MPC 2014 Be Seen Showcase – Boys MVP / All-Star Team

By Joe Dicruttalo (@JDicruttalo)

MVP

Rasheed Bell (Blue Team #14) – Rasheed finished the event with the highest efficiency rating by almost ten points. He finished the event with 41 points on 18 of 25 (72%) grabbed 17 rebounds, totaled 7 assists, 5 steals, and 5 blocks. He also shot 5 for 6 from the foul line and only had 3 total turnovers throughout the five different twenty-minute games.  Not surprisingly, his team finished the event 4-1 winning all but one of their games. Rasheed is a senior at East Boston High School and plays AAU Basketball with the LOX Program.

All- Stars

Mike Mahoney 6’7 (Red Team #10) Mike led the event in blocked shots (7) and was one of the most aggressive rebounders at the event (26 Total :10 offensive, 6 defensive). Mike also netted 18 field goals while shooting over 50% from the field. One of his best halves of basketball came when he was matched up against 6’7 Matt Karpowitz (Orange Team) holding him to just 2 points and keeping him off the offensive glass. Mahoney is in the 2016 graduation class playing HS basketball at Braintree High. He plays AAU for Kalon Jenkins's Bay State Magic.

Christian Hon 6’6  2016 Randolph High School (Blue Team #20) Christian was one of the most active offensive rebounders in the event tallying 14 of his 21 rebounds on the offensive end. Christian is a big wide body who looks to set screens and has solid hands to catch passes as he rolls to the basket. Christian finished the event 18-32 from the field with most of his shots coming from in and around the paint. One of the most impressive parts of Christian’s game is his hands on the defensive end grabbing as evidenced by his 6 steals throughout the event. Christian has a lot of room for improvement and needs to continue to work his large body into college game shape, but would be an interesting project going forward.

Franziel Reyes 6’9 (Orange Team #6) Franziel held down the middle of the paint for the Orange Team, who finished the event 4-1 and knocked off the undefeated Blue team in our last game of the night. (Blue38vs Orange40). This big bodied lefty controlled the paint tallying an event high 28 boards as well as another event high with 15 offensive rebounds. He used his size to score inside frequently and finished with 42 total points and was the event's second leading scorer. Reyes was one of the most interesting prospects in the event, with still the most room for overall growth. Franziel has lost about 40-50lbs since the beginning of the summer, having returned to Lawrence High School. He would be an interesting player to see not only at the completion of this HS season but in two to three years from now. For a player his size runs as hard as he can, for as long as his body allows.

Gregory Trinidad 5’10 (Yellow Team #5) This lefty shooter was not shy getting shots up. Trinidad boasts a quick release from three, with the ability to catch fire at will. A much better catch and shoot player, Trinidad also showed the ability to get shots up off the bounce. He led the event in scoring with 52 points connecting on 14 of his 23 three-point attempts. He is another Lawrence High School senior who plays hard on defense and has quick feet. Would have liked to see him create for his teammate better, but if you are looking for a guy to come off screen, or to spread the court with his ability to hit the open jumper he may be a piece worth looking into.

Julio Vincente 5’8 (Blue Team #12) Julio Vincente was one of the only true point guards in the event. Julio not only picked up defense 94 feet on almost every possession, he was able to routinely lead his team to victory finishing the event 4-1 after losing their last game of the night in OT. Julio ended up leading our event in both the steals and assists category (12 assists, 11 steals). He was a constant pest on defense, making other guards work just to get the ball over half court. On the offensive end, he mostly was focused on how to create for others. He looked to read the pick and rolls well, finding ways to connect with the roller more frequently than any other guard that night. This Lawrence High School senior is bound to have a strong showing throughout the MIAA season and could have his program poised for a very strong season. 

MPC 2014 Be Seen Showcase - Girls MVP / All-Star Team

By Joe Dicruttalo (@JDicruttalo)

MVP

Nicole Gallagher ’18 Bishop Feehan High School – Strong body guard who looks to attack from start to finish. Tough nose defender who for the majority of the event was playing defense 94 feet, making just getting the ball inbounds difficult for the opposing team. Nicole finished our event in the top four in scoring, tallying 39 points (15.6 ppg) while shooting 18 of 32 from the field. She led all guards with  18 rebounds, showing a nose for where the ball would bounce off the rim and being the first one to react to it, time and time again. She also was able to finish the Be Seen Event with 6 steals and 6 assists all adding to her overall total performance being the most efficient participant in a very strong field of ball players! Nicole plays AAU basketball for Alex DaLuz and a very talented 2018 MPC Swish group.

