Hoophall Classic: Westtown (PA) vs Gil St. Bernard’s (NJ)

Joel Francisco

January 28, 2022 @ 04:56 PM

Hoophall Classic: Westtown (PA) vs Gil St. Bernard’s (NJ) SPRINGFIELD, MA—The game between Gill St. Bernards and Westtown had a mix of young and old when it comes to elite prospects. With the exception of the Class of 2025, every other class was represented with arguably the best player in each class in 2022 Dereck Lively, 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"], and 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="902746" first="Naasir" last="Cunningham"]. With the exception of Lively, Mgbako and Cunningham put on a show with their respective performances as Gill St. Bernards defeated Westtown 70-60. [player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"] (Gil St. Bernards) 2023, F, 6-foot-8, 210 Joel’s take: Mgbako has all the physical tools to be a high level college player and an eventual NBA player. He has that prototypical frame with good length, shoulder width, and he’s a solid athlete. His skill level, especially on the perimeter is what standouts out. He has a smooth shooting touch out to the 3-point stripe and his shot is tight in its mechanics. He squares up nicely and displays an ideal release. He faced up his oponent and exhibited “triple threat skills”, including some impressive passing skills. While operating on the block, he did have a tendency to force the issue and needs to learn how to pass out of double teams and re-set, but overall he’s an impressive prospect. Quin Berger (Westtown) 2022, G, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds Joel’s take: The most consistent player for Westtown was definitely Berger. He came out strong and was definitely in “attack” mode throughout. He is a strong combo-guard who can affect the game in a number of ways. Defensively, he has the proper mindset as he gets underneath ball handlers and uses his good feet and strength to disrupt opposing guards. Offensively, he can “bully ball” his defender and finish through contact or step out and drain the deep jump shot. A true gamer. [player_tooltip player_id="902746" first="Naasir" last="Cunningham"] (Gil St. Bernards) 2024, WF, 6-foot-7, 180 pounds Joel’s take: Cunningham falls into that prototypical wing-type and/or big-guard tag. The sinewy prospect is similar to current Memphis Grizzlies wing Ziaire Williams. He squares up nicely with is jump shota and his release is tight. He can hit th step-back, convert off the catch, or the dribble pull-up. If you crowd him he can utilize his quick 1st step and slash is way to the basket or drop off the nifty assist. Not too mention, he had a left-handed tip dunk that was well above the rim. [player_tooltip player_id="1200771" first="Matt" last="Mayock"] (Westtown) 2023, F, 6-foot-7, 190 pounds Joel’s take: Every team needs glue-types and Mayock fits that role to a tee. The sharp shooting wing fills the stat sheet with is skill, motor, and savvy. His jump shot is pure off the catch, he can rebound and initiate the break, and his passing acumen is impressive. He has a solid burst off the dribble and he can either attack the paint or snap an open pass to an open teammate. [player_tooltip player_id="850666" first="Denver" last="Anglin"] (Gil St. Bernards) 2022, G, 6-foot-2, 170 pounds Joel’s take: Anglin, who is headed to Georgetown, is a quick-twitch combo-guard. He has long arms, ideal quickness and speed, and he gets great lift on his jump shot. He uses the ball screen well in a pick-n-roll and he can deliver the appropriate pass or rise up nail the pull-up jump shot. Due to his jump shooting ability, savvy, and moxie, he should be an instant impact player for the Hoyas.