40th Annual Boston Shootout - Event Recap

by Christian Bradley | Sunday, June 3rd, 2012

The Boston Shootout is one of New England’s most time honored traditions with a long list of prominent alumni including the likes of Patrick Ewing, Bernard King, Chris Mullin, Mark Aguire, Adrian Dantley, Pearl Washington, Dave Cowens, Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Marcus Camby, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Stephon Marbury and many others.  

This weekend’s 40th annual Boston Shootout saw the host club, BABC, sweep the competition at Tufts University’s Cousens Gymnasium, winning the freshman, sophomore, and junior divisions.  There were several star performances by the usual suspects, but many other prospects proved just how underrated they may be with the July Live Period just over a month away.

Bonzie Colson (BABC)-Two things stood out for Colson today: his nose for the ball at any spot on the floor, and his very impressive footwork in the paint. He played up with BABC’s junior team today, and he proved to be a huge addition. Whether it was getting to loose balls, pulling down defensive rebounds, or creating his own shot with his back to the basket, Colson showed today just how much upside he has as a prospect.

Dimitri Floras (Rivals)-With his full offensive arsenal on display, Dimitri was the go-to man for Rivals in their big Sunday win. He was fearless when driving the lane, finished at the rim through contact, ran the Rivals offense with leadership, and knocked down a mid-range jumper from the foul line with a minute to go that proved to be the dagger.

Kerem Kanter (NE Playaz)- Kanter was nearly unstoppable on the block today, which is even more evident as he scored 32 points in a losing effort against Rivals. Kanter makes his living thanks in part to his strong upper body; he always does a great job of protecting the ball with one arm and finishing with the other around the rim-even if he gets hit hard doing it.

Tyrese Hoxter (BABC)-With great acceleration in the open floor and finishing ability at or above the rim, Hoxter made his presence felt today. As he continues to strengthen his upper body, improve his outside jumper, and use that quick first step to his advantage, he will be a deadly threat not just in the open floor, but in the half court as well.

Andrew Chrabascz (BABC)-When Chrabascz seals off his defender on the low block you can almost guarantee he’s going to get a look to score at the rim or get to the free throw line. Defensively, he gave BABC a hard-nosed presence down low that got in the heads of opposing scorers and he used textbook box-out form to keep opposing big men off the glass.

Josh Sharma (Rivals)-The Rivals’ young big man seems to get better every time he plays. With Noah Vonleh sitting out and Jeremy Miller fouling out very early in the second half, the pressure was on Sharma to perform. He stepped up defensively in the second half, ran the lanes well on the break, and ultimately helped lead his team to a big win.  

Isaiah Lewis (NE Playaz)-Once Lewis takes that first dribble he has the ability to blow by anybody, find open space in the paint, and make acrobatic finishes above the rim. He did a great job today against Rivals of not only asserting himself offensively, but setting up his teammates for baskets and giving them opportunities to create. A 6’3 scoring guard with a laundry list of high-major offers, Lewis is sure to make even more headlines in July.

Kaleb Joseph (Rivals)- With Noah out, obviously there was slack to be picked up scoring-wise for Rivals. Joseph did just that, knocking down jumpers and penetrating the Playaz defense in addition to helping organize and set up the offense.  Ultimately, the Rivals guard proved to be the difference as the tandem of Joseph and Floras was too much to overcome.  

Tyree Robinson (BABC)-An awe-inspiring athlete with a strong body, Robinson showed at Boston Shootout that he is translating his gifted athleticism into a role of gifted scorer for BABC. Robinson is a man inside who is very difficult to keep off the offensive glass-those 2nd and 3rd opportunities were a big reason why BABC come out victorious in the sophomore division.

Bruce Brown (BABC)-Brown is pure grace with the ball in his hands, yet he has an overpowering style to him that intimidates opposing teams. His highlight-reel dunks may be the most talked about part of his game, but more so this is a player with a strong body and elite speed and athleticism who never gives up on a play.

Jonathan Joseph (BABC)-Joseph is a smart point guard who truly is a pass-first player. While certainly a capable scorer, he drove through defenses today with the clear intent of setting up one of his thoroughbred scorers with a lay-up or open jumper. He's as steady of presence as you'll find at the point, even at his young age.  

Ben Malloy (MB Nation)-The true freshman announced his presence on the scene on Sunday, knocking down five three-pointers in a highly played game against The City from New York.  Malloy not only made shots, he made big shots, drilling threes in critical components of the game.  

Donovan Mitchell (The City)-A name New England fans will want to remember, Mitchell is heading to the Canterbury School next year where he will join fellow AAU teammate Brandon Aughburns.  Mitchell is a strong and explosive athlete who is currently wrapping up his career at Greenwich Country Day.  

Curtis Cobb (BABC)-Cobb hit shots from everywhere on the floor today for BABC and was a handy contributor in their championship run. The future Wilbraham & Monson guard showed today that he is really even yet to scratch the surface of what a dominant go-to scorer he can be in the coming years.

Darien Fernandez (BABC)-Getting a lot of minutes at the point for BABC today, Fernandez did a great job of managing BABC’s offense. He is a very built player physically, and had the opportunity to showcase his outside shot today via the City Rocks’ zone defense.

Denzel Gregg (Albany City Rocks)-Gregg was really impressive on the glass for City Rocks. An intuitive defensive player who has also made strides on the offensive end, Gregg will certainly reap the benefits of developing a “go-to” post move.

Damian Smith (BABC)-Smith is a versatile scorer with a variety of different dribble moves and head fakes. He proved this weekend that he can adapt his game to help a team win, which is certainly exciting as he leads a very talented returning cast at New Mission.

Shadell Millinghaus (Albany City Rocks)-Millinghaus is a big reason why City Rocks’ junior squad was able to stay close to BABC in the first half today. He’s a strong, overpowering athlete who had a few impressive finishes above the rim, but his most impressive trait as a player is that he is never afraid to throw his body around and be physical for the common good of his team.