Hoop Mountain - Day 2 Recap

by Adam Blake | Wednesday, July 1st, 2015

Day 2 of Elite Prospect Camp began with a strong thunderstorm that produced heavy rains, winds, and left puddles throughout the roger Williams campus on the walk to the gym. But that didn't stop over 120 campers from getting to the gym at 6:15AM to go through vigorous individual skills workouts with many of the college and prep school coaches.  

Game sets began with an intense battle between St. Andrew’s and a team from overseas with the Saints prevailing 46-45 in a very physical, back and forth contest. Jake Rudolph (6'2 , headed to Brewster Academy next year) knocked down a corner three point shot to give his team the lead 45-43 with just 8 seconds remaining, but Eric DAguanno knocked down a game winning three at the buzzer to win it. Other great performances in the game included:

Xavier Cooke (6'0 , Anglican Grammer School, Australia) a good combo guard who can really drive with great court vision and very fast with the ball in his hands getting up the court to make things happen.

Ludvig Saldh (6'8, Lulea Gymnasiekola, Sweeden) versatile hybrid player that can do it all. Is an assassin from behind the 3 point line and will take it to the basket strong. He was excellent today in defeat.

JJ Johnson (6'6, Spencer Port, Rochester, New York) long smooth lefty that can leap , is very quick off the dribble, and can get in the lane and finish as well as knock down the open shot.

Chad Decenzio (Pingree) a solid PG that can knock down the open shot and is a great player in the half court set. Always setting up his teammates in the right spot. Was under the radar but his name has rung out this spring.

Jake Rudolph (Brewster Academy) an athletic slasher who will hit clutch shots when needed. Likes to attack the basket and deflect passes on the defensive end.

Terrell Brown (6'10, St Andrews) Division 1 bound enormous shot blocker who is showing more confidence with the ball in his hands whether be on the block with his back to the basket or turning and facing. Terrell put on a few highlight reel thunderous dunks in the games.

Keyshaad Dixon (St Andrews) very athletic point guard that handles the ball extremely well and gets all his teammates involved. But can really attack the basket and break down defenders

Sam Jefferson (Newton North) a marksman shooter that can really fill it up from deep, but also plays an aggressive style of offense that leaves defenders on their heels, allowing him to get a lot of open looks.

Shortly afterward, another hard fought battle took place between BABC 16U team and the Worcester Academy squad. An extremely athletic game that attracted quite a grown, Caden Dumas drilled a three to lead BABC to the win over his high school teammates. The number one key to BABC victory was dynamic Point Guard Jakigh Dottin (6'2 , BABC / Cambridge Ridge & Latin) who controlled the tempo and played his usual dominant brand of basketball getting into the lane and up at the rim at will. Dottin has the ability to completely establish the pace and tempo of any game he plays in and has a habit of getting into the lane at will and then overpowering his defenders with his strength and court presence. Another rising star that helped lead BABC to victory was Justin Mazzulla (6'4 , BABC), a long versatile player that can dominate and be dynamic on the offensive end when he chooses to be.

Later in the day the Bay State Magic team avenged yesterday's close loss to BABC to beat them by 10 in an afternoon showdown. Carl Pierre (6'4 B.C High), Rodney Simon (Randolph), Christian Hon, (Randolph) Ryan Morrissey (Plymouth South) and Ben holding (Dartmouth) were all brilliant in leading their team to a convincing win over a superstar filled BABC 16U team.

A few other players that stood out on the day include:

Mikel Halloway (6'0, Match Charter Public High School)  smart crafty point guard with a great, under control handle, that is great in the open court spotting up his teammates or getting in the lane. Makes great decisions all game long.  

Billy Arseanult (5'9, Lynnfield) Only a rising freshman this point guard is beyond his years at knowing how to really play the position and beat guys off the dribble. Played a great game in defeat against BABC and competed against Dotton  

Patrick Lazor (6'6, Northwest Catholic , West Hartford CT) long , athletic , slashing hybrid player who has the natural ability to be great. Can shoot the 3, pull a mid-range jumper or get all the way to the rim. A quick first step and a release that's tough to defend.

Callum Connarcher (6'4, Leominster High School / Boston Warriors) an inside out versatile stretch 4 has a nose for the ball, piling up putback layups. But will also step outside to show his pure shooting abilities and become automatic from three. Can have games he becomes assassin like from 3

Avelino Damoura (6'2, Lexington Christian Academy / Boston Warriors ) long, athletic wing that excels with the ball in his hands. Great hesitation move getting to the rim quick and can finish in the lane. Will also knock down the open 3 and has a good mid range pull up game

Aaron Shulga (5'9, Brentwood College School) a lighting quick rising sophomore point guard that is instant offense with the ball in his hands. Hits a dazzling array of shots from all over the court and will go by you in the half court. Has tremendous ball handling.

Martin Mann (6'6, BABC 16U, Lawrence Academy) solid athletic post player that will rise up and block shots and also convert around the rim. Gives a great deal of help on the boards when he's in the game playing physical.

Zac Meyer (6'1, Advanced Math and Science Academy / Boston Warriors) . A straight line North , south combo guard slasher that is best finishing in transition and at his best when he's out in the open court deflecting passes turning them into fast break lay ups. Will also lock down the open 3.

Garret Stephenson (BABC, Suffield) a huge contributor off the bench for BABC 16U team. Comes in, pays physical and rises to any challenge. Whether that be defending, rebounding, using his size to disrupt shots, or utilize him in the screen and role. Excellent role player.

At the conclusion of today's final games; Two All - Star teams were selected, created and the game was held as a final event for Wednesday night.  

Kevin Marfo (Worcester academy),  Kyle Doucette (Williston Prep) , Terrell Williams (Bridgewater Raynham), Sammy Friday (St. Andrew's) and Terrell Brown ( St Andrews) stole the show in the All-Star game with their continuous NBA style dunks on breakaways and in the half court set. Terrell Williams (Bridgewater Raynham) shut the house down with a full reverse windmill dunk off the outlet pass. It was a close until the final minute until the blue team pulled away to win by 8.

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