Hoxter, Fernandez Lead Charlestown

by Christian Bradley | Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Two of the top teams in the MIAA, Charlestown and Central Catholic, faced off on Thursday night at Reading High School for the Division 1 North semifinals. With a berth in the Division 1 North final on the line, the Townies and Raiders battled it out in one of the most highly-contested games of this year’s MIAA tournament; here are the stars that impressed last night:

Charlestown: 54

Tyrese Hoxter, junior-The best player and most promising college prospect on the floor, Hoxter certainly did not disappoint in one of Charlestown’s biggest games of the year. Between his breakaway dunk, rebounding, and finishing ability at the rim, Hoxter very clearly showed his star power. He’s as good as any guard in the state, and if he can continue his reliable play on the offensive end of the floor, Charlestown will continue to advance further and further in this year’s tournament.

Rony Fernandez, senior-Whether it was his ability to finish going to the rim with either hand, or his strong outside shooting, Fernandez set the tone offensively in a game that was won in transition by the Townies. Fernandez got his teammates involved, but also made an effort to look for his own shot on his way to 12 points, including a three-pointer from NBA range to put Charlestown in the lead and give them some momentum going into the second quarter.

Taris Wilson, sophomore-Wilson has a smooth, polished stroke for a sophomore and is an exceptional athlete. As everybody in attendance expected, Central Catholic made a run in the second half after trailing the majority of the first. Wilson came in off the bench and helped extinguish any run that Central may have had left in them. His timing on the offensive glass is tremendous, as is his craftiness with the ball in his hands, making him a very exciting prospect for the future.

Tyrik Jackson, senior-His team needed him in this one, especially going up against one of the top bigs in eastern Mass. in Cambio, and Jackson answered the call. Jackson has a very complete skillset for a big man, showing last night that he can step out to 17 feet and knock down a jumper, but also bang down low in the post for rebounds, baby hook shots, and blocked shots on the defensive end.

Central Catholic: 47

Tyler Nelson, sophomore-Everything Nelson does on the court is smooth, effortless, and instinctual. He is an extremely strong ball-handler with both hands, and has that “in the gym” range that gives opposing coaches grey hair. Charlestown was clearly keying on him defensively, refusing to let his outside shooting be the reason the Townies don’t advance to the D1 North finals and beyond. He at several points this year did his part in carrying Central’s offensive load, and as he continues to get bigger and stronger going into next year, he can be expected to become one of the MIAA’s very best at the guard position.

Nick Cambio, sophomore-Another sophomore for CC with so much talent and promise, Cambio showed tonight just how special he can be the next two years because of his ability to score from anywhere on the floor. He’s a strong forward with solid post moves who is never afraid to throw his body around down low, yet he has no problem stepping out and shooting the three-pointer with his quick trigger. He certainly played up to par tonight with the Jackson, the senior, and that alone is a very exciting performance to go off of going into next year.

Joel Barroa, junior-Barroa is a strong and quick slasher whose recruiting stock will only rise as he continues to develop his offensive game. Barroa is a solid defensive player who will rebound at a consistent rate, and his progress this off-season should be closely tracked by local scouts and college coaches.

With the win, Charlestown will take on Lexington, who upset Acton-Boxboro last night, on Saturday evening at 6pm for the Division 1 North title game at UMass-Lowell's Tsongas Center.

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