Weekend Comes to a Close

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Hoophall Classic All-Tournament Team

Following the conclusion of the Hoophall Classic on Monday afternoon the event announced the All-Tournament team which featured a variety of both local and national stars.  Jamal Coombs was the lone representative of New England on the first team as he joined Derrick Favors from South Atlanta HS, Tiny Gallon from Oak Hill, Josh Selby from DeMatha Catholic, and Travis Wear from Mater Dei.  Alex Oriakhi ended up on the second team along with several of the nation’s most recognizable high school stars including Xavier Henry, Demarcus Cousins, Lance Stephenson, and Kenny Boynton.  Carson Desrosiers, Erik Murphy, and Preye Preboyle all earned spots on the third team. 

Bridgton Gets Big Win on Sunday at BABC Prep Classic

Two of the three games scheduled for Sunday at the BABC Prep Classic were cancelled due to snow, but the headline match-up still went on as the nation’s third ranked team Notre Dame Prep locked up against #4 Bridgton Academy.  The contest went back and forth throughout almost the entire 40 minutes of play with Bridgton eventually being able to hold on for a 72-68 decision.  With the win Bridgton not only solidifies themselves as the midseason leader in class A but also looks likely to move into the top three in the national rankings. 

Seizing the Moment

Premier events like the Hoophall Classic & BABC Prep Classic gave a variety of players the opportunity to compete in front of crowds of college coaches, and some guys made the most of their opportunities. 

•  Carson Desrosiers left no doubt that he is a high major player with his performance on Saturday as he was able to change the game on both ends of the floor against one of the top high schools in the country.
 
•  Nyheem Sanders is hoping to generate some scholarship level buzz as it gets later into his senior year.  He certainly went a long ways toward doing that this weekend with two impressive performances. 

•  Not only was Preboyle able to delight the hometown crowd and help his Winchendon team earn a win over the Patterson School, but he also had the coaches section buzzing about his play of late.  He’ll have division I opportunities to be sure this year, but is said to be considering a return to Winchendon next year as a post-graduate. 

•  Coombs and Oriakhi were dominant for Tilton on Sunday, but despite not putting up huge numbers, Gerard Coleman was equally impressive.  He showed he has made the three-ball a consistent part of his offensive arsenal while also playing outstanding defense in his individual match-up with Jason Morris. 

•  Most people already knew Kyle Stockmal was a great shooter of the basketball, but he showed a different dimension to his game on Saturday as he was phenomenal as his team’s primary ball-handler showing the ability to handle against pressure, see the floor, and create open shots for his teammates. 

•  Although Notre Dame wasn’t able to pull out a win on Sunday, Ron Giplaye was a dominant presence inside the paint as he finished with 17 points and 18 rebounds at the BABC Prep Classic.  Simply put there are few players who can match his strength, athleticism, and intensity around the rim…and college coaches are beginning to realize it.