Holy Cross Elite Camp - Event Recap

By Chris Bradley | Saturday, June 29th, 2013

Holy Cross Elite Camp - Event Recap

This weekend, Holy Cross hosted their elite camp at the Hart Center in Worcester. The event was headlined by some of the top young prospects in New England. In between high energy scrimmages, players in attendance were drilled and schooled on offensive skills, ball handling, defense, and important intangibles. Of the 80 or so players in attendance, here were the top players who stood out in the Saturday session.

Top Performers

Josh Sharma, Northfield Mount-Hermon (2015) – Sharma continues to show flashes of brilliance that are gradually translating into consistent production. He was a constant presence around the rim, especially with his rebounding and ability to alter shots. Given his long 7-foot frame and willingness to run the floor, he continues to show that he is a prospect with a high ceiling.

Christian Vital, Vermont Academy (2016) – The breakout performer of the event, Vital showed to have a motor that never stops running. He hit shots from well beyond the three-point line, but also showed he has no problem scoring around the rim off the dribble. A rare talent in that he works harder on defense than he does on offense.

A.J. Brodeur, Northfield Mount-Hermon (2016) – Brodeur has added a significant amount of upper body strength in recent months, enabling him to rebound at a high rate and back defenders down on the post. His mid-range jumper was automatic, making him a very tough matchup for most of the other big men at the camp.

Colin Richey, Choate (2014) – Richey dominated the night session in what was one of the most impressive performances of the day. He plays the pick-and-roll like a veteran, can hit the open jump shot, and is a great communicator on both ends of the floor. He may have been the most consistent scorer in a gym full of future Division 1 players.

David Watkins, Catholic Memorial (2015) – Watkins has improved as much as any player in the MIAA since the end of the winter season. Once a prospect with a lot of talent but inconsistent production, he has blossomed into an aggressive scorer and reliable rebounder. At 6’6 and a noticeable comfort with playing out on the wing, he’s a prospect to keep close eyes on.

Andrew Simpson, Brimmer and May (2015) – An bouncy athlete who can score in a variety of ways, Simpson has become a true inside-out scorer given the development of his outside jump-shot in recent months. He’s big and strong, and when he gets the ball on the break he’s very difficult to stop. A potential stock-riser once he can prove to be a more consistent threat from three, also a scrappy on-ball defender.

Others who impressed:

Nick Brooks, Rutgers Prep (2015) – Always seems to be in the right place at the right time. At 5’11 with great court vision, he probably projects as a point guard—but yet is a kid who was one of the best defensive rebounders at camp. An athletic shot-maker.

Miles Wright, Tabor Academy (2014) – A true wing player who is at his best with the ball in the open floor. He’s very strong for a 6’4 guard, and is another kid who could be a potential stock-riser if he can prove in July that he can knock down the outside jumper on a consistent basis. Also a Division 1 talent at quarterback.

Ben Judson, St. John’s Prep (2015) – Judson moves well without the ball, picks his spots from outside, and rarely misses. He has ideal size, at 6’5, for a two-guard at the next level. Has gotten noticeably better at defending his position in recent months.

Patrick Benzan, Roxbury Latin (2014) – The recent Holy Cross-commit showed to have the ability to make shots and create for others off the dribble. An excellent decision-maker, he thrives in a half-court situation where he can dictate the offense.

Kyle Howes, Lawrence Academy (2014) – A built, athletic player who projects to be a viable option as a combo guard at the next level. He can run an offense, but has no problem sliding over and being productive while playing off the ball too.

Kevin Durkin, Wachusett (2015) – At 6’8, Durkin is still very raw and clearly growing into his body. He has an aggression on the glass though, and has a clear understanding of box-out technique and low post defense. Will be tough to stop once he develops a go-to low post move.

Jesse Bunting, Tabor Academy (2015) – Bunting showed off his athleticism on several occasions, putting down several big dunks and finishing some tough shots inside. He’s an aggressive player who isn’t bothered by contact—a nice trait for him to build off of going forward.