Prep Championship Tips Tuesday

New England Recruiting Report | Monday, March 5th, 2012

The sixth annual National Prep Championship will tip off on Tuesday afternoon with the nation’s premiere post-graduate programs competing for the undisputed national championship.  Here’s a look at what to expect:

2pm: Notre Dame Prep vs. St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More came within one possession of taking the NEPSAC AAA crown on Sunday, and less than 48 hours later they’ll return to the court looking to defend last year’s national championship.  While the Chancellors don’t feature a single player who was present from last year’s club, head coach Jere Quinn always seems to have his team ready to go for the national championships, and will be looking for his third straight trip to the Final Four.  As for Notre Dame, Ryan Hurd’s club has one of the most explosive backcourts in the country with Myles Davis, Sam Cassell Jr., and Adonis Filer, surrounding international sensation Steven Adams in the middle. 

Top uncommitted prospects: Cassell Jr., ND; Nehemias Morillo, ND; Matt Atewe (2013), ND; Torin Childs-Harris, STM; Rodney Sanders, STM; Ky Howard, STM; A.J. English, STM; and Denzell Greg, STM (2013).

4pm: Brewster Academy vs. Massanutten Military Academy

Brewster Academy saw their undefeated season come to an end in last week’s NEPSAC semifinals and will presumably be looking to exact some revenge this week.  That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the field as head coach Jason Smith has a multitude of weapons at his disposal including the likes of Mitch McGary, T.J. Warren, Jakarr Sampson, Aaron Thomas, Semaj Christon, and many others.  Massanutten Military Academy will be making their debut performance in the National Prep Championship as first year head coach Chad Myers already has the program operating at unprecedented levels.    

Top uncommitted prospects: Sampson, BA; Joe Bramanti, BA; John Edwards, BA (2013); Terry Brutus, MMA; Bryan Harris, MMA; Corban Collins, MMA (2013); and Dwayne Foreman, MMA (2013). 

6pm: Tilton School vs. New Hampton School

Tilton got bit by the injury bug at just the wrong time and have been without Wayne Selden for the last few weeks.  Even without the sensational sophomore, the Rams are still capable of beating anyone in the country thanks to the interior tandem of Nerlens Noel and Georges Niang.  Depth and balance will be key to their chances as they look to match up with a talented New Hampton squad during the 40 minute game.  Keep an eye out for the Huskies’ Zach Auguste as the Notre Dame bound forward has been on a tear over the final month of the season. 

Top uncommitted prospects: Noel, TS; Goodluck Okonoboh, TS; John Witkowski, TS (2015); Lew Evans, NHS; Evan Manning, NHS; Aaron Hendricks, NHS; Noah Vonleh, NHS (2014); Jared Terrell, NHS (2014); Mike Auger , NHS (2014); and Jeremy Miller, NHS (2015).

8pm: Hargrave Military Academy vs. Northfield Mount Hermon

The most intriguing first round match-up will be saved for the nightcap as the nation’s last remaining undefeated team, Hargrave Military Academy, meets the recently crowned NEPSAC AAA champions, St. Thomas More.  Hargrave is coming off two convincing wins at First Piedmont Invitational while Northfield Mount Hermon knocked off Bridgton, Brewster, and St. Thomas More en route to the program’s first New England championship.  Something has got to give when these two programs lock up on Tuesday night. 

Top uncommitted prospects: Ryan Oliver, NMH; Spike Albrecht, NMH; Lucas Van Nes, NMH; Anthony Dallier, NMH (2013); Sam Donahue, NMH (2013); Skyler White, NMH (2013); Pete Miller, NMH (2013); Ryan Taylor, HMA; Corey Heyward, HMA; Charles Haigler, HMA; Ambrose Mosley, HMA.

Following Tuesday’s quarterfinal action, the National Prep Championship will resume with semifinal action on Wednesday beginning at 11.am.  The championship game will be played later that night with a scheduled 7:30p.m. tip.