#S16 Varsity Division All-Tournament Team

New England Recruiting Report | Wednesday, May 27th, 2015

Split into two divisions (American and National), the Varsity Division drew crowds of college coaches throughout the weekend.  The most impressive feat of this field proved to be the depth that was featured among the teams; along with the well-known names, many other players showcased what they have to offer both for their next high school season, and at the next level.

In the American Division, Mass Rivals and NY Rens split the title.  Both teams received a bye in the first round.  Rivals cruised through their quarterfinal and semifinal matchup, while the Rens were able to defeat a well-coached and gritty Middlesex Magic team in the semifinals by 4 in what may have been the game of the day.  

In the National Division, CT Elite took down both BABC South and Redemption Christian by 12 points each in the semifinals and finals, respectively, to claim the title.  They were led by a balanced attack and were able to neutralize the athleticism of both of their opponents.

All-S16 1st Team:

Rawle Alkins, NY Rens- Rawle drew big attention a month ago at the Northeast Hoops Festival, and that momentum continued this weekend.  Alkins, who already owns a college ready physique, was throwing down highlight dunks, hitting 3 pointers, getting into the lane, and making great reads and passes. Alkins’ recruitment has blown up, with his most recent offer coming from Kentucky.  
 
Devonte Green, NY Rens- Green was spectacular all weekend, getting to the rim with his athleticism.  However, his jump-shot proved to be his most lethal weapon, drilling four 3-pointers in the second half of the semis against Middlesex Magic to cement his squad's spot in the championship game.
 
Wabissa Bede, Rivals- Bede led Rivals this weekend in the absence of backcourt mate Makai Ashton-Langford. Physically, he has added noticeable muscle to his lengthy frame since the high school season concluded.  His ability to create off the dribble and make great passes to slashing bigs was spectacular all weekend, not to mention his ability to finish through contact.

Saul Phiri, Rivals- His earned a reputation as a shot-maker because of his ability to make threes in bunches, but this weekend he has his full versatility on display as he not only made shots but also created his own offense off the dribble and even showed off his deceptive athleticism with a tip-dunk late in the day on Saturday.

E.J. Crawford, USAD- Crawford was a monster all weekend long, putting up huge numbers. He can score from all 3 levels, and is great in the post where he uses his big body versus smaller defenders.  He finished through contact throughout the weekend, as well, displaying a toughness and leadership for a talented USAD team.
 
Chris Baldwin, Rivals- The big man was the defensive stopper for the Rivals, blocking and altering shots.  His communication on the pick & roll was key for Rivals' defensive efforts.  His ability to play above the rim and catch lobs impressed and his jump shot looked fluid and was effective throughout the weekend.  

Mustapha Heron, NY Rens- Another high major prospect, this southpaw’s ability to get where he wants with dribble moves impressed throughout the weekend. He was connecting on threes, both off the catch and off the dribble. Heron showcased those abilities in the second half of the semifinals game in which he accounted for the majority of the scoring by the Rens.

Brendan Hoban, Middlesex Magic- Hoban left it all on the floor…literally. His 38 point performance against the NY Rens was one of the top individual games we saw all weekend. He got hot early and just kept it going, putting on an incredible show and almost single handedly scoring a huge upset.  

All-S16 Second Team:
 
Matt DeWolf, Middlesex Magic- One of the few true big men in this weekend’s field, DeWolf can shoot over both shoulders and finish through contact.  He’s an excellent rebounder who has a great feel for the game.  He has added more muscle since the end of his high school season, as well, something that will serve him well at Northfield Mount Hermon next season.
 
Matt Donahue, Middlesex Magic- Sharing the same shooting ability we’ve become accustomed to seeing in the Donahue dynasty. Matt was spectacular in the semifinals against the NY Rens connecting on 7 3-pointers.
 
Andrew Fleming, MBR- A very versatile forward, the lefty can shoot it from three, midrange, and is very productive in the post. Fleming’s ability to drive, use his athleticism, and finish authoritatively was first-class throughout the weekend.  

Wenyen Gabriel, Rivals- There aren’t many 6’9 guard-skilled players in the country and that’s why Gabriel’s recruitment has blown up this past month. Interest will surely continue to build during the July live period. Gabriel can beat people off the dribble but also is a highly effective shooter from mid-range and three.
 
Malik Petteway, USAD- The big man had his best game versus the NY Rens in the quarterfinals, making a killing off offensive rebounds and put-backs. He also was effective taking his man off the dribble. Additionally, as a 6’7 power forward with the ability to hit outside shots, Petteway spaces the floor for his teammates.
 
Joe Sekator, BABC South- He’s best in the open floor where he’s able to use his athleticism for dunks or acrobatic finishes flying through the lane.  Sekator showed a nice touch from the three-point line as well.  He does not make many mistakes on the court, and he will be a great get for someone at the next level.
 

All-S16 Third Team:

Jahmel Bodrick, Harlem United- A 6’6 strong, small forward who has the ability to post up smaller defenders and stretch the floor with his shooting ability. Bodrick showed a very capable post game, finishing through contact but he also can take people to the perimeter where’s he’s capable of hitting outside shots or taking it to the hole.

Nick Seretta, Middlesex Magic- Seretta attacks the rim hard every time he drives. With great strength he’s able to finish through contact.  He posterized a few of his defenders this weekend. For a guard, Serretta is a great rebounder who is able to grab defensive rebounds and push the ball the ball up the court in transition.

Joey Wallace, The System- Wallace almost single handedly beat USAD in the playoffs.  He can score the ball from all three levels on the court, and will be a great prospect at the next level.
 
