Super 16 - Saturday Recap I

New England Recruiting Report | Friday, May 24th, 2013

The New England Recruiting Report's Memorial Day Super 16 Showcase is in full swing with a half-day of game action already complete. Below is a brief recap of some standout performances from the u16 and u17 divisions being played at Connecticut College.

U16 Division

CT Northstars – The Northdstars’ best player was Thomas Whipple, who displayed great versatility. He rebounded, scored and defended at crucial times, and was the on-court leader according to his coach, Katie DaCosta, who came away with the win.

CT Passion – In the loss to CT Northstars, Passion’s Tyler Trillo and Jake Johnson played solid on-ball defense with crisp rotations. Both were active facilitators on offense, though neither filled up the box score with points.

Game Time Athletics – Julian Sanchez led GTA in scoring and was the best player on the court. He’s described “as a joy to coach.” Ahman Gomez brought constant energy – including a crucial rebound, steal and assist on a teammates’ layup to give GTA a late lead in a game it ultimately lost. Remy Bonsor, the 15-year old 5-foot-8 guard, also shined with his perimeter shooting. While he’s still working on creating off the dribble, Bonsor is a constant three-point threat.

Windsor Warriors – Deyon Hockim hit the game’s deciding shot – a midrange jumper from the elbow – to pull out a two-point win over Game Time Athletics. Throughout the contest, he repeatedly attacked and finished at the rim. Aaron McHenry was a force inside. He protected the basket with his shot blocking and rebounding prowess. He also ran the floor well and moved constantly without the ball, forcing defenses to account for him, and opening up lanes for teammates to drive.   

RI Hawks – Ian Sistare was the Hawks best perimeter scorer. He knocked down corner and elbow three-pointers, which drew his defenders out further, and allowed him to get into the lane and finish with layups and pull-ups. In the post, Collin McManus showed a full arsenal of moves, including lefty and righty hooks and fade-away jumpers. He was also very active on the offensive and defensive glass. A.J. Brodeur, the versatile 6-foot-8 forward, impacted the game with his passing. He worked a couple nice give-and-goes with Sistare in the early game. The Hawks finished the day with a 2-0 record.

U17 Division

United Sons and Daughters (USAD) – Power forward Brandon Wheeler anchored the USAD defense in its win over Mass Rivals. His long wingspan impacted a number of shots and allowed him to quickly recover for rebounds.  Offensively, Jahman Delancey scored on deep two-pointers, floaters and layups. He also picked up a couple of defensive steals.

Connecticut Basketball Club (CBC) – Seven-footer Paschal Chukwu was limited offensively, but he was his usual force on the defensive end with countless altered shots, blocks and rebounds. Offensively, Levy Gillespie Jr. converted 12-18 footers off the dribble. Tolland, Conn. product Taylor Fortin also connected on a few deep three-pointers which opened up space for his teammates to operate in the lane.

King Street Kings (NJ) – Chima Ekekeugbor had the unenviable responsibility of defending CBC’s seven-footer, Paschal Chukwu, and proved up to the task. According to his coach, the rugged 6-foot-4 forward usually defends the other team’s tallest player because of his high-energy and ability to knock down outside shots. Against Chukwu, he lived up to the billing by tracking down a number of offensive rebounds and hitting contested three-pointers which pulled Chukwu farther from the basket.

MBNation – In a big first round win over CTC Select Simone, the Maine-based squad was led by Isaiah Bess. The athletic and lanky 6-foot-5 swingman used a series of offensive maneuvers to get to the rim and finish, even after contact. In half court sets, he knocked down two big three-pointers as the game tightened late in the second half. Point guard Dustin Cole continued to be the focal point of MBNation’s offense. Though he was face guarded for most of the first half, he finally broke free in the second. When he wasn’t getting into the lane and lofting high-arcing floaters, he found his teammates for spot up three-pointers.

CT Select Simone – Chaise Daniels impressed with his activity. The 6-foot-8 big man cleaned up the glass all morning and looked strong running the floor on the break. Though he continues to be raw offensively, Daniels remains an intriguing prospect given his high-level athleticism. He’s expected to do a post grad year, which will undoubtedly help his stock and improve his all-around game.

CT Select Roscoe – One of Saturday morning’s best games occurred when CT Select Roscoe beat CT Gold, 71-69, in triple overtime. Lefty Larry McKinney was an offensive force for CT Select with 27 points, including the game winning shot: a contested floater off-glass. McKinney was limited in his second game with leg cramps – CT Select finished at 1-1 on the day – but his early performance stood out as one of the day’s best. In its second game, CT Select was led by 6-foot-3 Aseim King, who had 14 points.

Drive 4 Stardom – Gene Harrison was all over the court defensively in D4S' blowout win over CT Passion. His excellent anticipation led to steals and easy baskets for himself as well as teammates. While his outside shot is still a work in progress, the 6-foot-4 swingman can get to the basket with the best.

Maine Athletic Club – Though the shots weren’t falling as consistently as usual for Zach Gilpin against the Middlesex Magic, the versatile 6-foot-5 swingman remained aggressive. As the game wore on, he opted not to settle for jump shots, and instead used shot fakes and a quick first step to get into the lane. The presence of Tanner Hyland, the 2013 South Portland High point guard, who will post grad at Bridgeton Academy next year, also proved crucial.  The 6-foot-2 guard drained a couple big three-pointers to propel MAC past Middlesex Magic.

Middlesex Magic Crotty – Despite losing its first game to MAC, Lee Messier was a factor from the perimeter with 19 points. He scored off the catch and was also effective when teammates set high screens for him. Six-foot-8 center Obinauli Obiora played well down low with a couple dunks. His impact, however, was most apparent on the defensive end where he used his athleticism to pull down countless rebounds. Phil Leotsakos shined with his hustle play, which included sprinting back on defense to block what would have been an uncontested layup.

Team 10 – While Tyrell Arnum, a thin 6-foot-5 forward, needs to add muscle to his frame to consistently compete inside, the athletic forward already possesses a strong handle and soft shooting touch which allows him to excel on the perimeter. He was also a factor on the defensive glass in Team 10’S three-point win over CT Select Roscoe. At times, he was a one-man fast break, pulling down the rebound and dribbling up court. He also showcased strong shot blocking instincts, which will continue to develop as he fills out.