BABC/Slade’s Classic Event Recap I
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The 27th Annual BABC/Slade’s Bar & Grille Holiday Classic took place at Archbishop Williams this week, with schools from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York taking part. Some of the region’s top programs challenged themselves over the holiday before jumping back…
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Continue ReadingThe 27th Annual BABC/Slade’s Bar & Grille Holiday Classic took place at Archbishop Williams this week, with schools from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York taking part. Some of the region’s top programs challenged themselves over the holiday before jumping back into league play next week. Here’s a look at some of the event’s standouts:
Tristan Rodriguez
Tristan Rodriguez
Rodriguez was the catalyst for his Archbishop Williams team in a tough loss to Springfield Central, finishing with 35 points. The combo-guard has a quick trigger and deep range on his jumper, but also showed an ability to leverage his shooting into driving opportunities. He’s a good mover without the ball and does a good job of utilizing screens to get open.
Thomas Glover
Thomas Glover
Although Hillhouse struggled in their match-up with Worcester North, Glover showed why he’s a highly regarded prospect in New England. Glover’s best moments came on the defensive end where he was able to secure rebounds in traffic, was tough on the ball, and turned steals into transition opportunities for his team. Offensively, he has deep range on his jumper, but was at his best when he got downhill and used his frame to finish through contact at the rim.
Giovanni Rosario
Giovanni Rosario
Rosario profiles as a different type of guard than his teammate, Glover; he’s wired to score and while he has some wiggle off the bounce, he does most of his damage from behind the arc. He impressed with his ability to create space with just one or two dribbles and did a good job of moving without the ball. Rosario was solid in transition, but looking to score at the rim and running to the perimeter where he can spot up.
Okla and his Worcester North teammates got out to a quick lead and never looked back. A high academic prospect with significant interest from school at the Division II and III levels, Okla just does what’s needed to win. While he’s one part of a dynamic interior presence for North, he profiles as a forward who can also play on the perimeter at the next level. He has a good feel for the game, can make plays off the bounce, and seems to always make the right pass. Defensively, he’s a terrific rebounder and does a great job guarding in the post without fouling.
Jenkins runs the show for Worcester North and is as dynamic of a lead guard as we’ve seen in Massachusetts this year. He has great length on the perimeter and that, combined with his athleticism and quickness, make him a terror on the defensive end. He turns defense into easy transition baskets, both for himself and others. He has great vision, makes good reads, and does a great job taking care of the basketball. Jenkins gets to the rim with ease and has an advanced finishing game around the rim, making him a complete threat on the offensive end of the floor.
Jakeel Martin Jakeel Martin 5'10" | CG Windsor | 2024 State New E
Jakeel Martin Jakeel Martin 5'10" | CG Windsor | 2024 State New E
Martin was a major factor in Windsor’s decisive victor over Brockton as the combo-guard seemed to score every way imaginable. Martin’s speed led to easy baskets in transition, but it was in the half-court where he really impressed as his quick first step and change of direction alloed him to get to his spots with ease. His jumper was clean and he knocked down multiple jumpers from behind the arc in the second half. Defensively, although undersized, he used his speed to stay in front of the opposition and showcased active hands in passing lanes.
Anthony Williams Anthony Williams 6'7" | PF Windsor | 2024 State New E
Anthony Williams Anthony Williams 6'7" | PF Windsor | 2024 State New E
Williams, who’s still working his way back from a late season injury last year, took a half to get going but once he did, he proved to be a tough guard for Brockton. The 6’6″ forward is a match-up problem for bigger forwards as he’s comfortable on the perimeter where he can make 3’s in bunches. While not yet at 100%, he showed above average athleticism when rising above the rim for multiple tough finishes. On defense, he can guard up a position and does a good job rebounding in and out of his area.