Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite: Five Things Learned

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the summer AAU season, but players have still been able to get workouts in. The Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite had a workout for the 17U team and they did not disappoint. The roster is filled with talented players who should make a big splash in the 2020-21 season. Here are the five things learned from the Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite workout.</p> <p><strong>1. Freehold Township is a darkhorse team in the Shore Conference</strong></p> <p>The Patriots may have gone 11-16 last season, but they are primed for a strong 2020-21 season behind their Hawks’ trio. Point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929519" first="Jayce" last="Schapiro"]</strong> attacked the basket hard throughout the workout, knocked down open jumpers and played tough on-ball defense. <strong>Joe Lardaro</strong> showed off his versatile skillset as he made several nice moves on the perimeter and showcased his nice jumper. <strong>Anthony Barthel</strong> was able to knock down jumpers from the perimeter and did very well in the ball-handling drills. Freehold Township will be a team to watch in the Shore Conference with Schapiro, Lardaro and Barthel returning.</p> <p><strong>2. Watchung Hills will be one of the top teams in Group 4 again</strong></p> <p>The Warriors were one of the top teams in New Jersey all season, but they have to replace First-Team All-State member <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896632" first="Michael" last="Bressler"]</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"] </strong>will get more touches on the offensive end, where he is a mismatch nightmare. The lanky 6’4 guard showcased a strong handle throughout the workout and used his size to elevate for jumpers. Bokach is a stellar defender and had a great chemistry with teammate <strong>Mike Horzepa</strong>, a gritty guard who can knock down shots from behind the arc. Watchung Hills returns First Team All-Group 4 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900332" first="Chad" last="Martini"]</strong> who perfectly complements Bokach and Horzepa’s perimeter game.</p> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="929527" first="Kyle" last="Rolon"] is a hidden gem in the 2021 class</strong></p> <p>Coaches every year are looking for hidden gems and Rolon is definitely one of them. The 6’3 guard showcased his pure shooting stroke throughout the workout as he wasted little movement with his shot. Rolon did well in the full court ball-handling drills as he showed that he could also play on the ball. He played good on-ball defense and used his strength to finish through contact. Rolon is one of the top scorers in the Skyland Conference and is looking to lead Somerville to a big 2020-21 season.</p> <p><strong>4. Ethan Mannello is one of the top shooters in the 2021 class</strong></p> <p>Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite does not boast a lot of size, but they make up for it with their play-making and shooting. Mannello was lights out from distance during the game sessions as he drilled shots when given space. The 6’1 guard has a nice release on his shot and does not need a lot of space to get it off. Mannello moves really well off the ball, but also showed an ability to knock down jumpers off the dribble. He is a big-tie shooter who can get hot from deep in a hurry, making Mannello one of the top shooters in the 2021 class.</p> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="929526" first="Jake" last="Schapiro"] is a breakout candidate in Somerset County</strong></p> <p>Schapiro had a strong session as he proved that he could impact the game in multiple ways. The 6’2 guard attacked the basket hard as he used his strong frame to finish through contact. Schapiro showcased a nice handle and knocked down numerous jumpers off the dribble. He worked hard on the defensive end as he forced tough shots during the 1-on-1 sessions. Schapiro is a tough, skilled guard prospect who is ready to burst onto the scene in 2020-21.</p>