Middlesex Magic Coach Mike Crotty Jr. at Williams CollegeThe Middlesex Magic Basketball Club directed and coached by Mike Crotty Jr. had a tremendous Fall AAU Season. The Magic hosted their traditional first tournament of the Fall season before playing in the Rivals, Bay State Magic, and RI Hawks tournaments and will finish up with BABC's event this weekend.
Coach Crotty grew up as a member of the Middlesex Magic and became a talent under the tutelage of his late father Mike Crotty Sr. From there, Mike Jr. went on to Williams College where he starred. Crotty was known for his high basketball I.Q. as well as his determination and toughness on the court. He was a "winner" and became an All-American at Williams. Watching Crotty Jr., it becomes obvious that he brings much to the table including his experience on the court, his high basketball I.Q., as well as a toughness and determination that was instilled in him by dad. The late Mike Crotty Sr. would have been so proud of his son's work and the success of the Middlesex Magic players over the last few months.
Here is a look at some of the top high school talent that played for Middlesex Magic this Fall.
Pat Connaughton, 6'5 G - St. John's Prep
The backbone of the Middlesex Magic over the last couple of years turned in another exceptional Fall season doing everything for this team. Pat scored the ball from deep, off the dribble, and everywhere in between, while displaying his other worldly playmaking abilities. Mike Crotty Jr. calls him the best rebounding guard he has ever seen. He rebounds the ball over and against the biggest/most athletic players in the region, and his ability to play high above the rim is one of the many things that puts him in another stratosphere from most high school players. After his summer with the Middlesex Magic, Connaughton selected Notre Dame over UCLA, BC, and a slew of other high major scholarship offers.
Brandon Castro 5'10 PG - Arlington High School
Extremely fast an quick guard who penetrates the lane with ease to score and create opportunities for others. Tremendous on the ball defender who can guard 94 feet and cause tremendous problems for opposing ball handlers.
Jeff Amazan 6'3 G/F - East Boston High School
Very strong guard/froward who can score the ball from inside and out. An extremely versatile offensive player who can shoot the three, create his own shot off the dribble, and is a terrific second-chance points player on the offensive glass.
Peter Miller, 6'9 C - Winchester High School
A very long big man with exceptional hands and good footwork. Miller scores the ball very well with his back to the basket and can shoot the ball consistently well out to 16 ft. He is a much improved defender that blocked several shots a game this fall while anchoring the back of the Magic's defense.
Max Masucci, 6'1 G Hopkinton High School
Perhaps nobody played better for the Middlesex Magic this fall than Masucci. Known for his prolific shooting ability, Masucci displayed his versatility as he scored the ball is a variety of ways. He recorded multiple 30 point performances, and highlighted the season with a 40 point effort in a double overtime win against the RI Hawks.
Mike Corcoran, 5'10 G - BC High
An extremely quick and heady guard who can penetrate to score, create for others, as well as bury the deep jump shot. Nobody on the court works as hard or plays with more spirit and energy than Corcoran. A tenacious defender who always disrupts the flow for opposing teams.
Chris O'Keefe, 6'2 G - Lexington High School
O'Keefe takes pride in being the toughest, most hard-nosed player on the court, and he proved that time and again this Fall. He rebounds the ball exceptionally well from the guard position, and he can defend point guards, power forwards, and everything in between. Offensively he can score the ball going to the rim, from mid-range, as well as from behind the arc. OKeefe's has a never die attitude which impresses most that watch him play.
