Eastern Invitational Session I – Event Recap

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

With little more then a week remaining before the beginning of the summer evaluation period, some players are trying to get a jump on the competition by attending an exposure camp this week.  The Hoop Group’s Eastern Invitational, which ran Monday thru Thursday at Connecticut College this week, is one of those camps. 

When checking out the action earlier today it was clear that this was a week for underclassmen to stand out.  The camp finals were the perfect example of that as one team was led by 6’6 rising junior Adrian Satchell from Windsor High School in Connecticut, while the opposing team was paced by the inside out duo of 5’8 rising junior Mike Accaoui from St. Andrew’s and 6’6 rising junior Kyon Watkins from Everett HS. 

All three players had big weeks and were consequently easy selections for the camp’s all-star team, but it was Satchell who stepped up his game for the finals.  The versatile forward surprised his defenders with a number of explosive drives to his left side while also showing improved consistency with his three-point shot.  He capped off the performance with a tip in dunk with under one minute to play in the game that solidified his team’s championship.  After turning in such a dominant final game, Satchell was named the Most Valuable Player in the NBA division. 

If Satchell was the week’s MVP, then Mike Accaoui wasn’t far behind.  Not only did he set the mark for most points in a single game with 40, but he also used this week’s camp to show just how much he has improved in the last 8 months.  Accaoui is now showing off a bigger and stronger physique, lethal range and a quick release on his three-point shot, and a variety of crafty moves inside the lane that allow him to score in traffic despite his size.  His improved game has also given him the confidence to be more assertive, something that will clearly benefit his St. Andrew’s team next season.  

Accaoui’s teammate this week, Kyon Watkins, also showed himself to be a player with a good deal of ability.  The rising junior showed some impressive footwork facing the basket and attacking off the rim, while also doing a great job on the glass. 

Another underclassmen who did well for himself was Greg DeSantis, a 5’10 rising junior point guard from Notre Dame High School in Fairfield.  DeSantis showed his high skill level throughout the week and also picked up the “Mr. Stations” award. 

While underclassmen did steal the show this week, the seniors wouldn’t be completely outdone.  7’0 center John Hegarty provided the story of the camp when he shattered a backboard when dunking the ball earlier in the wekk.  This is said to be the second backboard that has fallen victim to Hegarty’s power over the years.  6’6 forward Quantel was also impressive.  The senior from Westhill High School is an extremely athletic player who had some highlight finishes of his own on Thursday.  6’0 shooting guard Chris Petzy from Exeter High School in New Hampshire impressed those coaches in attendance with his three-point stroke and high basketball I.Q. 

The following players were named to the all-star team following the conclusion of camp: 
Quantel Brown, 6’6, Senior, F, Westhill High School (CT)
Chris Petzy, 6’0, Senior, SG, Exeter High School (NH)
Anthony Bonelli, 6’2, Junior, F, Wethersfield High School (CT)
Mike Accaoui, 5’8, Junior, G, St. Andrew’s (RI)
Kyon Watkins, 6’6, Junior, PF, Everett High School (MA)
Adrian Satchell, 6’5, Junior, F, Windsor High School (CT)
Ethan Waite, 5’8, Junior, PG, East Hartford High School (CT)
Allair Surin, 6’1, Senior, G, North Cambridge Catholic (MA)
Nathan Betts, 5’11, Senior, G, Camridge Rindge & Latin (MA)
Jeff Pitkin, 6’1, Junior, G/F, Glastonbury High School (CT)
Chris Jean-Baptiste, 5’10, Post-Grad, PG, Cambridge Rindge & Latin (MA)
Chris Phanord, 6’4, Senior, F, Cambridge Rindge & Latin (MA)
Ryan Delaire, 6’4, Sophomore, G, Windsor High School (CT)
Greg DeSantis, 5’10, Junior, G, Notre Dame HS (CT)