The top 5 Underclassmen from the #SRC

Thursday, December 19th, 2019

Over the course of the last two days we’ve looked back on the top performances from the Scholar Roundball Classic, first profiling the top unsigned seniors in the field and then the top juniors.  

While the upperclassmen led the way, there were a select few underclassmen that had both the opportunity and ability to make an impact this weekend as well.

Here’s a look at the top five underclassmen from the event:

Alex Karaban, New Hampton, 2022 – There hasn’t been a more productive sophomore in the prep ranks so far this year than Karaban. He had a pair of 20-point games at the National Prep Showcase and a third last week in a win over Brewster. Sunday, he went for 27 points and 14 rebounds for perhaps his best outing yet. While Karaban’s talent was already well-known upon his arrival at New Hampton, there’s no denying he has exceeded expectations so far. There’s often a big difference between being a talented young prospect and being ready to play a starring role. We knew he was the former and he has proven to be the latter as well. Equally impressive has been his versatility. Known primarily for his skill-set and shooting to date, he’s proven to be a threat with his dribble, in large part because he’s efficient with his bounces and decisions, and also able to hold his own inside the paint. Overall, it’s been nothing short of a fantastic start to prep career.

Avery Brown, Northfield Mount Hermon, 2022 – NMH has had the injury bug early this year and this weekend that meant they had to play without their starting point guard. Brown got the nod and after an inconsistent collective showing on Saturday, NMH rebounded on Sunday with the sophomore playing the best game of his young career. He went for 14 points and 17 assists, breaking a program record, while combining his physical gifts and playmaking instincts but also being aware of his shooters. The key for Brown is all about his decisions and ability to see the game. He showed some very positive signs last month at the National Prep Showcase and was able to put it all together on Sunday. If it’s a sign of things to come, he’ll continue to ascend the New England 2022 board.

Kyle Filipowski, Wilbraham & Monson, 2023 – The Filipowski twins began their New England story at last spring’s Northeast Hoops Festival, earned their choice of prep options, and then quickly made a name for themselves at this fall’s Elite 75 Frosh/Soph after arriving at WMA. While both are in the early stages of their development, Kyle had some wow moments on Friday night that showed what he might be capable of in the future. There was a big dunk, some deceptive agility for his size, and budding skill and touch. The tools all seem to be there but beyond that there was a good energy about him as he was fully engaged, a good teammate, and showing no signs of the entitlement that can trap high profile underclassmen.

Flynt Whitworth, Tabor Academy, 2023 – This is a rebuilding year for Tabor Academy, there’s no denying that. Rebuilding is ideally tied to youth and that’s what we’re seeing with the Seawolves. One youngster who showed very intriguing long-term tools is freshman guard Flynt Whitworth. A skilled guard with good positional size, Whitworth has a good stroke, can shoot it off the dribble, and also showed an IQ for the game. It’s clear he’s a big part of Tabor’s future, where he’ll be a player to watch and monitor in the coming years.  

Edrick Quezada, Brimmer & May, 2023 – Quezada’s name is one we were introduced to this fall when he stood out as a 14-year-old freshman and one of the Elite 75 at the Frosh/Soph Showcases. While he may be young for his grade, Quezada is physically mature with an already strong body and the physicality and dexterity to match. What stood out this weekend was his ability to rebound the ball. With Kyrell Luc putting on a starring performance on the offensive end, Quezada had to go get his own off the glass and go get his own he did. In doing so, he demonstrated the motor to maximize his talent in the coming years and a potential niche to hang his hat on.