Hold’n Court: The HoopGroup Blogs

Boston was definitely the center of the sports world last weekend as the Yankees battled the Red Sox, the Chargers took on the Patriots and The Hoop Group brought the Top 100 Tour to Boston University.  Over 50 college coaches were in attendance and over 150 players participated in the weekend which showcased some of the best players in the New England area. 

The player leaving the biggest impression had to be sophomore Jason Morris from The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut.  As his high school coach Fred Benjamin looked on, Morris displayed an impressive collection of skills.  The 6’5” guard has a very strong build and uses his body well when attacking the rim.  He also has a beautiful stroke from the perimeter that makes him nearly impossible to guard.  Crowds seemed to gather at Morris’ games to try to catch a glimpse of his next dunk or 22 footer.  There is no doubt that Jason Morris will be a target for high major schools all over the country.

Other notable underclassmen included 6-7  Jr. forward Matt Barboza (Bishop Hendricken, Greenwich, RI), 6-1 Jr. guard Kellen Cade (Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT), 6-1 Jr. guard Keith Brown (Marlboro HS, Marlborough, MA) and 6-2 Soph. guard Quazay McClain (South High Community School, Worcester, MA).  These guys showed that the future of New England high school basketball is in good hands.

Top 100s are known for the strong group of seniors and this was no exception.  The collection of frontcourt players was very impressive.  6-8 Jonathan Himottu (Whitnsville Christian, Whitnsville, MA), 6-7 Gary Robinson (Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT), 6-6 Jeff Holmes (St. Raphael’s Academy, Pawtucket, RI) and 6-4 David Riley (Charlestown HS, Charlestown, MA) were among the group that battled each other all weekend.  Their backcourt mates were not to be outdone.  5-11 sr. point man Robert Wesley (Cambridge Rindge and Latin, Cambridge, MA) exemplified the guard play all weekend as he handled the ball in and out of traffic, found open teammates, scored when necessary and played like a true point guard should.

Eastern Invitational’s Fall Top 100s got off to a great start this past weekend at Hoop Magic Sports Academy in Chantilly, VA. Over 100 of the best players from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC were in attendance, as were more than 25 college coaches. The group was highlighted by Joshua Hairston, the smooth 6’8” forward who dazzled all weekend with his scoring ability. Hairston, the sophomore at Courtland HS, is already a top priority for a lot of high major schools.

There was an impressive trio of front court players from Freedom High School in Woodbridge, Virginia. Sadonas Davis (6’6” senior), Joe Velez (6’6” senior) and Stephen Wing (6’5” Junior) all had outstanding weekends and will together form one of the state’s best frontlines this year. Freedom High School coach Ahmad Dorsett, the former George Mason standout, will hope to make a run deep into the state playoffs this season with these three.

Another notable frontcourt trio hailed from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington, DC. Much improved senior 7 footer Justin Franks, 6’8” senior forward Chris Roberson and promising 6’6” sophomore Daivahn Calhoun all impressed the coaches in attendance. One young frontcourt player in particular made his presence felt. 6’8” freshman John Manning from Chantilly HS showed great ability to finish around the rim with both hands and is a prospect to follow over the next 4 years.

The most impressive guard of the weekend was Travon Vann, a 6’4” power guard from Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg, VA. Vann demonstrated deft ball handling skills and an ability to get to the basket with ease. Erick Green, the 6’1” junior from Millbrook HS in Millbrook, VA, showed his extensive array of skills and led his team to an undefeated record for the weekend. Other noteworthy underclassmen guards included Dereck Washington, a 5’9” junior from Coolidge HS in Washington, DC, Jerome Seagers, a 5’11” sophomore from Northwood HS in Silver Spring, MD and Justin Burell, a 5’9” sophomore from Paul VI in Fairfax, VA.

The Fall Top 100s got off to a great start in Northern Virginia and set a high standard for other areas to match this fall. The only question is that when the Top 100 Tour comes to your area, will you be ready?

For more coverage and photos go to http://www.hoopgroup.com/hoopgroup/hg_recaps.php