BCRI/Middlesex Magic College Showcase
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Two of New England’s best AAU programs came together last week for their annual College Night, which has become a must attend event for many of the area’s D2 and D3 programs. There was a wide-ranging collection of talent on…
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Continue ReadingTwo of New England’s best AAU programs came together last week for their annual College Night, which has become a must attend event for many of the area’s D2 and D3 programs. There was a wide-ranging collection of talent on hand from the class of 2024 all the way down to the class of 2027. While some of the athletes in attendance are already well known within the region and beyond ( Ryan Altman Ryan Altman 6'6" | SG Rivers | 2025 State New E , Jay Jones Jay Jones 6'4" | SG Cushing Academy | 2025 State #235 Nation New E , Barrett Loer Barrett Loer 6'5" | SF St. George's | 2025 State #360 Nation New E ), here are a few more prospects that caught our eye:
Noticeably stronger than the last time we saw him, Watson possesses a smooth game that is complimented by his high basketball IQ. The Milton wing was able to get to the rim and finish through contact at a high rate, while also proving to be a willing ball-mover and adept/switchable defender.
Kenny Donnelly
Kenny Donnelly
The BCRI product showcased an ability to impact the game in numerous ways. He has a good combination of size, strength, and length that should allow him to play/defend multiple positions at the next level. On this night he hit shots from deep, initiated offense in transition, and showed a willingness to guard bigger opponents in the post.
Jaymien Aponte
Jaymien Aponte
Maybe the most physically imposing guard at the event, Aponte was productive both on and off the ball on the offensive end. He proved to be able to get wherever he wanted to off the bounce and was terrific on the offensive glass. Defensively, he did a good job moving his feet to stay in front of quicker guards and proved to be physically strong enough to slide up a position or two and guard bigger opponents.
Jefferson Smock
Jefferson Smock
Stood out all night long due to his motor and activity level around the rim on the defensive end. Consistently made hustle plays on the offensive glass, showed a nice array of finishing moves inside, and was often the first guy down the court in transition. Defensively, showed potential as a guy who could cover on the perimeter when switching screens and did a nice job as a shot blocker coming over from the help side.
Long known as a productive player on the local circuit, Hart continues to transition to being a full-time wing. While physically advanced, Hart has a nice combination of skill and IQ that allows him to make the right play more often than not. He impressed as a distributor on this night, especially in transition.
Johan Valdez
Johan Valdez
A long and lanky wing that seemed to stand out each time he was on the court, Valdez is highly skilled but still raw and growing into his body. All arms and legs right now, he has some nice athletic pop and showed a bit of wiggle off the bounce. Has the tools to be an impressive perimeter defender as he continues to add strength.