All-Stars

Yuleska Ramirez ’16 Cambridge - Hands down the best all-around scorer in the event. Yuleska finished off the night with 60 points, which was 15 points higher than the next closest participant. In our 20 minute running time games, she on two separate occasions netted 14 points which was impressive in itself before she outdid that strong scoring outburst and dropped an event high 22 points in her last game. (Game Blue 35 vs Pink 31) She has the ability to hit the open three as well as get by her defender off the bounce, and get to the rim. She has a strong body and is not afraid to use it while hitting the boards and attacking the basket. She was the second most efficient girl in the field. She was one of the best rebounders in the event grabbing 19 rebounds! Yuleska plays her AAU basketball for the Cape Cod Bulls Program.

Julia Strachan ’17 North Attleboro High School – One of the best shooters in the field, she finished as our second leading scorer but by far the most efficient shooter. She had the highest shooting percentage of the night connecting on 18 of her 31 attempts (59%). No surprise in her event production, Julia has gained a reputation as one of the area’s best perimeter jump shooters. With her range from deep, she is able to stretch out defenses and utilize a strong shot fake to beat her defender off the bounce when she needs to. She should be a very interesting high school prospect to keep an eye on over the years as she will surely add to her shooting ability and develop a few more moves to attack the basket with either hand. Julia plays AAU basketball for one of the top 2017 teams in the Northeast, the Honey Badgers.

Anna Shaughnessy ’18 Bishop Feehan – Point forward who showcased more than just her ability to finish around the rim (27pts). She was one of the best players at the showcase to play with her back to the basket, but showed impressive face up game skills as well. Not only the leader in steals (8), Anna made it to the top five in each statistical category; assists (11), rebounds (18), and blocks (3). She led her team to wins in both the semifinals and finals of the Be Seen Showcase which led to multiple votes for her to be MVP. Just a freshman at Bishop Feehan, Anna looks to have a big impact on the Eastern Athletic Conference. She plays her AAU for MPC Swish.

Carli Koffinke ’17 Franklin High School – Koffinke was the event's strongest rebounder with 22 boards and finished with a very respectable 42 points (17ppg). With these near double-double numbers Carli provided game in and game out, she proved that she could be relied on to score the basketball as well as control the boards. Her anticipation and quick hands on the defensive end brought her steal after steal, finishing with seven for the event. Carli plays her AAU basketball for the Cape Cod Bulls.

Carly Surgrue  ’17 Westwood High School – Good size right-handed wing player with the ability to knock down the open three and finish around the basket. Very strong with her dominate hand and looks confident attacking to the right off the bounce. Shot over 50 % for the night and finished with 34 points (13 ppg) and 19 rebounds (7.5 rpg). 

Select Hoops Proving Grounds - Girls Recap

The girls’ session of the Select Hoops Proving Grounds was extremely loaded with local talent, confirming my theory that girls basketball in Massachusetts is as good, if not better, than any state in New England. The players were put through full court drills, stations and ended the night with an hour of 5-on-5 action.

The field included 40+ players from various AAU programs and everywhere you turned there was fundamentally sound basketball being played. The coaches were thoroughly impressed with the girls’ willingness to play team basketball – which is a testament to the talented coaches in the state.

8^th Grade:

Gianna Palli, Wellesley: This quick guard wore number 9 at the showcase and showed flashes of the Celtics number 9 (Rajon Rondo) as she set the table for her teammates all night. She was a more than willing passer, extremely fundamentally sound and played with a smile.

Amanda Minsk, Walpole: This lefty guard from Walpole is an extremely strong ball handler. In the 1-on-1 drill, she was able to exploit weaker guards with her strength in the paint. Also, an above average shooter.

Emma Eberhardt, Sharon: This tall wing player shined during 5-on-5 action as she displayed the ability to knock down shots and take her man off the bounce. She was very cognizant of where the 3-point line was, found it, and knocked down multiple bombs.

Lauren Ferreira, Westport: This feisty guard from Westport played with an attitude and competitiveness that coaches love. She was very explosive, unselfish and could finish in the paint.

Kara Bendanillo, Mansfield: When the lights came on for 5-on-5 action, this athletic guard from Mansfield turned her game up. She had a sequence where she scored eight straight points and mixed in a steal.

Rachael Johnson, Norton: This long, explosive guard from Norton lived up to her hype as she stood out in every drill and during game play.  She had no problem getting to the rack and can finish with both hands fluently. In addition to a polished offensive game, Johnson was willing to play interior D and get in the passing lanes.

