ZG Prep Classic - Day 1 Recap

Saturday, December 7th, 2019

The Zero Gravity Prep Classic tipped off on Friday at St. Andrew's School in Barrington, Rhode Island featuring 11 games across two courts.

The action continues bright and early on Saturday with 16 more games before wrapping up with 12 more on Sunday.

Follow @ZeroGravityBB on twitter for real times updates or check back to NERR for daily recaps.

Friday Games of the Day

Cushing Academy (MA) 86 Master’s School (CT) 71

Cushing showcased their firepower in a hurry on Friday Night  by getting off to a 20-1 start. Master’s fought back behind speed and shot-making quickly cutting the deficit in half but the head of the snake for Cushing was too much to overcome. 2021 PG Bensley Joseph refused to let off the gas all game, leading his team with a 15 point and 11 assist double-double while Malachi Ndur did a little bit of everything with his future program, Brown, in attendance.

Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) 84 Lee Academy (ME) 76

Springfield Commonwealth Academy flexed its muscle early as they led from wire to wire. Lee Academy was out of rhythm for most of the game but finally managed a comeback before ultimately being put away after a poster dunk from Femi Odukale in the closing minutes. This fast paced and exciting game featured a number of high level prospects including Enoch Cheeks Isaiah Richard (SCA), Isaiah Earl (Lee) and Odukale (SCA).

Players of the Day

Bensley Joseph, 2021, PG, Cushing Academy - Joseph again showed why he is one of the top point guards in the class of 2021, standing outin front of a potential suitor from the ACC, Miami. Coming off a very good sumer with Expressions and USA Basketball, Joseph continued to displayed his high-level of activity and communication skills, both in transition as well as one the defensive end, while also showing off the skill-set that has become well-known across the prep circuit.

Manuel Bell, 2020, SG, NJ Prestige Prep - Bell led all scorers with a game high 29 points and was very active with 7 rebounds and 2 steals. He was in attack mode early and often, using his length to make plays on both sides of the ball. His motor also showed throughout the game as well as his three level scoring ability.

Femi Odukale, 2020, G, Springfield Commonwealth Academy - Odukale has elite size and strength at the guard position, but what set him apart today was his pace and poise as he controlled the game from the jump. He had two massive dunks to display his athleticism, including a highlight flush to seal the game, and also showed off a much-improved release on his jumper, both from deep and at the free-throw line.