Hoop Mountain Fall Classic – Event Recap

New England Recruiting Report | Friday, September 25th, 2009

Despite the plethora of college showcases that have popped up over the years, New England’s oldest fall showcase still remains the best in terms of providing exposure. 

Nearly 100 college coaches were on hand Friday night at Mass Premier Courts as 180 hopeful college prospects attempted to show their best stuff. 

Here’s a look at who impressed:

Chris Sherwood, Brimmer & May (MA) – The high riser was perhaps the best overall prospect in the field and the showcase style of play was the perfect environment for him to show off his explosive playmaking ability on both ends of the floor. 

Kyle Kager, Deerfield Academy (MA) – The junior returns to New England for his second season and appears poised to break out with a long frame, consistent three-point range, and bouncy leaping ability around the rim. 

Phil Gaetano, Sheehan HS (CT) – He’s as steady of a pure point guard as you’ll find who continues to play his game, running the show and making those around him better.  Coaches are beginning to take notice as he had a few followers from the NE-10 on Friday night. 

Derek Retos, Brimmer & May (MA) – It was notable the first time he actually MISSED a three-pointer.  He simply left people shaking their heads with some of his deep bombs and was productive defensively as well getting deflections and being all over loose balls.

Connor Green, Bishop Guertin HS (NH) – People were surprised by his athleticism early in the night but by the end they came to expect an assortment of high rising plays, including a series of up and under finishes around the rim.  He also shot the ball well from three and mid-range. 

B.J. Cardarelli, East Catholic HS (CT) – The face-up four-man’s skill set and three-point range doesn’t surprise anyone anymore, but he was able to further distinguish himself tonight by running the floor, finishing in transition, and blocking shots around the rim. 

Jake Nelson, Nashua South HS (NH) – A powerful guard with a terrific motor, Nelson maximized each touch he got, showing good creativity with his dribble and passing as well as a consistent perimeter jumper. 

Others Who Caught Our Eye

•  Cane Broome, East Hartford HS (CT), was breaking ankles with his crossover dribble
•  Ryan Sheehan, Bishop Feehan HS (MA), separated himself with his shot making
•  Chris Velez, Hyde School (CT), was effective at both ends of the floor
•  Michael Neal, Marianapolis Prep (CT), has the frame & mobility to be a nice prospect
•  K.C. Hoff, Career Regional (CT), showed an improved first step off the dribble
•  Anthony Barry, Milford HS (MA), slashes well and finishes with tremendous athleticism
•  Zach Restifo, Kingswood Oxford (CT), played a brilliant floor game with good decisions, great passes, and a smooth 3pt stroke
•  Kadeem Thompson, Boston Trinity (MA), is extremely quick and was all over passing lanes defensively
•  Kayon Mayers, Boston Trinity (MA) was bouncing off the floor like it was a trampoline
•  Matt Barboza, Marianapolis Prep (CT), was smooth in the open floor and polished as always in the mid-range area
•  Jordan Lewis, Northwest Catholic (CT), was a pest defensively, picking up a ton of steals
•  John Henault, St. Bernard’s CCHS (MA), is a shooter who tonight showed he could get to the cup and finish
•  Aziz Dieng, Pomfret School (CT), showed his explosive athleticism and thrived in the open floor
•  Adam Rubin, Norwalk C.C. (CT), refused to let his man score and passed well offensively
•  Jose Cruz, Shrewsbury HS (MA), passed very well for a big, rebounded inside, and finished in transition with body control
•  Lamarte Williams, Kingswood Oxford (CT), got to the rim consistently, rebounded well, and finished inside
•  Alex Levine, Weston HS (MA), made a variety of post moves with his back to the basket and range to 15 feet
•  Eric Alleyne, Brimmer & May (MA), was dominant inside with his dribble penetration
•  Robinson Vilmont, Everett HS (MA), made a bunch of 3’s, got to the rim, and defended well
•  Cody Addison, Pingree HS (MA), is a point guard who can run the team or create his own shot
•  C.J. Moss, Taft School (CT), overpowered people en route to the rim while also proving his prowess at the point
•  Greg Nicol, Taft School (CT), does a variety of things well and make plays on both ends of the floor
•  Andrew Dowton, Milton Academy (MA), is tough as nails on both ends of the floor
•  Danny Majchrzak, East Lyme (CT), ran the game, controlling the tempo and making good decisions.