCkg
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023

Bridgton pulled out a gritty win led by Portland native Silvano Ismail.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023

2025 Ebuka Okorie with a big outing here at #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 1, 2023

2024 Justin Johnson of @PSAhoops with a strong performance today at #ZGPC as he accumulated 26 points in a #NEBL showdown.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Daithi Quinn of @TaborHoops was once again amazing tonight.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Big win for the reigning Class B/ISL champs @RiversAthletics with big man Andrew Alekseyenko.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Raul Cruz Jr. led the charge for @nobles_hoops this morning at #ZGPC with 15 points as three others reached double figures in scoring.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Xavier Abreu put on an excellent shot-making display today at #ZGPC for @PABoysBball

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Came away impressed by 2025 Taj Walters of @gcdsathletics at #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

2025 Ibrahim Gati of @DarrowHoops is a big to keep an eye on moving forwards.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Virginia-commit Ishan Sharma of @FortErieMBB stood out in a W at #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

In what was the best performance of the 2023 #ZGPC thus far… Will Riley WENT OFF for 46 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

Cheshire Academy has a good one in 2027 Kamsi Awaka

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 2, 2023

First time getting a look @WNSBVBasketball wing/forward Ore Odutayo today at the #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Brown-commit Jeremiah Jenkins is an annual face at the #ZGPC and once again played a great game.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Andre Mills once again proved why he is amongst the best in the country here at the #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Milton’s big man & Princeton-commit once again showed out at #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

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.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Ryan Altman helped lead Rivers to a win in today’s action at #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

After finally getting to see him at both #NPS & #ZGPC I’ve became a fan of Naz Meyer.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 3, 2023

Unsigned big guard @myles_mucius came up clutch for @MacduffieHoops tipping in a game winner as the buzzer rang.

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 4, 2023

Texas A&M-commit George Turkson came up big for @BCABoysVBB in another big @The_NEBL matchup at the #ZGPC

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
— Dylan Thayer (@DylanThayer0) December 4, 2023