Game of the Night Had Big ComebackGame 6 of 7 that we look back at from the MA-NH High High School Basketball Report All-Star Showcase will be the Mass. Boys Junior Game. There was definitely no shortage of talent in this contest. In fact, this game was probably the highlighted game of the night, as the White Team came back from a 30 point second half deficit to win it. Here are our player evaluations:
(all players are in the class of 2011)
Big Games for...
Pat Connaughton 6’4 St. John’s Prep - Connaugton did it all in this one. He finished on break, in traffic, and off the bounce. He rebounded on both ends of the court and made some impressive mid range pull-up jumpers. What is most impressive about this young man is the intensity he plays the game with.
Zach Auguste 6’9 Marlborough - Auguste showed why he is likely to be a major Division 1 Basketball player. He has a great skill set and makes the game look easy. He handles the ball exceptional in the open court and has an excellent crossover. He is 6’9, long, athletic, can shoot the ball, as well as beat his opponent off the dribble. Enough said.
Joe Mussachia 6’5 Manchester Essex - The lanky lefty showed his ability to score the basketball. Mussachia has developed his perimeter game and showed his ability to play inside and out. He has a solid all around game.
Zach Hurynowicz 6’2 Burlington - Hurynowicz is a tough, athletic point guard and a great competitor. He used his exceptional speed and impressive crossover and to get to the rack and finish. He rebounds well for a guard, and was most effective when leading the break.
Joe Bramanti 6’2 Andover - Bramanti is an aggressive guard who really competes out there. Although it was an all-star game, Bramanti played hard and took over during stages of the game. He can knock down the three and also was able to use his physical strength to get to the basket.
Cedric Kuakumensah 6’7 Worcester North - Kuakumensah is long and athletic and dominated this game in the paint. He has a reputation of being one of the best shot blockers around, and he had a couple of great send backs during this game. Kuakumensah defends the perimeter and the post, which makes him a weapon. It was apparent tonight that Kuakumensah has improved his dribbling and shooting skills.
Other Stock Risers...
Bryan Hurley 5’11 BC High - Hurley showed tonight that he is a pure point guard that can make basketball plays. He can just flat out play the position. He has an exceptional basketball IQ, and plays very hard. Defensively he showed he could stay in front of some very quick ballplayers.
Mack Burt 6’4 St. Johns Prep - Burt played extremely well tonight making shots and rebounding the basketball. He has improved significantly since last year and demonstrated in this game that he can shoot it and finish against much bigger players. Burt is also not afraid to mix it up in the paint.
John Henault 6'2" St. Bernard's - Henault was one of the key players in the White Team comeback. He played some tough, full court defense to force turnovers and kept pushing the tempo offensively by hitting the open man for layups or by making jump shots of his own. Henault is a very solidly built 6'2" guard.
Anthony Barry 6'3" Milford - Barry continues to show that he is one of the more underrated players in this class. He is particularly effective on the offensive end, where he is extremely quick off the dribble, and has the strength and athleticism to finish at the rim. He can also knock down the outisde shot.
Tevin Falzon 6'7" Newton North - The three words that best described Falzon were big, powerful and skilled. The 6'7" junior has a big, strong, wide body and plays physical in the pain. But he also has the quickness to run the floor defend the perimter.
Others Who Played Well...
Pat Gooden 6'2" Belchertown - Gooden certainly showed that he can play with the top players in the class. He is a very quick, athletic ballplayer.
Connor Macomber 6'1" St. John's Prep - Solid player who can play either guard position. Made a nice spin move and finish in traffic.
Brima Rogers 5'11" Concord Carlisle - True point guard who is quick and explosive with the basketball in his hands. This allowed him to push the ball and get in the lane to make plays.
Justin Perron 6'1" North Attleboro - Perron is a smart player, didn't try to do too much out there, and can definitely shoot it if left open.
