Spooky Nook JamFest (PA) Day 2 Notepad

<p>Day Two moved away from showcase games and into bracket play, play intensified as teams either fought to stay in the winner’s bracket or came out with a chip on their shoulder to prove their worth after a Day 1 loss. Most of my standouts spent a lot of time in the paint- dominant bigs protecting/attacking the rim or guards who thrived in getting to the key to create offense for their team. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">’22 6’9 forward [player_tooltip player_id="1215151" first="Cesar" last="Tchilombo"] (Global Elite/John Carroll) shined brightly in a big matchup with top-30 ’23 center Isaiah Miranda and Rhode Island elite. The agile big was a dynamo on the glass, working hard to beat out his opponents for rebounds and punishing the rim with several dunks off the bounce or via alley oops from teammates. His energy and intensity was effusive and rubbed off on the rest of his team in the big win. Tchilombo currently holds offers from Siena, Mt. St Mary’s and Howard but is hearing from several high major programs. </span></p> <p>’23 6’11 C <strong>Aidan Kehoe</strong> (NJ Panthers/Canterbury School) was impressive in the low post, showcasing smooth footwork and an ability to finish over either shoulder. His athleticism and stamina stood out as he worked hard to beat his opponent down the floor in transition, set solid screens, and closed defensive possessions with rebounds after a fundamentally-solid blockout. Kehoe tells me that he is hearing from several high-academic universities and midmajors in the Northeast. </p> <p>’22 6’9 F <strong>Victory Naboya</strong> (BWSL Boo Crew/Greenwood Laboratory School) showcased his upside as an energy big with scoring upside in a 30-point win. Naboya plays extremely hard, runs the floor, cleans the glass, and displayed an improved offensive game and soft touch on jump hooks after a physical bump. A pair of aggressive guards also thrived defensively and in transition for BWSL: ’22 6’4 <strong>George Beale Jr</strong> (Kings Fork) and ’22 6’ <strong>George Cutler</strong>. Beale Jr showed a soft touch in the paint with several floaters and finesse finishes while Cutler was dynamic in the pick n roll. ’22 6’8 F [player_tooltip player_id="957895" first="Jayson" last="Harris"] also impressed in the paint with a strong frame and good hands. The physical big tells me he holds offers from Division II Lincoln U and Allen U while also drawing interest from Central Connecticut University and Sacred Heart with his play this weekend.  </p> <p>’23 6’1 CG <strong>Chase Lawton </strong>(District Basketball Club/Bishop McNamara) was a steadying presence for DBC, staving off a run from Global Squad by turning steals into layups and finding teammates on the perimeter. Usually playing off the ball in a McNamara system with several dynamic guards, Lawton showed what he could do with the ball in his hands. The high academic guard (4.0) was relentlessly attacking the outside shoulder of his defender and getting to the cup with ease. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Additional names that impressed:</p> <p>‘22 5’10 PG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931022" first="Drew" last="Greene"]</strong> (Team Final Red/Cherry Hill East)- does not make mistakes, comes off screens wide to attract two defenders and create open looks for teammates, can really shoot it</p> <p>’23 6’1 CG <strong>Nick Viqueira </strong>(Pro Skills Basketball DMV/Bullis School)- can handle ball pressure, baits defenders into steals and converts well at the other end, can shoot and handle, high IQ</p> <p>’22 6’ G <strong>Darien Gibson</strong>, (Connecticut Select/Hoosac School)- shifty guard, smooth handle, can shoot off the catch or bounce, puts pressure on the defense with paint touches, dynamic in transition</p> <p>’22 6’6 F [player_tooltip player_id="1049817" first="Shaquille" last="Samuels"] (DBC/Mt. Zion Prep)- physical wing, rebounds the ball well, plus athleticism, attacks closeouts well</p> <p>’22 6’2 SG [player_tooltip player_id="904647" first="Tre" last="Powell"] (6th Man Warriors/DeMatha)- high-academic guard prospect (3.8), uses his frame to get to an effective midrange pull-up, can shoot it from deep, solid rebounder</p>