Noah Vonleh Was Best Prospect At ShowcaseThe NERR Sophomore Elite 75 Showcase attracted much of the best talent in New England. When it was over, it was pretty clear that Noah Vonleh of Haverhill High School was easily the most impressive prospect in the entire event. The 6'7" wing dominated the event scoring in a number of ways. In what might have been the highlight of the event, Vonleh went against one of the other top players at the event in Andrew Chrabascz of Cushing Academy. With much of the crowd watching the match-up, Vonleh went on a tear scoring eight straight points in a one minute stretch by using a neat crossover dribble to get to the rim, knocking down a three, and then using a combination between the legs and in-out dribble to beat Chrabascz for a scoop shot. As we watched, we remembered how Vonleh dominated the Mass & NH High School Basketball Report's All-Star game a few months ago and how much better he has gotten since then.
Here's who made an impression on us:
Noah Vonleh (6'7", Haverhill High School) - Vonleh continues to get better by the day as his skill set is better every time we see him. The once big man is now a point forward that can play all five spots on the basketball court. Vonleh, who turned 15 a month ago, is long and athletic and is still growing. He's quite the talent right now has he is head and shoulders above his competitors. Vonleh's handle of he basketball is exceptional and his jump shot is much improved. Vonleh also has a great work ethic and works on his game more than anybody else we've seen. When you add his God given talents, work ethic, and his desire to be the best, you can see why Vonleh is likely the best prospect in New England.
Kamari Robinson (6'4", Springfield Central) - Robinson looked like a man against boys as he is an excellent athlete who can attack the rim off the dribble. Robinson also has a nice rotation on his jump shot. Robinson was extremely active all afternoon and moved extremely well without the ball.
Jared Terrell (6'2", Weymouth H.S.) - Terrell is very athletic and has a great basketball body. He is a good slasher and attacks the rim. At one point during the event, we saw Terrell soar way above the crowd to grab and finish and offensive rebound.
Sam Dowden (6'5", Andover H.S.) - Dowden was exceptional today as he showed us that he has made great strides in converting himself from a 4-man to a 2-man. Dowden showed us he has an exceptional shooting stroke, and even a better pull-up off the dribble. We also saw Dowden stay low to the floor as he went by his opponent and finished at the rim. Add to that, Dowden was active on the glass this weekend. Dowden is clearly one of the most improved sophomores in New England.
Cornelius Tyson (6'2", Springfield Central H.S.) - Tyson continued to show that he is a talented point guard who has good size. it was obvious in watching Tyson that he has a good understanding of how to handle a team. Tyson showed us that he can get the ball to the right places on the floor and that he makes good decisions with the basketball. Tyson can also score off the dribble as he got to the rim on several occasions.
Dolby Maduegbunam (6'3", Charlestown H.S.) - Maduegbunam is an exceptional athlete and a real raw talent. We saw Maduegbunam fill the lanes and finish with a monster dunk in transition. We also were impressed with the way he puts the ball to the floor. Maduegbunam has a great upside.
Dimitri Floras (6'1", Merrimack High School, NH) - Floras showed again that he is a combo guard that can score the basketball with the best of them from the off guard position. Floras made some shots and got to the rim for some nice finishes. Floras also showed he can play the point as he distributed some on the money passes. Floras played like he always does, with a purpose.
Derek Collins (6'1", North Andover H.S.) - Collins is the most natural scorer in the field as he has a great arsenal to throw at defenders. As he showed today, he can make the three, can pull it up, and can score off the dribble. Today we saw Collins at his best when he used a hesitation move to freeze the defender before going up and under to complete the finish. Collins left his opponent as well as spectators wondering how the ball went it.
Jonathan Perez (6'0", Lowell H.S.) - Perez has an athletic and strong body that punishes defenders when he puts the ball on the floor. He was impressive today as he used that size and strength to get into the lane and create problems. Perez showed us an improved jump shot as he knocked down the three consistently. Perez also competed hard on the defensive end.
Kaleb Joseph (6'2", Nashua South H.S., NH) - Joseph again showed he has much potential as he is a talented point guard that has size. Joseph has a good handle and can get to places on the court he wants to go. Joseph also has a good midrange game.
Nathaniel Anderson (6'6", New Mission H.S.) - The forward still has some work to to but his best days are ahead.
Colin Richie (6'2", Whitinsville Christian) - Richie usually known for being an efficient point guard who is an excellent distributor of the basketball. Today we were impressed by the fact that Richie looked to score and had much success.
Mike Auger (6'5", Hopkington H.S., NH) - Auger showed us that he can play inside-out. The big powerful forward did much damage underneath, but showed he can put the ball to the floor as well as step away and make shots.
Travis Descoteaux (6'0", Trinity High School, NH) - Descoteaux looked good making a couple of sweet looking pull-ups and then knocking down a three..
