ZG Mass Madness - Event Recap

New England Recruiting Report | Monday, October 24th, 2016

Another Zero Gravity weekend concluded on Sunday night, and, as always, new players emerged to show us what they are each capable of.  In all age groups, competitive games were the norm throughout the weekend.

Middlesex Magic took home the title in the American division for the second consecutive week.  Without some of their top players for parts of the tournament, the Magic again proved to be the team to beat.  Central Mass Swarm capped off an impressive weekend with the National division championship.  AMA Varisty took the International bracket by storm and cruised to the championship.

BABC cruised to the 10th grade American title.  While BABC holds many of the headlines in the 10th grade division, Evolution emerged as a threat this weekend in taking the National championship, edging Rise Above Basketball- Carter in a 49-47 battle.  Rise Above was not shut out, however, as Rise Above Basketball- Kelleher rolled to the International division title.

Expressions 2021 took the 9th grade American division, impressing by defeating older teams on their way to the championship.  MV Pride came away from Mass Madness with the National division crown, while Evolution captured their second championship of the weekend by winning the International division.

The following players stood out throughout the weekend:

Quest Harris (BABC, 2020)- Playing up in the 10th grade division, Harris proved he can stick with older & more experienced competition.  Harris is very good at changing speed & direction once he gets in the lane, and has shown an improving jumpshot as the fall has progressed.

Jalen Samuels (Expressions, 2019)- Samuels did al the little things to help Expressions.  Late in a game on saturday, Samuels secured a loose ball by being the first one to hit the floor.  He took a few charges this weekend, putting his body on the line for the success of his team.

Patrick Mogan (Middlesex Magic, 2019)- The Magic big man uses his length to alter & block shots.  He is a very good interior passer, and showed he can hit the elbow-jumper with some touch.

Jordan Galloway (Beantown Bulls, 2017)- Galloway is a creative finisher at the rim, as he is able to contort his body in ways that makes it easy to adjust to what the defense does, even if he is in mid-air.  His competitive spirit helped pace Beantown Bulls to another strong weekend as a program.

Drew Peretti (Central Mass Swarm, 2018)- Peretti shot the ball really well all weekend.  The guard knocked down shots off the catch & off the dribble, and his midrange game has improved drastically.

Keegan Records (RI Cyclones, 2018)- The junior big man from Rhode Island impressed with the way he rebounded and controlled the paint on both ends of the floor.  Records made it clear from the tip that getting easy layups was not an option for his opponents.

Mike Perry (Middlesex Magic, 2018)- Perry got in the lane at will all weekend long.  Armed with an array of moves to beat his man off the dribble, Perry does not shy away from contact once he takes off to the basket, either.

Daman Tate (Expressions, 2019)- Tate's jumper is a serious weapon right now. He does not have any wasted motion, and can get his shot off quickly because of it.  Tate also finished well around the rim with both hands at Mad Madness.

Isiah Myles (Synergy, 2018)- The strong forward is consistent and plays tough inside for Synergy.  He's active on the glass and has shown an evolution in his game with a developing skill set-- he is no longer just an athlete who can battle for rebounds inside.

Donell Skeem (B2L, 2017)- The senior is a steady point guard who dictated the pace of each possession on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.  He also put in the game-winning layup on Saturday.

Max Bonney Liles (Team Saints, 2018)- Totalling 23 3-point shots made over three games this weekend, Bonney Liles is a sniper who has college range already, and is one to watch in New Hampshire this upcoming winter.

Will Melanson (Middlesex Magic, 2017)- The senior guard from Burlington HS is a rugged guard with a strong upper body.  Melanson rebounds very well and does it against bigger players, something that college coaches should take notice of.

Michael Williams (RI Cyclones, 2017)- The point guard is a smart player & possesses a nice stop & go move in order to shake defenders off himself.

Kyle Bennett (Evolution, 2019)- Bennett is a lead guard who is solid with the basketball & always in control.  His skill level has improved tremendously, and is expecting a big winter for Woburn HS this winter.

Matt Constant (Team Saints, 2021)- Playing up, the young point guard showed flashes of what could become the norm for him in the future.  Constant is a skilled guard who can really shoot the ball, and does not need much space to get his jumper off.

Drew Ferguson (Synergy, 2017)- A scrappy & tough guard, Ferguson was instrumental in a Synergy comeback on Saturday afternoon.  He kept fighting and drilled several 3-pointers in the second half, and helped lift his teammates' spirits when they were down big.

Marquis Bouyer (B2L, 2018)- Bouyer is a strong front court player who rebounds out of his area very well.  His skill level has improved, as well, and he should be a player to watch for Pope John throughout his junior season.

Mike Tevilla (Evolution, 2019)- Tevilla continued his strong fall on the ZG Fall Circuit with a couple of very impressive shooting performances.  His hard work in the gym is starting to pay off.

Nick Muche (Central Mass Swarm, 2019)- Muche was a key cog in the Swarm's attack, as he played the role of glue guy this weekend.  Every team needs players like this, as Muche is not afraid to do a little bit of everything to help his team win.