Sunday, November 16, 2014

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:

8th 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.

7th 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.

6th 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.

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