Kylan Guerra, New Heights- Guerra, who is doing a post grad year at Kent School, is a very capable point guard. He is super quick and gets into the lane, easily finishing acrobatically.  He also showed great court awareness making the right pass consistently throughout the weekend.
 
Roy Kane, USAD- The 6'5 forward did a little bit of everything over the weekend.  He finished strong in traffic, and is a good (and willing) passer for a wing.  He has a very efficient offensive game.

John Lewis Jr, CT Elite Green- Lewis was one of the main factors in his team winning the championship on Sunday.  He was very consistent, and was a leader out on the court.  He put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, and will be a valuable recruit at the next level.  

Kyle Pugliese, Western CT Warriors- This tough guard did it all for his team.  He can shoot the ball, but is not a volume shooter.  Pugliese plays very hard and really smart, showing an ability to change speeds on his cuts to get open for layups on multiple occasions.  He was a catalyst for a Western CT Warrior squad that played very well together.

Spencer Danforth, Mass Elite- The St. John’s Prep product was the leader for Mass Elite this weekend. He scored the ball in a variety of different ways and seemed to accumulate more and more college coaches on the baseline as the weekend went on.

Honorable Mention:

Shyheim Ulrickson, MB Nation- This smart point guard added 15 pounds to his frame which has helped him finish through contact when he gets into lane.  This ability, and his much-improved jump shot, was on display this weekend before going down with an injury.  

Matt Hanna, Middlesex Magic- Hanna had moments where he couldn't be stopped from beyond the arc.  The state-championship point guard during the winter with Catholic Memorial, Hanna proved to be a serious threat from deep.  Along with Donahue, this backcourt was difficult to contain all weekend.

Keith Brown, NE Storm- Brown is a hard-nosed guard who showed the ability to get to the rim and finish craftily. He showed his talent for getting others open when driving.

Adam Traore, New York Lightning- The lefty has a smooth game, with good handles that allowed him to get into the lane and finish using his athleticism.

Tyler Rowe, USAD- The little point guard was playing in his future gym this weekend.  The Connecticut College-commit loves to push in transition and get the ball to his teammates.  He was also able to finish a series of nice left-handed shots, as well.  He plays the game with really good pace for a point guard.

Fenton Bradley, CT Force- Bradley is a 6'6 long, athletic wing who proved to run the floor well and finish in transition.  He hit several jump shots throughout the course of the tournament.

Jake Kakar, Boston Warriors- A marksmen from downtown who proved he could make shots in bunches and make them from all over the floor, Kakar is a three-point specialist who provides spacing and instant offense for the Warriors.

Zach Radz, Team Not Even Famous- Radz can really shoot the ball.  He has good length, and will be a valuable prep school addition for next season because of his offensive game.

Brenden Vessichio, CBC- Vessechio showed flashes of his athleticism, throwing down a big dunk over a defender after an impressive drive . The smooth swingman has a nice stroke that he used effectively throughout the weekend.

Jeff Allen, CBC- Allen is a hard-working, tough, undersized big who plays much bigger than his 6'5 frame.  The 2017 product is a good finisher with nice-looking post moves.

Jack Loughnane, Metro Boston- The point guard for BC High, Loughnane was solid all weekend.  He makes the right play, and fits in great with many styles of play due to his unselfish nature.  He was more aggressive in looking for his own offense, too, displaying the ability to hit the pull-up jumper.

Thomas Coyne, MBR- Coyne is a solid PG who runs his team.  He has a strong upper body, enabling him to play through contact.

Brandon Twitty, Middlesex Magic- Twitty was his usual self, getting to the hoop and being a solid guard in the backcourt.  He drove & kick several times to get his other guards open 3's, as well.

Donovan Savage, Black Bear North- Savage plays very hard consistently throughout the game.  He is a high IQ player who hit open shots throughout the weekend.

Kyle Henseler, BABC South- The 6'0 point guard from the storied Bishop Hendricken program was solid throughout the weekend, knowing when to push the ball up the court and knowing when to slow the game down.  He makes the extra pass in the half court, and gets his teammates the ball in positions where they can be successful.  He has a quick first step, enabling him to get into the lane.

Dylan Daddio, ShotDoc Nation- Daddio hit the only game-winning buzzer beater at Conn College for the whole weekend, getting into the lane and hitting a 7-foot pull-up jumper as time expired to give ShotDoc Nation the win.

Elijah Lewis, BABC South- Lewis is an exceptional athlete who excels in transition.  The lefty can also attack the hoop with either hand, and he is strong enough to finish through contact.  He made several momentum-changing plays over the course of the weekend.  

Zach Bladd, Mass Elite – A versatile guard who has both a nice shooting stroke on the perimeter as well as the ball-handling and floor vision to get into the lane and make plays for his teammates, Bladd had a solid weekend for Mass Elite.

Dayvon Russell, CT Kingz – A playmaking guard who was at his best from the opening tip on Saturday morning, Russell helped lead an undersized Kingz squad to a competitive weekend.

Luca Mirabello, CT Defenders – The freshman point guard was playing up in the varsity division but looked mature beyond his years running the show, taking care of the basketball and showing signs of things to come.

Dimitri Rosa, BABC South – The three-point specialist of the BABC South squad, Rosa hit 23 three-pointers throughout the course of four games this weekend including 8 against CT Force and 9 against CT Elite.

Matt Folger, The System – A long and skilled big man who continues to get stronger and come into his own, Folger is exploring a post-graduate year and should have a chance to take his recruiting stock to unprecedented levels by joining the 2016 class.