Boston’s Best Shine at Beantown Slam
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The Beantown Slam, one of New England’s best fall leagues, annually highlights some of the city’s top up and coming talent. Prospects come from near and far, thanks to the league included some NEPSAC institutions as well as local MIAA…
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Continue ReadingThe Beantown Slam, one of New England’s best fall leagues, annually highlights some of the city’s top up and coming talent. Prospects come from near and far, thanks to the league included some NEPSAC institutions as well as local MIAA schools, to showcase their talents before their respective seasons kick off. Here are a few prospects that have stood out this fall:
Jaeden Roberts
Jaeden Roberts
The 2023 City League Player of the Year, Roberts is a dynamic three-level scorer who excels as a decision maker with the ball in his hands. With an early Division I offer from Bryant, expect Roberts to again be one of the top guards in the city this winter. He thrives in transition where his vision and passing ability stand out, while also showing some burst and athleticism in attacking the rim. Highly competitive with a good motor and improving jump shot, Roberts should be on the radar of scholarship schools throughout the region.
Obbie Luciano Obbie Luciano 6'2" | SG Lawrence | 2024 State New E
Obbie Luciano Obbie Luciano 6'2" | SG Lawrence | 2024 State New E
A high-academic prospect, Luciano has popped this fall for the Lancers. Previously known as a defensive stopper, Luciano has shown off an improved offensive game this fall, going for 20+ points on multiple occasions. The Lawrence product plays incredibly hard, often takes on the toughest assignment defensively, and comes up with winning play after winning play. As he expands his offensive arsenal, Luciano should only continue to improve and should be a guy that high-academic D3’s are checking out this winter.
Jaylen Hunter-Coleman Jaylen Hunter-Coleman 5'11" | PG Charlestown | 2026 State New E
Jaylen Hunter-Coleman Jaylen Hunter-Coleman 5'11" | PG Charlestown | 2026 State New E
The youngest prospect to catch our eye at Beantown Slam, Hunter-Coleman burst onto the scene last winter as a freshman at Charlestown. A compact scoring-guard who’s shown the ability to run an offense, Hunter-Coleman thrives playing off the bounce and getting into the lane. He’s physically advanced and is able to play through contact in the paint and at the rim. Vocal on both ends of the court, he never takes a play off and competes as hard on the defensive end of the court as he does on offense. I’d expect him to contend with Jaeden Roberts for City League Player of the Year this winter.
A southpaw combo-guard, Lemelman showed an advanced IQ on the offensive end of the court, to go along with an ability to knock down perimeter jumpers at a high clip. His compete level on the defensive end stood out, as he was active on the glass and used his length and lateral mobility to keep smaller and quicker guards in front of him. With offers already on the table from Binghamton, Fairleigh Dickinson, Le Moyne, and Merrimack, I’d expect Lemelman to continue to draw the attention of Division I coaches in the northeast this winter.
Higgins, a Catholic Memorial/Middlesex Magic standout, is one of the regions top shooters and has continued to back up that reputation this fall with multiple games of 25+ points and 5+ 3’s. Another high-academic prospect, Higgins has shown an ability to thrive in both up-tempo and slowed down systems. Adapt at coming off screens and making good decisions with the basketball, Higgins has show an improved ability to play off the bounce. I’d expect numerous Division 3’s in the region to be involved for his commitment.
That Perri plays with a high basketball IQ isn’t surprising (given that he is a coach’s son), but what stood out when we were in the gym was the advancements he’s made in his offensive game over the last year. Known as a high level shooter, Perri showed an ability to score at the rim and in the mid-range, while also making smart decisions off the bounce. He has good size and length on the wing and is a switchable perimeter defender. I’d expect him to be a key piece for Roxbury Latin this winter, who could see his recruitment grow if he continues to expand his game as he has this fall.
Tristan Rodriguez
Tristan Rodriguez
Arguable the top scorer at Beantown Slam, Rodriguez has been on fire this fall with multiple games of 30+ points. He’s not a true leader guard, but has shown to be a capable ball-handler that can initiate offense when needed. He competes on the defensive end and does a good job keeping the ball in front of him. At the end of the day, he makes his mark on the game offensively, proving to be a high level perimeter threat. When his jumper gets going, he can knock them down in bunches and should be one of the MIAA’s leading scorers this winter.