Halloween Hoopfest - Event Recap

by Derek Malloy | Sunday, October 30th, 2011

Three of New England's elite AAU programs, The BABC, New England Playaz, and Rhode Island Hawks went into battle Saturday Night in the sixteen-and-under division at the Rhode Island Hawks Halloween Hoopfest. 

The face-off began with the Hawks and Playaz. The Hawks jumped out to an early 43-35 halftime lead, but failed to resist the Playaz second half charge, ultimately falling in the long run 67-66. 

Next up, the Playaz went on to face the BABC, entertaining on-looking fans with an up and down game that eventually saw BABC score a three point victory. 

The night was rounded out by BABC taking a 48-43 win over the Hawks by imposing their will on the defensive end of the floor.  

While all three games were competitive and hard-fought, the wins will only last for a week as all three squads are expected to be in action at next weekend's BABC Veterans Day Classic. 

Individual Performances

Jarred Reuter took the trip from Tabor to dominate the post in both games. Reuter took control of his wide frame to create space and rebound while avoiding the habit many young big men have for an unnecessary dribbling. Reuter  also displayed his strength, finishing with the foul on many plays, and even throwing down a two-hand slam, while even Surprising the defense on a few mid-range jumpers.

Henri Bolton was on fire the second he stepped on the court draining five trey balls in his first half of basketball. Bolton displayed his shooting skills with an array moves as he drained step-backs, fade aways, and shot the ball with ease off the dribble. Henry also demonstrated athletic blocks and defensive plays Saturday night.

Kealen Ives took on a big offensive role for the Hawks not only beating the back court defense, but flushing shots from all around the perimeter.

Curtis Cobb was not affected by the freezing temperatures as he seemingly sank every shot released. More importantly, he changed the game in both contests, hitting a deep and-one three on the Playaz, and throwing down a big fast break bang on the Hawks. 

Jonathan Joseph varied his temposes this weekend, speeding ahead to finish memorable fast-breaks, and then slowing it down to let Bobby Ahearn go to work on the block with post moves and strong finishes.  Ahern also aided the team's success by obviously snatching rebounds from his opponents.

In Other Divisions

Tom Hunt dominated the 17u division with two 30 plus games over the weekend, not just stroking shots from beyond the arc (including a fadeaway halftime buzzer beater just steps in front of halfcourt), but also getting into the lane and using his jump-stop to get defenders in the air and earn trips to the free-throw line.

Crew Ainge was the ultimate combo guard, filling up the stat sheet with both assists and points.  Ainge lit up the scoreboard with the three ball and also finished on the break by going right to the rim.