Be a Baller not a Bully - Event Recap

Zack Sandberg | Wednesday, July 31st, 2019

Waterbury native Ta'Quan Zimmerman ran his second annual "Be a Baller, not a Bully" camp this week at Wilby High School with over 190 boys and girls in attendance. 

The morning session is filled with skills and drills while the afternoon consists of "run and shoot games" but the anti-bullying theme is a constant over the course of the week with various speakers scheduled to attend. 

NERR's Zack Sandberg and Mike DiMartino were in attendance earlier this week. Here's a look at who caught their eye:

Mac Etienne, Suffield Academy - The 6-foot-10 big man was the best prospect in attendance and has improved significantly over the course of the last year. Bouncy and hard-working, he's physically dominant inside and doesn't take plays off. He also showed signs of an expanding skill-set with range that is beginning to extend to the three-point line. 

Mikey West, Lee Academy - A skilled guard with great handle and court awareness, the Connecticut native is set to return to Lee Academy this year. He's a deep shooter with a quick release and crafty finisher. West was also vocal on the defensive end of the floor. He was hot throughout the day on Monday, knocking down shot after shot and showing off his ball-handling. 

Avery Brown, Northfield Mount Hermon - A long and athletic guard who is reclassifying to 2022, Brown has improved both his shot-making and decision-making in the last year. He was definitely knocking down shots with more frequency this week while showing his normal playmaking ability. 

Aidan Derrick, Southington - A 6-foot-5 rising junior with a good frame, Derrick is productive because he plays hard and is physical. He knows how to use his body, defends, rebounds, and hustles on both ends of the floor. 

Will Barton, St. Paul's - Another rising junior, Barton is a shot-maker who knows how to play. He plays within the flow and doesn't force anything, moves without the ball, and knocks down shots off both the catch and the dribble. 

Justin Davis, Crosby - Davis has a big reputation in his home city but is just starting to make a name for himself beyond Waterbody. He's a strong lead guard and heady playmaker who thrives in transition, has a good pull-up game, and is also a strong defender. 

Caleb Sampson, Sacred Heart - A strong-bodied combo-guard, Sampson likes to play fast in transition but also knows how to play. He's a productive shooter despite an unorthodox release.