Hoophall Classic – Weekend Recap

New England Recruiting Report | Sunday, January 19th, 2014

The Spalding Hoophall Classic is now in full swing with four national games set to be televised live on ESPNU on Monday.  Here’s a look back at some of the local action that has gone down over the course of the weekend:

Saturday - Putnam (MA) 77  Woodstock Academy (CT) 45

The top ranked team in the MIAA made yet another statement with a commanding win over one of the CIAC's best to start the day on Saturday.  Four different  players finished in double figures for Putnam led by sophomore forward Tyonne Malone who finished with 19 points on an efficient 9-17 shooting from the floor while showing his typically aggressive slashing game.  David Murrell was unmatched on the interior, powering his way to 15 points and a whopping 15 rebounds.  Ki-Shawn Monroe and Dizel Wright chipped in with 13 and 10 respectively while Adam Converse led the way for Woodstock with 14.   

Saturday - Albany Academy (NY) 75  Springfield Central (MA) 73

Springfield Central suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Albany
Academy, giving away a double digit lead in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter.  Matt Knezovic caught fire from behind the arc to lead the dramatic late game comeback while finishing with 16 points including four threes.  Chris Baldwin got off to a slow start for Springfield Central, gradually working himself into the flow after coming off the bench but then asserting himself in the second half to finish with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Zavia Wililams was particularly aggressive in the backcourt, finishing with 18 points.  

Sunday - Northfield Mount Hermon 80  Kimball Union Academy 51

NMH opened Sunday’s action with a very convincing win against one of Class AA’s favorites.  Jackson Donahue had a terrific all-around performance en route to team MVP honors.  He finished with 26 points while going 9-15 from the floor and 6-11 from behind the three-point line.  He also chipped in with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.  Josh Sharma came alive in the second after being limited by foul trouble in the first half, finishing with 13 points.  Aaron Falzon, Daquon Ervin, and A.J. Brodeur finished in double figures as well.  Abdul-Malik Abu was named KUA’s MVP after finishing with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks.  Duby Maduegbunam and Crew Ainge finished with 14 and 10 respectively.   

Sunday - Cushing Academy 93  Worcester Academy 83

A well played game by both sides saw a variety of impressive individual performers.  No one was better than Jalen Adams though as the junior guard had 32 points including some incredibly high level plays.  Matt Cimino matched his MVP honors for Worcester, dropping 22 points on 9-12 shooting from the floor to go alone with 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals.  Idris Taqqee had a terrific game for Cushing, finishing with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists while defending opposing big men and providing his typically steady hand on both ends of the floor.  Kaleb Joseph was equally steady with 17 points and 8 assists, doing a nice job of letting the game come to him, while freshman Kimani Lawrence had his best performance to date with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Worcester sophomore Saul Phiri also had his best showing to date, pouring in a team high 23 points including five three-pointers.  Jameilen Jones was also impressive for Worcester with 14 points and 4 rebounds.  

Sunday - Brewster Academy 91  Wilbraham & Monson 73

A deep and talented Brewster squad came out strong and eventually wore down Wilbraham & Monson.  Isaac Copeland turned in a starring performance for the Bobcats, finishing with a team high 27 points while showing the true versatility in his floor game to add eleven rebounds and a pair of blocks and assists.  Newcomer Jonah Bolden proved to be an ideal compliment, both stretching the defense with his three-point range as well as snatching a team high 12 rebounds.  Jarred Reuter was also efficient inside with 10 points on a perfect 5-5 from the floor.  Jared Terrell, Donovan Mitchell, and Devonte Graham all finished in double figures in the backcourt.  Max Hoeztel took MVP honors for Wilbraham after getting hot from behind the three-point line for 16 points while Curtis Cobb and Goodluck Okonoboh had 17 and 16 respectively.  Taylor Fortin also had an impressive performance, running the show well while providing toughness and some samples of his own individual offense.