Derek Collins was unstoppable tonightThe Mass & NH High School Basketball Report visited Haverhill High School today to watch super sophomors Derek Collins and Noah Vonleh battle it out. The two talents are friends and AAU teammates for the Mass Rivals, and tonight they showed both North Andover and Haverhill fans why they are both so good. In front of a crowded Haverhill gymnasium, both Collins and Vonleh put on shows that would not disappoint. Collins would be the victor today as he quickly eliminated any chance Haverhill had to win with a first quarter offensive barrage that would seal the deal early. Simply put, Collins was the better player tonight, and when you are playing against the likes of Noah Vonleh, that is saying something. As a result of Collins play, North Andover would cruise to an 82-57 victory.
Collins, who we've called one of the best scorers in Mass high school basketball was fantastic tonight as he nailed 5 consecutive three pointers in the first quarter to put North Andover up 24 - 5 early in this one. Collins would hit a pull-up jumper a minute later to put his first quarter total to 17 points as North Andover led 29-11 after one quarter. Collins, who was on fire, hit 6 of 7 attempts from the floor in the first quarter. Collins would continue his excellent play into the second quarter as he would knock down another three and hit a scholarship like tear-drop floater over the outstretched Vonleh. Collins would finish the first half with 22 points on 6 for 6 shooting from behind the arc and would go into the half 8 of 9 from the floor. Collins would add seven third quarter points as he would have limited minutes the rest of the way home as North Andover would continue to extend the lead.
We have always been a big fan of Collins, and today he showed his entire package. Collins who has a quick and beautiful high release made the seven threes look easy. Collins was also effective putting the ball on the floor, as he had a shot fake, penetration, and a sweet looking pull-up. The 6'2" Collins also used his athletic body to rebound the basketball in traffic. He showed us again that he loves the limelight, as the better the competition, the better he plays. Lastly, Collins showed us why he is one of the best sophomores in Massachusetts and why this 6'2" athletic guard is a division 1 prospect.
Vonleh, although his team never had a chance to win, played hard tonight and had another monster game. Vonleh had 34 points and 24 rebounds on the evening. Vonleh, again showed us why he is the most skilled player in Massachusetts. Vonleh showed us that his handle is a weapon as he gets wherever he wants on the floor. Tonight Vonleh knocked down two threes, had a nice pull-up, a thunderous dunk, and worked his way to the foul line on several occasions. Maybe best of all was the the crossover to a pull-back three that left his defender staggering back as the ball swished through the net. Watching this young man play is simply a treat. He does so many things that are off the charts. He is one of the best players to ever put on a Massachusetts high school uniform. Vonleh has a slew of major division 1 schools following him, and we expect the list will continue to grow fast.
