2024 Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite: Top 5 Takeaways

<p>As the calendar is starting to turn to April, AAU teams across the state are gearing up for the spring season. The Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite are one of those teams as they practiced yesterday. Here are the top 5 takeaways from the 2024 Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite practice.</p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="1050407" first="Owen" last="Griffin"] is a breakout player to watch in the GMC</strong></p> <p>Griffin had a strong practice as he showcased his all-around skillset. The 6’2 wing has a nice touch around the basket and has a good spin move to free himself up down low. Griffin knocked down multiple triples during the practice, showing an ability to knock down jumpers from behind the arc. He fought for rebounds during the live sessions and moved his feet well on defense. Griffin should get more minutes for St. Joe’s Metuchen this season, which could lead to a breakout campaign.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="1050405" first="Dean" last="Smith"] will be an impact player for Watchung Hills next season</strong></p> <p>The Warriors have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"]</strong> on the perimeter and they may have his replacement in Smith. The 6’0 guard was talking throughout practice as his energy level did not drop at all. Smith was tough to stop off the bounce during the live sessions as he was getting to the rim consistently. He has a nice release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Smith’s combination of energy and offense should give him a prominent role for Watchung Hills this season.</p> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="1050406" first="Calvin" last="Wang"] has the potential to open eyes in the Skyland Conference</strong></p> <p>Wang did not play in a varsity game last season and that should change in his sophomore campaign for Watchung Hills. The Gill St. Bernard’s transfer has a smooth shooting form and does not need a lot of space to get his shot off. Wang proved he was more than just a shooter as he was able to create space off the bounce and finish around the rim. He knows how to move off the ball and is an underrated passer. A change of scenery may benefit Wang in the long run as he gets the opportunity to help a solid, Watchung Hills program.</p> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="1050403" first="Dante" last="Regan"] has a bright future ahead of him at St. Joe’s</strong></p> <p>Regan may have been the only 2025 player at the practice, but he was still able to make an impact. The 5’10 guard has a good handle, which he uses to beat his man off the dribble. Regan also showed that he is comfortable shooting off the dribble and has a good release on his jumper. He works hard on the defensive end and shows promise that he can run the offense effectively. Regan will get tested in practice everyday during his freshman season at St. Joe’s Metuchen, but that should only improve his game in the long run.</p> <p><strong>5. Evan Walter is the glue guy every high school team needs</strong></p> <p>Walter may have been the smallest player on the team, but he did not back down from any of the challenges thrown his way. The 5’6 guard played tough defense even when he was matched up with the much taller Griffin. Walter’s quick hands and ability to slide his feet were key as he was able to record stops during the live sessions. He made smart decisions with the ball in his hands and can beat his defender off the bounce to finish around the basket. Walter’s toughness and energy is something that all high school teams need, which is what he’ll provide for Watchung Hills this season.</p>