Hoop Mountain Prep Classic – Sunday Recap

New England Recruiting Report | Sunday, December 4th, 2011

The Hoop Mountain Prep Classic saved their best for last, both in terms of talent and excitement, as a loaded field led to an impressive turnout of college coaches.  Connecticut’s Jim Calhoun, Providence’s Ed Cooley, Boston College’s Steve Donahue, and Iowa State’s Fred Hoiberg headlined the head coaches in attendance while assistants were also on hand from Florida, Georgetown, Oklahoma, and DePaul among others.  Fan also came out in high volume, especially for the highly anticipated South Kent/Tilton contest, which made it standing room only by mid-day on Sunday.
 
Satellite Academy (NY) 47  REDA (CN) 39

The morning tipped off in an entertaining clash between two distinct styles.  Satellite looked to push the tempo with a stable of long athletes while REDA was hoping to utilize the continuity of their offensive structure to work the tempo to their advantage.  Ultimately, Satellite won out, utilizing their zone defense to frustrate REDA on the offensive end.  The backcourt tandem of Abdel Peguero and Stanley Cepedes led the way for the victors, with Larry Beckett controlling the paint area.  Shaquile Kieth was the standout for REDA, while Connor Wood provided a spark of his own from behind the three-point line. 

Vermont Academy (VT) 78  Mont Clare (PA) 72

Vermont put the final punctuation mark on their weekend by knocking off a very dangerous Mont Clare team.  While Dominic Woodson and Jamel Artis led the way for the Wildcats on Saturday, the guards headlined Sunday’s performance.  Trey Davis led the way with 21 points while Daquein McNeil took over down the stretch, bursting through the defense for 8 of his 17 points in the final two minutes, and picking up a scholarship offer from Oklahoma before the day was done.  Troy Davine was the unsung hero for Vermont, and one of the biggest stock risers of the day, as he provided tremendous toughness and intangibles, winning every loose ball and getting his team constant extra possessions. 

Nia Prep (NJ) 67  Winchendon (MA) 63

Nia set the tone early, jumping on Winchendon and building up a 15 point lead midway through the first half.  But true to form, the Big Green wouldn’t go away without a fight, and came storming back in the second half, utilizing their full court defensive pressure to create turnovers and transition offense opportunities.  Ultimately, Winchendon’s comeback was cut short only by the expiring clock as Nia was able to escape with a four point win.  Nia’s sparkplug guard Darrell Lucky led the victors with 24 points while Tevin Falzon paced Winchendon with an impressive 15. 

South Kent (CT) 73  Tilton (NH) 63

The headline match-up of the day was an emotional battle between two incredibly talented teams.  Tilton took an early lead and was able to keep the slim advantage throughout most of the first half.  Everything changed around the five minute mark when Ricardo Ledo erupted for 19 consecutive points, showing his full complement of offensive skills.  Not coincidentally, South Kent took their first lead of the game and pushed it up to 15 points heading into halftime.  Wayne Selden led the Tilton comeback attempt in the second, beasting people in the open floor and knocking down open three-pointers to finish with 34 points.  It was too little too late however as South Kent would advance with an impressive victory. 

Bridgton Academy (ME) 88  Marianapolis Prep (CT) 78

The Wolverines showed their character, rebounding from a disappointing Saturday night loss to comeback and knock Marianapolis off on their home court.  Darrick Wood exploded for his second consecutive big performance, going for 25 points on a series of athletic finishes and high rising pull-ups.  Fellow St. John’s signee Amir Garrett went for 22 points in a supporting role, displaying a high wire act of his own.  Marianapolis had four players in double figures led by Nigel Sydnor with 21 and Kachi Nzerem with 17.  Kristian Medina chipped in with 13 while Greg Senat had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

Cushing Academy (MA) 55  Salisbury School (CT) 42

In a hard fought battle between two highly talented young teams, Cushing gradually pulled away from Salisbury in the second half.  The Penguins owned the advantage on the interior as their tandem of Andrew Chrabascz and Tyler McFarland battled inside and out to finish with 15 and 12 points respectively.  Salisbury got steady production out of their backcourt as Ryan Frazier finished with a team high 13 points while also distributing the ball well.  Meanwhile Brandon Hedley provided a spark with his shot making from behind the three-point line. 

Worcester Academy (MA) 77  IMG Academy (FL) 37

The nightcap was a one-sided contest that saw Worcester Academy run all over IMG Academy.  Rene Castro led the way on the offensive end, scoring 12 of his team high 18 points in the first half, while also contributing 7 assists and 3 steals.  Junior point guard Ausar Madison stuffed all columns of the stat sheet with 6 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals while Andrew Scocca led the way on the interior with 11 points and 8 rebounds.