Brenna Pipe, Franklin: This tall guard did a nice job of handling the ball and putting defenders on her back while getting to the rim. She also showed the ability to mix it up with bigger players and knock down long-range shots.

Brittany Raphino, Randolph: This tall, athletic forward was one of the standouts in the evening session. She was impressive during every stage of the event. She dominated the paint on both ends and was unmatched running the floor – with or without the ball. She is a great finisher and distributor.

Barbara Ronca, Braintree: This wiry guard was arguably the most impressive player of the bunch. She showed an unrivaled ability to get open in the 1-on-1 drill, and when she received the ball she punished defenders. She handled the ball well, can score at will and was unselfish. She is a very complete player.

Sabrina Zeghibe, Westwood: Her reputation as a shooter preceded her (and she lived up to it), but she proved that she is much more than just an outside weapon. She was a great play maker setting up her teammates and was able to score in a variety of way during game play and drills.

Taylor Frazzette, Needham: This wing player had a solid evening as she stood out with her effort plays on both ends of the court. She has a willingness to match strength with players taller than her and is a good finisher.

Nataliya Amaral, Walpole: This long forward was a major bright spot on her 5-on-5 team that went undefeated. She did a great job in the post offensively and was a menace on the defensive end, creating lots of turnovers.

Kassidy Fields, Norton: A tough guard/forward, Fields was solid at all facets of the game. She did a nice job on the glass, played good hard defense and had no problem making plays offensively.

Emma Hume, Braintree: Although she was unable to play 5-on-5 since she is coming off a concussion, it was evident during drills/stations that Hume was one of the best forwards at the Proving Grounds.

Kawai Martin, Lexington: Martin had a knack for scoring and a nose for the ball all night. She did a nice job on the boards and displayed great shooting touch.

Shannon O’Connor, Wrentham: This forward was more than willing to do the dirty work all night. This coachable stud from Wrentham had great takes to the basket, could handle the ball and set up her teammates.

Other notables: Chelsea Gibbons, Foxboro; Alicia Hottleman, Mansfield; Jayne Howe, Pembroke; Madyson Bendanillo, Mansfield; Kara Milliken, Milton.

7^th Grade:

Olivia Forbes, North Attleboro: This Baby Badger guard does all the intangibles well such as talking defensively, setting proper screens and boxing out. She played solid point guard during the 5-on-5 setting up her teammates.

Emily Nelson, North Attleboro: Like Forbes, Nelson understands the game and did a nice job setting up her teammates in the 5-on-5 portion of the showcase. Capable of scoring, Nelson picked her spots to attack the rack.

Olivia Martin, Hanson: When Martin was around the ball, good things happened. She has a knack for scoring, and created her own opportunities through outworking defenders.

Bella Hamden, Westwood: This forward from Westwood established her back to the basket game (which seems to be a lost art) early during drills. During game play she unveiled her face up game, which was equally effective.

Livi Correia, North Attleboro: She entered the showcase with a big reputation as one of the best (if not THE best) 7^th graders in the state, and she exceeded expectations. I had a handful of coaches seek me out to tell me that I need to see #8. She displayed all the tools to score, but she was most effective setting up her teammates, delivering a lot of her assists from the backcourt thanks to her unrivaled court vision. Correia was the most fun player to watch on the night.

Sadie Hunt, Sandwich: This physically imposing forward from Cape Cod asserted herself on the glass on both ends. She should be absolutely dominant in South Shore League action for Sandwich.

Megan Marcel, Plymouth: Marcel was one of the best offensive players at the showcase as she displayed her sweet shooting touch all night. She is sneaky athletic and she punished defenders all night with her various ways of scoring.

Megan O’Connell, Franklin: This post player from Franklin played with an edge and attitude while bullying the opposition in the post. She is the type of player that you would love to have on your team, but hate going up against.

Allison Giambanco, Norwood: Stronger than she appears, this Mustang guard ran the floor extremely well and was rewarded many times by Correia. Capable of creating her own shot, Giambanco displayed the ability to get to the rack and knock down the deep ball.

Brittany Gacicia, Hanson: This guard from Hanson was one of the most fundamentally sound players I saw at the Proving Grounds. She was deceptively explosive and had no problem getting into the lane at will. This very smooth guard will terrorize the South Shore League.

Samantha Sousa, Franklin: This forward from Franklin is extremely fundamentally sound. She did nothing flashy, but was just extremely efficient during all portions of the showcase.

