NPSI Day Two Recap

New England Recruiting Report | Friday, February 5th, 2010

There were some exciting finishes on Friday at the University of Rhode Island as hard fought games created opportunities for stars to rise to the occasion. 

NIA Prep (NJ) 73  Brewster Academy (NH) 72
In a rematch of the game from the National Prep Showcase, Brewster was looking to avenge their opening loss of the season.  Just like the first, this one went right down to the wire, in fact the very last possession, and with Brewster holding a two point lead in the game’s final seconds NIA had one last shot.  Unfortunately for Brewster, that shot dropped through the net as Kelvin Amayo found James Frazier for a game winning three-pointer.  C.J. Fair had his second productive game in as many days for Brewster as he continued to do his best damage in the paint scoring 21 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and blocking 4 shots.  Melvin Ejim and Maurice Walker were also productive with 14 points (6-7 FG) and 12 points (4-5 FG) respectively. 

Heat Academy (VA) 69  St. Thomas More (CT) 64
Brewster wasn’t the only local squad to suffer a disappointing loss early in the day on Friday as St. Thomas More fell to Heat Academy.  The Chancellors struggled to make shots all night long, converting only 24 of their 80 attempts from the field and 5 of 25 three point attempts.  The normally potent three guard line-up of Bryon Allen, Tre Bowman, and Dominique Langston still led the way in the scoring column with 16, 16, & 12 despite shooting a combined 15-45 from the field. 

Notre Dame Prep (MA) 88  Rise Academy (PA) 51
This  one was over in the first half as Notre Dame ran away with their second match-up of the tournament.  Prep got contributions across the board, including guys coming off the bench.  Marco Antoine Bourgault showed his shot making prowess from behind the three-point line, Antoine Myers his ability to create off the dribble and finish above the cup, Jonathan Grenier his high I.Q. and smooth jumper, and Andre Armstrong his all around game at both ends.  Connecticut native P.J. Santavenere was the loan bright spot for Rise, showing how much he has improved in the last season.  Santavenere ran the point for most of the game, showed off a strong physique and bouncy athleticism, and made shots from the arc. 

Westwind Prep (NV) 92  St. Andrew’s (RI) 83
Michael Carter-Williams put on a show in the first half, scoring 21 points before intermission.  He had it all going, smoothly stroking three-pointers, creating space for his mid-range pull-up, and even making some athletic drives and finishes to the rim.  After a back and forth first half Westwind would eventually pull away in the second but it wasn’t before Carter-Williams finished with a day high 36 points.  Youri Dascy also had a big outing for the Saints, matched up against seven footer Ted Wang.  Dascy went right at the big man, utilizing his power to establish seals and score with a nice variety of low post moves.  Aboubacar Casse also showed some signs with 9 points and 8 rebounds as he continues to develop at a steady rate. 

St. Mark’s (MA) 80  Winchendon (MA) 78
St. Mark’s was able to control the tempo of the game and keep themselves within striking distance late and that was all Nate Lubick needed as he capped a terrific performance with a buzzer beating 18 footer to win the game for his team.  Lubick and Alex Murphy both finished with 27 points, forming a potent 1-2 punch for the entire game.  The Georgetown bound senior anchored the team for most of the first half, finishing with 15 points on a series of post ups, mid-range jumpers, and face-up drives.  But it was the sophomore who put the team on his back down the stretch as Murphy scored 20 second half points and took the game over in the final few minutes.  He was doing a little bit of everything – getting to the rim in the open floor, spinning to the cup in the half-court, finishing with both hands, and draining threes behind ball-screens.  Melsahn Basabe never really got going offensively but was dominant on the glass with 15 boards and 3 blocks.  Peter Kazickas made a nice contribution off the bench while sophomore Eric Green showed some maturity beyond his years running the team.  Eric Ferguson and Anthony Ireland led the way for Winchendon with 17 a piece.  Ireland made what appeared to be a go ahead three with just under two minutes remaining while Devon Saddler also shined for Winchendon with 13 points on 5-7 shooting, 3 assists vs. 0 turnovers, and 4 steals.  

Humble Christian Life (TX) 74  Worcester Academy (MA) 65
Humble Life opened up a 20+ lead midway through the second and appeared on their way to a blowout victory but Worcester Academy simply wouldn’t give in.  After struggling some in the first half, Billy Baron led the late fight finishing with 30 points  on the evening.  Christophe Varidel shot the leather off the ball early, drilling a trio of three-pointers in the opening five minutes and finishing with five on the night for 17 points.  After Adam Smith-Butts added 7 points, no other member of Worcester’s roster scored more than 3 points as they were clearly a little fatigued by having to play three games in three days. 

Bridgton Academy (ME) 75  Canarias Basketball Academy (Canarias Islands) 58
Bridgton Academy put together a very solid performance to eventually pull away from a talented team from the Canarias Islands.  Alex Harris continued his hot shooting from the three-point line, drilling six threes while also showing his athleticism and ability to attack for 28 points on 10-16 shooting.  Chance Jones made several big shots of his own, including four three-pointers, as the duo busted open the CBA zone.  While Harris and Jones were the notable contributors in the scoring column guys like Derek Mayo, Justin Miller, Ruben Kanya, and TeAndre Hubbard all performed their roles admirably. 

Quote of the Day
“If you foul again you’re not having dinner.  It’s that simple.”
- Notre Dame head coach Ryan Hurd to his five players on the floor in the final moments of their blow out win over Rise Academy.