Hoop Mountain Prep Classic – Day 3 Recap

New England Recruiting Report | Sunday, December 6th, 2009

The Hoop Mountain Prep Classic saved the best for last as Sunday was once again the highlight of the three day event.  With several college coaches looking on (including assistants from UConn, Providence, and Alabama) a number of New England’s top teams and individual players were in action.  Here is a game by game recap of the action. 

Satellite Academy 44 REDA 42

The day’s action tipped off with two out of area programs matching up in a highly competitive game.  Balance proved to be the key for Satellite as seven players scored without anyone finishing in double figures.  REDA was once again led by Jahends Manigat who had his third consecutive strong game of the weekend. 

Ocean Academy 58 Wilbraham & Monson 48

In a game that was far closer then the final score indicates, the lead went back and forth throughout much of the first 32 minutes.  Ocean opened a small lead at around the two minute mark and held on down the stretch.  Chris Williams continues to play well for Wilbraham, scoring 12 points on a series of athletic drives and pull-ups.  Eric Dortch added 11 while showing great hands defensively and an ability to finish around the basket with power and body control. 

Marianapolis Prep 70 Suffield Academy 55

Gedas Bertasius had a huge game scoring 28 points in a variety of different ways.  He was crafty creating his own shot in the lane, draining open three-pointers, and attacking off the dribble.  Matt Barboza was also impressive creating space in the mid-range area and launching his high arching three ball to the tune of 22 points while Ike Azotam added a double-double of 11 and 13.  Suffield’s three-headed perimeter monster of Xavier Pollard, Allen Harris, and Nate Vernon finished with 18, 15, and 15 respectively. 

Cushing 73 Brimmer & May 57

Cushing got contributions from various sources as four players scored in double figures and others got their finger prints on the victory.  Domonique Bull led the way with 17 while Rob Hollomon had 15, Egi Gjikondi 13, and James Kennedy 11.  Hollomon’s contributions are especially noteworthy given that the football star was considered the team’s x factor heading into the season.  Derek Retos was tremendous for Brimmer & May connecting on seven three-pointers for 27 points including a barrage of deep bombs. 

St. Andrew’s 64 Trinity Pawling 56

St. Andrew’s scored a good win over a disciplined and well coached TP team.  Ricardo Ledo showed flashes of his endless potential with deep jumpers, athletics drives and finishes, and even a few fantastic passes.  Michael Laplante also played a nice game, making a variety of highlight plays above the rim while showing an improved shooting stroke and handing out a couple of beautiful passes of his own.  Eric Sherman was the unsung hero, doing the dirty work on the interior and making himself a factor in transition. 

Lawrence Academy 69 IMG Prep 47

Denzel Brito, Shabazz Napier, and Marcus Grant proved too devastating a perimeter trio for IMG to handle as they scored 19, 16, and 16 respectively to lead Lawrence to a convincing win.  Brito got going early with his slashing game and then knocked down a couple of jumpers in the second while Napier hit a few of his patented deep threes as well.  Not to be outdone, Grant also buried his southpaw three-point stroke on a few different occasions while also leading the way defensively.  Dan Giovacchini was productive in a supportive role, spacing the floor with his three-point shooting and defending well. 

Sunday Superlatives

Dunk(s) of the Day – Mike Laplante, St. Andrew’s:  LaPlante hammered home back to back highlight reel finishes for St. Andrew’s.  The first came when crashing the offensive glass as he flew in from the weak side, caught the ball above the rim with two hands, and threw it back down with one.  Less then a minute later Laplante was the recipient of a great back-screen and perfectly placed alley-oop pass from Myles Brilhante as he cracked one down on the defender’s head.  

Play Call of the Day – “Photosynthesis”:  A St. Andrew’s out of bounds play.  Best named play around period!

Best Gear – Lawrence Academy & Wilbraham and Munson:  Had to love the Jordan brand gear that Lawrence was sporting but Wilbraham scores points for the throwback with the converse weapon team shoes.  St. Andrew’s head coach Mike Hart was the winner on the sidelines as his red and white striped jacket showed his true colors.