Middlesex Magic Classic Finalists at u16 Nationals

New England Recruiting Report | Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

One noticeable omission from last weeks’ coverage of AAU’s 16-and-under National Championships was the Middlesex Magic.  The Magic were one of three teams in their pool to finish 1-2 and were sent to the classic bracket because of the tiebreaker rules. 

But that’s where their terrific run began. 

The Magic would win their next five games and go on to the finals of the classic bracket, finishing the tournament with an overall record of 5-3. 

Pat Connaughton led the way throughout the tournament, averaging 25 points per game, and establishing himself as a prospect to be watched in New England’s class of 2011. 

“You can’t believe this kid’s will to win,” said Middlesex Magic Director Michael Crotty.  “There were some games where he just wouldn’t let us lose.” 

The Magic’s most impressive win of the week might have come against Alabama Challenge, a Nike sponsored team who the Magic defeat by 2 in pool play. 

Connaughton didn’t enter the game until the second quarter and subsequently went on to score 17 points before halftime.  He finished the game with 31 points and 15 rebounds. 

The University of Alabama’s newly appointed head coach Anthony Grant was in the stands to get a look at prospects from his school’s home state, but Connaughton’s performance was enough for him to even take notice. 

Connaughton scored the majority of his points with his dribble drive game, but also knocked down his fair share of three-pointers while using his length and athleticism to finish plays around the rim. 

Another played who received some division I interest was big man Patrick Ackerman who finished consistently around the rim, averaged double digit rebounds, and controlled the game on the defensive end.  

“He was a great anchor for our defense,” said Magic head coach Mike Crotty Jr.  “He blocked shots, altered shots, and deterred people from trying to get into the lane.” 

“Those two guys were certainly at the core of our run,” Crotty Jr. said of the Connaughton/Ackerman duo. 

Also playing well for Middlesex Magic were: 6’6” big man Eric Olson (Lincoln Sudbury) who showed a good skill set from 15 feet and made solid defensive contributions; Max Masucci (Hopkinton) who shot the ball very well from behind the three-point line including a game winner against Houston Hoops; and Avi Alder-Cohen (Newton North) who showed great toughness and leadership distributing the ball and running the team.