Other notables: Emma Marturo, Norwood; Jillian Margetta, North Attleboro; Tara O’Brien, Norwood; Vienna Monestime, Framingham; Katie Ellsworth, Framingham; Rebecca Hottleman, Mansfield.

6^th Grade

Corinne French, Norfolk: Only one sixth grader stepped up to play in the showcase, but wow, she was impressive. This guard played beyond her age as she displayed great court awareness and play making ability. If it didn’t say 6^th grader on my program, I would have thought she was an 8^th grader – and a good one.

Select Hoops Proving Grounds - Boys Recap

Contributions from Kyle DaLuz and Alex DaLuz.

Saturday saw some of the best middle school basketball players in the area attend the Select Hoops Proving Grounds event at Mass Premier Courts in Foxboro, MA. These players were put through various drills, followed by more than an hour of 5 v. 5 gameplay. Here were some of the standouts:

8^th Grade:

Judson Martindale, Sudbury: The BABC player out of Sudbury was very much the real deal. He is a very solid player in all phases of the game. Martindale did a good job of seeing the floor and finding the open man. Can create his own shot, found the rim, and finished when he got there. As smooth and complete as an eighth grader can be. The most complete player of this session.

Daniel Schlakman, Sharon: The 6-foot-4 big from Sharon was dominant on both the offensive and defensive ends. A sound fundamental player with strong handles, Schlakman can also shoot consistently from midrange. Finishes around the rim, strong on both ends on the glass. He brought energy and was a vocal leader.

William Goss, Southborough: Built a lot like Schlakman, Goss had the size and ability to play soundly on both ends of the floor. Goss was strong around the rim and a good finisher. Also had a noteworthy midrange game.

Paul Roche, North Attleboro: His day was cut short due to illness, but not before he impressed in the full court drills and the early stages of the 5-on-5 portion of the showcase. This tall guard was very explosive off the catch and had no problem getting into the lane.

Aaron Strong, Sharon: Living up to his namesake, Aaron was very strong on both ends of the floor. He was not afraid to mix it up with bigger players and had no problem finishing with contact. Strong stood out on the defensive end, which is not the norm in a showcase setting.

Aidan Teahan, Norwell: In a guard-heavy showcase, this ball handler from the South Shore stood out with his smooth playmaking ability.

7^th Grade:

Bryant Ciccio, Attleboro: This point guard from Attleboro was arguably the most active player in this session. Ciccio was consistently aggressive in gameplay and during drills. He is a very quick player with strong ball handling ability and also is a pest on the defensive end.

Drew Plunkett, Medfield: Plunkett was another ball handler that stood out on the afternoon. He was steady during game play and fundamentally sound during drills. He picks his spots to be explosive and score.

Brandon Borde, Foxboro: This long wing player from Foxboro made his presence felt early in full court drills as he displayed his ball handling proficiency. He was vocal, displayed strong court vision and knocked down a handful of bombs in gameplay.

Will Rywolt, Barrington: This marksman from the Ocean State had his shot on display as he knocked down triples all over the gym. Also showed the ability to handle the rock.

Jack Mousette, Mansfield: This local lefty found ways to get into the lane all afternoon and had a handful of highlight reel finishes.

Timothy Callahan, Attleboro: This guard caught our attention with his willingness to sell out defensively and distribute the ball offensively. He compiled a couple of noteworthy dishes in 5-on-5 gameplay.

Jason Comeau, Mansfield: This strong-bodied forward from Mansfield asserted himself on the glass on both ends. He also displayed the ability to finish around the rim.

Nico Scaringello, Franklin: One of the most fun players to watch on the day, Scaringello handled the rock as good as anyone and mixed in some sizzle on his passes and dribble combination moves. Also knocked down midrange shots with consistency.

Ryan Bonneau, Barrington: Bonneau has the rare ability to create offense with his defense. He is an extremely active wing that can cause turnovers and cash them in on the offensive end.

Other notables: Drew Baacke, Medfield; Emmett Roy, Norfolk; Aidan Pelote, Taunton; Gavin Larnard, Scituate; Russell Campbell, Medfield; Johnell Fillippini, Plymouth.

6^th Grade:

Adam Drummond, North Attleboro: We had to double check to make sure this smooth guard was only a sixth grader. Drummond played with confidence and showed a strong ability to shoot the ball.

Kevin Gallagher, Foxboro: This spunky guard has strong ball handling skills and is a high-motor player. He is fearless and capable on both ends.

Other notables: Billy Oram, North Attleboro; Charlie Olsen, North Attleboro.