Derek Collins Gets to the BasketThe NERR Junior Elite Tournament in Plaistow, NH brought some of New England's best freshman talent and future high school talent together. We watched the Mass Rivals freshman team beat the New England Cyclones from Rhode Island. In that game, the Mass Rivlas guard tandem of 6'1" Derek Collins of North Andover and 6'1" Dimitri Floras of Merrimack, NH were too much for the Cyclones. Collins showed his ability to score in every way possible including knocking down four threes, two pull-ups, as well as finishing a couple of strong moves to the basket. Floras, on the other hand, made the game look easy with some impressive takes and finishes at the rim. Also impressive were Mass Rivals 6'5" forward Mike Auger of Hopkington, NH and 6'7" forward Alec Brennan from Weston.
We also took in the 14u Boston Blue Chips as they defeated the Mass Rivals in a competitive battle. In other 14 under action, the New England Playaz were too much for Visionary Basketball Club (VBC). The following players stood out in these 14u contests.
Aaron Falzon (6'5", Boston Blue Chips, Newton) - Falzon was a dominate player in this game controlling both ends of the floor. Falzon showed some great low post moves including some impressive spins and finishes. He also has a nice touch from the perimeter and was able to knock down a sweet looking three. Falzon was just as impressive on the defensive end blocking a slew of shots and changing just as many others. Falzon is clearly one of the top player in the Massachusetts upcoming 9th grade class and has a big future ahead of him.
Jack Boucher (5'11", Boston Blue Chips, Newton) - Boucher showed his ability to score the basketball by knocking down the three, hitting pull-ups, and getting to the rim. Boucher played agressively with a determination to win.
Wesley Curves (5'8", Mass Rivals, Lawrence) - Curves is lightning quick and is excellent leading transition. On several occassions, Curves got into the lane and threw on the money bounce passes for easy finishes. The eight grader also plays extremely hard and showed he can be a lock-up defensive.
Drew Belcher (6'3", Mass Rivals, Reading) - Belcher is a strong and athletic small forward who has a great body. Belcher played aggressively around the basket and had some nice finishes. He also was impressive down the defensive end as he battled for every rebound. As Belcher's offense develops, he will be a force in high school basketball.
Kahlil Walker (6'1", New England Playaz, Springfield) - Walker has a wide 6'1" frame which he uses to his adantage to rebound and create space. Walker showed great touch around the basket as he scored consistently in the paint. Walker also made a habit of comng up with every rebound that was up for grabs.
Nick Guerrero (5'10", New England Playaz, Chickopee) - Guerrero is a well rounded player who can score the basketball in a number of different ways including a pretty looking three. Guerrero also found his way to the rim and finished on a cosistent basis. Best of all, Guerrero plays hard all the time. He's a winner.
Nelson Zayas (5'6", New England Playaz, Springfield) - Zayas is a combination guard that showed he can knock down the three as he nailed 5 of them in the first half. He is alos quick in transition and is able to get to the rim and finish.
Max Butterbrodt (6'3", VBC, North Andover) - Butterbrodt is a strong and aggressive forward who can make score some around the basket. Butterbrodt was also impressive as he led the transition several times.
Quazi Appiah (6'3", VBC, Lowell) - The lanky forward showed some flashes of being special as he made some nice looking takes to the basket. Appiah is not yet consistent, but has a chance to be real special.
Terrance Mann (5'10", VBC, Lowell) - Mann is only a 7th grader, but he turned our heads with some excellent play at the point.
