Academic Elite 75 - New 2016 Prospects

New England Recruiting Report | Wednesday, March 18th, 2015

There were a variety of prospects that played their way into the NERR database – a status designated only for those that the NERR staff has personally evaluated and considers to be future college players.

Here’s a rundown of those new to the database:

Patrick Gallagher, Williston Northampton – Gallagher missed a good deal of his junior season but looks like a valuable piece moving forward for the Class A champs. He’s a match-up problem with his length, deceptively low cross-over and high release to score over top of defenders.

Jack OConnor, St. George’s – A 6-foot-5 wing whose lengthy and still undeveloped frame reminded some of Duncan Robinson, O’Connor has good size, length, versatility and budding skill to make him intriguing to a variety of NESCAC schools.

Josh Bradanese, Billerica Memorial – A big bodied forward with a versatile skill set and pretty good feet, Bradanese proved himself a definite college player. He’s a match-up nightmare who can both shoot the three or put the ball on the floor depending on how the defense is playing him.

Cooper Williams, Kimball Union Academy - The KUA product has a very smooth stroke that he gets off extremely quickly which makes it hard for defenders to contest. With his shooting ability he was also able to get some great driving lanes and make some good kicks to teammates.  

Jack Lesure, Lake Region - The southpaw has a solid build and was willing to put his body on the line, taking several charges during the day but also driving through contact and battling in the paint. He scored on the offensive glass and off the dribble alike.

Ben Holding, Dartmouth High School - Holding really crashed the glass hard both offensively and defensively. With his rebounding he was able to get put-backs, supplementing a very polished post game.

Ronan Schwarz, Brookline – A perimeter player with good size and length, Schwarz first captured attention showing his high I.Q. and ability to play off the ball in the breakdown drills and followed that up with some strong drives to the rim later in the day.

Will Brady, Ridgefield – An All-FCIAC selection for Ridgefield during his junior season, Brady showed off a knock-down three-point stroke and strong intellect for the game en route to being listed in the NERR database.

Donavon Lighty, New Britain – Another All-Conference selection in the Nutmeg state, this time in the CCC, Lightly matched a school record this season with nine three-pointers in a single game and showed that same ability to make shots in bunches here.

Jason Bird, Tabor Academy – A 6-foot-3 swingman who has noticeably improved within the last year, Bird is smooth with a good feel for the game. He also earned praise for being a good teammate and having a high energy level.

Geras Artis, Metropolitan Learning Center – A well-built guard who can handle the ball and play the point but has the physical strength and skill set to allow him the versatility to play all three perimeter positions.

Michael Stamas, Cushing Academy – Known for his ability to run the show from the point, Stamas seized this opportunity to prove his scoring prowess from off the ball as well, not just hitting threes but also making impressive drives from the wing.