Double OT Thriller Caps the Night
On Friday night at Boston University the late Mike Crotty, former Middlesex Magic Coach, was honored on Day 1 if the Boston Shootout. There was also 3 high level basketball games. Below is is a recap of the high school players who impressed during the games.
17U: Middlesex Magic vs. Mass Rivals
This was the game of the night, no question about it. The Rivals won it in double overtime 72-69. The game was played at a high level, there was a ton of talent on display and the game was between 2 teams who both have plenty of respect for each other.
Despite being on the losing side, Pat Connaughton had a very impressive performance for the Magic. The 6'4" Connaughton showed his versatility all game long. At different points in the game he ran the point, played on the wing and also played in the paint on offense. On defense he covered points, wings and post players on the Rivals. Connaughton carried the team offensively, but also made some nice passes as well. He hit a couple big shots down the stretch, one a three-pointer to put the Magic up 62-58 late. Then after Jordan Laguerre answered right back with a three ball of his own, Connaughton hit a huge turnaround bank shot to make it a 64-61 game.
Leading the way for the Rivals were prep players Laguerre and Ryan Canty. For high school players, Joe Mussachia (Manchester Essex), David Madol (Trinity), Jamie Holder (Milford HS) and Mickel Simpson (Woburn HS) all contributed to a deep Rivals squad. Mussachia made some big shots, strong drives to the rim and showed toughness on defense and on the boards. The 6'3" Simpson played good hard defense, and showed the ability to hit the outside shot as well as put the ball on the floor.
In addition to Connaughton, Patrick Ackerman, Bryan Hurley (Boston College HS), Anthony Barry and Peter Miller (Winchester HS) also played well. Hurley was one of the quickest players on either team hands down. The 5'10" guard ran the point for most of the contest, doing a nice job of running the offense and was fearless going to the hoop despite his lack of size. Hurley was a scrappy player, as was Miller who came up with some big shots and rebounds down the stretch.
16U: Middlesex Magic vs. Mass Rivals
The Rivals won this won 59-48 behind a strong start to the second half. The Rivals played sloppy in the first half, with the Magic being the better, more disciplined team early. They led 31-25 at the half. The Rivals though went on a 21-4 run early in the second half, and that was the difference.
The Rivals had a well balanced offensive attack. Devin Gilligan (Souhegan HS), Brad Holler (Bishop Guertin), Stephen Haladyna (St. John's Prep), Dimitri Floras and Javon Williams (Nashua North HS) all impressed during the second half run. Haladyna did a nice job of slashing and attacking the rim hard. Gilligan finished and defended well around the rim, Holler shot the ball well from the outside and forced turnovers and Williams played solid defense and also hit some nice pull-up jumpers.
The Magic got strong play from Miller, a 6'9" sophomore as well as Chris O'Keefe (Lexington HS) and Cooper Ainge (Wellesley HS). Miller is a solid big man who is active on the boards and can also step out and hit the 15-18 foot jumper. O'Keefe and Ainge are both scrappy guards who defend and handle the ball well.
15U: BABC vs. Mass Rivals
BABC won this one 77-57. BABC was led by a trio of prep school players, Goodluck Okonoboh, Wayne Selden and Rene Castro. For high school players though, Kamari Robinson (Springfield Central) and Bobby Ahearn (Marshfield HS) played well in supporting roles for the team. Robinson, a 6'5" forward, has good length and showed exceptional speed and athleticism. With a long wingspan and above average leaping ability he was able to block and change a number of shots. Ahearn, a 6'4" forward, has a solid frame and was active on the boards on both ends.
For the Rivals, Noah Vonleh (Haverhill HS) had a solid game but battled foul trouble before fouling out with 10 minutes left. He had a couple of nice coast-to-coast finishes and continues to show a good feel for the game and athleticism. Others who played well for the Rivals included Dimitri Floras (Merrimack HS), Sam Dowden (Andover HS) and Joel Barroa (Central Catholic). Floras handled the point most of the contest, showing the ability to handle the ball and make some nice finds around the rim. Dowden had some nice finishes around the rim and ran the floor well. Berroa showed good athleticism and really competed hard on the defensive end.
