Team Rio Classic Championship Sunday Standouts

The Team Rio Classic took place this past weekend at Hoop Group as teams were fighting to take home the title in their division. Championship Sunday was filled with players doing their best to help their teams win. Here are the Team Rio Classic Championship Sunday standouts.

Brave Haugh Brave Haugh 6'7" | PF Marlboro | 2024 State NJ , 6’6 PF Marlboro 2024

Haugh had a big weekend for the Jersey Force 16U team as he helped lead them to the 16U Blue title. The 6’6 forward ran the floor hard, setting himself up for easy baskets in transition. Haugh showed a nice touch on his jumper and even knocked down a fadeaway jumper during the game yesterday. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and slid his feet nicely on defense. Haugh is a prospect to watch in Central Jersey with his energy and skill.

Christian Pierre-Louis Christian Pierre-Louis 6'2" | SG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State NJ , 6’2 SG Roselle Catholic 2023

Starrell Hearns hit the game-winning shot to win the 17U Blue title for the Jersey Force , but it was Pierre-Louis who drove the show in the championship game. The 6’2 lefty attacked the basket with a purpose as he exploded to the rim and finished through contact. Pierre-Louis shot the ball with confidence as he hit a couple of nice mid-range pull-ups in the title game. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor and played tough on-ball defense. Pierre-Louis is a gritty, two-way guard who does whatever it takes to help his team win games.

Jaycen Santucci Jaycen Santucci 6'3" | SG Central Regional | 2025 State NJ , 6’1 SG Central Regional 2025

Santucci had a huge Sunday for the Jersey Shore Predators as he helped lead the way for their 15U White title. The 6’1 guard shot the ball with confidence from the perimeter and made opponents pay for giving him space. Santucci went to the basket with a purpose and was able to finish through contact multiple times on Sunday. The ball did not stick in his hands and he made several defensive plays. Santucci’s ability to get to the basket and finish through contact is something that will help his stock in a big way this summer.

Gio Panzini Gio Panzini 6'5" | SF St. Rose | 2024 State NJ , 6’5 SF Red Bank Catholic 2024

Panzini had a strong showing for Team Rio University 16U this weekend as he made plays at both ends of the floor. The 6’5 wing finished strong around the rim, throwing down a couple of dunks and showing good body control. Panzini shot the ball nicely on the perimeter as he rose up with confidence on his jumper. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and showed the ability to defend multiple positions. Panzini is a wing prospect to watch with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor.

Connor Howard Connor Howard 6'1" | SG St. John Vianney | 2023 State NJ , 6’3 SG SJV 2023

Howard came up with big plays down the stretch to help Jersey Force Diller take home the 17U White title. The 6’3 guard was at his best attacking the basket as he finished nicely around the basket and did not mind drawing contact. Howard hit a clutch three late in the game and he was unafraid of taking big shots in key moments for them. He dove on the floor for loose balls and slid his feet on the defensive end. If Howard continues to hit clutch shots down the stretch, then his stock will go up this summer.

Other Prospects to Know:

John Kelly John Kelly 6'3" | SF Watchung Hills | 2024 State NJ , 6’3 SF Watchung Hills (Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite) 2024

Zack Davis Zack Davis 6'7" | SF Peddie | 2024 State NJ , 6’7 F Ranney ( Jersey Force ) 2024

Brandon Benjamin Brandon Benjamin 6'7" | PF Bergen Catholic | 2025 NLG , 6’7 PF Bergen Catholic ( Team Rio University) 2024

Elijah Butler Elijah Butler 6'4" | SG Linden | 2024 State NJ , 6’5 G/F Linden ( Jersey Force ) 2024

Taylor Perlmutter Taylor Perlmutter 6'1" | CG York Prep | 2023 State NY , 5’11 PG La Salle Academy ( Jersey Force Select) 2023