Hoophall Classic – Local Standouts (Part 2)
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The 2023 Hoophall Classic is one of the best events in the country, bringing in national talent that features some of the highest ranked players in the entire country. But while the spotlight is usually on the big names and…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 Hoophall Classic is one of the best events in the country, bringing in national talent that features some of the highest ranked players in the entire country. But while the spotlight is usually on the big names and national teams, there are many local teams who really come to play. With New England well represented, there were a lot of really great players who made a name for themselves from the Northeast. Here’s the second group of guys who really got it done:
Griffin Collins
Griffin Collins
Collins is a high motor guard/wing who can get the ball into the paint thanks to his incredible physical attributes. At 6-5, athletic, and very strong, Collins is able to muscle to the rim and make defenders either foul him or force an easy layup. Actually, the defense often chose both, as he was able to effectively finish through contact and drew several and-1s in the game I watched against Pope Francis High. Collins’ strength also aids him as a post player against smaller guards, where he was able to do simple post moves and still score. His athleticism makes him a great shot blocker and a guy who can contest shots from nearly anywhere on the floor. He’s not a very efficient shooter, but his range of scoring abilities make me think that Collins could really play college basketball at the right level.
Vedovelli was electric in Pope Francis’ win over Longmeadow. Vedovelli is an incredible shooter who is able to get his shot off quickly from anywhere on the floor. He scored 14 straight points to open the game, going 4/4 from beyond the arc and shifting his defender with some tough moves around the basket. Vedovelli’s instincts are high level, as he was able to get buckets utilizing shot fakes, head fakes, and just by moving the defense with his eyes. Around the basket, Vedovelli was able to use his deep bag to leave defenders stranded or make them jump at pump fakes, rendering them useless. Vedovelli is mostly an offensive workhorse who isn’t very well sized, but his pure skill makes him a prime candidate to play the 2 at a Division 3 school.
Anthony Williams Anthony Williams 6'7" | PF Windsor | 2024 State NLG
Anthony Williams Anthony Williams 6'7" | PF Windsor | 2024 State NLG
Williams was one of the standouts for me at the Hoophall, as his electric performance was a far cry from some of the performances of his I watched last year. Williams has improved greatly on offense, becoming a real threat thanks to his feel around the basket. A long and athletic forward, Williams was able to accelerate downhill and finish over defenders with ease thanks to these physical tools and great awareness. Defensively, he was a high-energy engine who was able to create second chance opportunities through offensive rebounding and challenge shots both at the rim and on the perimeter, making things very tough for the defense. He’s a two-way wing who is a developing scorer and who has great physical features, so he should only continue to grow throughout the season.