Aaron Falzon Was Impressive at NERR ShowcaseThe MA-NH High School Basketball Report spent the morning and afternoon at Boston University at the Freshman and Sophomore Elite 75 showcases. The talent at the event was exceptional as much of the best talent in New England found their way to Boston. As are all the events hosted by NERR, the event was extremely well run with an impressive instructional session followed by full court games.
The Freshman Elite showcase (the morning event) featured some of the best talent in New England. However this report covers only the most talented MA & NH High School Players. Here is what we saw:
The Best Five:
Aaron Falzon (6'6", Newton North H.S.) - Falzon showed that he has an exceptional skill set as he can shoot, dribble, and pass the basketball. On two back-to-back possessions, we saw the best of Falzon. On the first, Falzon rebounded, dribble out, and threw a beautiful outlet pass. On the next possession, the youngster stole a pass and dribbled the length of the court for a finish. Falzon has a nice touch and a real feel for the game.
Jeremy Miller (6'9", Milton H.S.) - Miller is a long and athletic forward who has star written all over him. Surely still a work in progress, we saw Miller connect on a sweet looking turnaround half hook.
Drew Shea (6'6", Medfield H.S.) - Shea is physical forward who plays the game with a purpose. We loved his toughness as he competed hard. The big guy showed us that he has touch from midrange and is very effective around the basket.
Kevin Connor (6'3", Mansfield H.S.) - Connor is long, athletic and active around the basket. Connor, who played at the perimeter much of the day, needs work on the shooting.
Darien Smith (6'1", West Roxbury H.S.) - There were four exceptional West Roxbury freshman in the gym today. But today it was Smith's turn to shine. Smith had an exceptional day showing that he is a versatile and talented player. He has a nice stroke from the perimeter, but is also very effective at going inside and banging with the big guys. Best of all, we saw Smith rebound, lead transition, and make a beautiful left handed bounce pass to his teammate.
The Best of the Rest
Jonathan Joseph (5'9", Brockton H.S.) - Josephs was one of the many talented point guards at the event. Joseph's showed he is a talented ball handler and seasoned guard. What was most impressive about Joseph's on this day was his beautiful crossover to a step back three that was all net.
Mike Rodriguez (5'8", West Roxbury H.S.) - Rodriguez is a true point guard who looks to distribute the basketball and make his teammates better.
Jalen Adams (6'0", Melrose H.S.) - Adams is an exceptional athlete that showed he can get to the basket at will. Adams will be special if he can develop the jump shot.
Markus Neale (6'1", West Roxbury H.S.) - Neale showed that he a talented guard that can both shoot the basketball and get into the lane.
Drew Belcher (6'3", Reading H.S.) - Belcher is an impressive looking athlete that has a nose for the basketball and is a physical presence on the floor. All morning, Belcher found a way to score the basketball.
Freddie Oliveira (6'3", West Roxbury H.S.) - Oliveira is a talented southpaw that has length and athleticism. Oliveira is very active and moves well without the basketball.
Quentin Bullen (6'0", Saint John's Prep) - Bullen scored the ball today in a number of ways including knocking down the three, in transition, and off the offensive glass.
Brian Mukasa (5'9", Sharon H.S.) - The talented point guard showed great speed and athleticism and is excellent in transition as he knows how to advance the basketball and makes the appropriate dish each and every time.
Ryan Murphy (6'2', Winchester H.S.) - Murphy showed that he has a good skill set and his best days are ahead.
Frank Monteiro (6'3', Canton H.S.) - Monteiro was effective both on the glass as well as scoring around the basket.
Andrew Lechner (6'2", Pinkerton Academy, NH) - Lechner showed that he can score the basketball. He has an excellent three point stroke and a very good pull-up as well.
Liam Bruno (6'0", Newton North) - Bruno is a tough and hard nose guard that gets after it on both ends of the floor. Bruno showed that he understands the game and knows how to put himself in positions to score.
Richard Santos (5'9", Whitinsville Christian) - Santos was able to get into the middle with ease and showed that he can finish around the basket with both hands.
