Boardwalk Classic: Day 1 Difference Makers
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Two talented teams from Philadelphia faced two of the top programs in Jersey at the Wildwood Convention Center, for the 2023 Boardwalk Classic. PA went 2-0, but both games were intense from start to finish. Here are a few players…
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Continue ReadingTwo talented teams from Philadelphia faced two of the top programs in Jersey at the Wildwood Convention Center, for the 2023 Boardwalk Classic. PA went 2-0, but both games were intense from start to finish. Here are a few players who stood out:
Archbishop Carroll over Middle Township, 67-64
Luca Foster Luca Foster 6'5" | SF Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA | 6’5 W 2026 Archbishop Carroll
Slight of frame, Foster excelled below the arc on both ends. He made himself a target in and around the paint; converting five lay-ups, finishing an alley oop, and getting to the free throw line (5-of-5). Foster’s all-around activity (when he wasn’t scoring) was vital as well. The sophomore wing flew around to get 8 rebounds (3 offensive), a steal, and a block. He hit a three for good measure too, leading the Patriots with 18 points.
Ian Williams Ian Williams 5'9" | PG Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA | 5’10 G 2026 Archbishop Carroll
Through the first three quarters, Williams kept the Patriot’s ship steady, facilitating in the halfcourt and pushing the tempo in transition when necessary. But Middle Township got hot in the fourth, threatening to steal the game away. That’s when Williams took the game into his hands. He exploded for 10 of his 16 points in that stretch, creating advantages that he turned into a pull-up three and multiple shots at the rim. Carroll got out of Wildwood with a win thanks to Williams’s 16 points, 7 boards, 7 assists, and 2 steals.
Jamir McNeil Jamir McNeil 6'0" | PG Middle Township | 2025 State NJ | 6’0 G 2025 Middle Township
McNeil was the literal driving force behind the Panthers’s attack. With hesitations into quick bursts, he bent the defense. The junior guard didn’t throw any dimes, but him initiating their offense forced the defense to rotate and got the ball moving, eventually finding the hands of an open shooter. And when he made up his mind to score, McNeil was swift enough to make defenders flip their hips and either continue on to the hoop or pull-up for two. He tallied 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Roman Catholic over Roselle Catholic, 58-57
Shareef Jackson Shareef Jackson 6'9" | C Roman Catholic | 2025 State #249 Nation PA | 6’7 F/C 2025 Roman Catholic
As a constant physical presence in the middle, Jackson played an instrumental in the Cahilites weathering the storm that was Roselle Catholic. He imposed his will around the basket, initiating contact and moving defenders out of the way with ease for high-percentage buckets and several rebounds. After grabbing boards on defense, he immediately sent the ball up the court on outlet passes that led to fastbreak points. None of his production came in lumps sums. But, when Roselle went on a 14-0 run to start the fourth quarter, Jackson continued doing his thing to keep his team on pace for the victory.
Eric Hillsman Eric Hillsman 6'7" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ | 6’7 F 2026 Roselle Catholic
Despite his slow start, Hillsman went on to lead all scores thanks to his rim-running ability. He created and capitalized on numerous second-chance opportunities by attacking the glass, highlighted by his putback dunk. His leaping and finishing carried the second half, when he scored on rolls to the rim and duck-ins around the basket. Overall, he notched a 23-points, 12-rebound double-double.
Ethan Mgbako Ethan Mgbako 6'5" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ | 6’6 F 2026 Roselle Catholic
An undersized forward, Mgbako showed surprising bursts of quickness and active hands on defense. He deflected multiple passes by shooting gaps which stalled Roman’s offense at times. Offensively, Mgbako complimented Hillsman’s ability by stretching the floor from the mid-range and from three, knocking down multiple triples. His first half performance kept Roselle afloat before Hillsman got going. He totalled 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Other Standouts
Reale Basquine Reale Basquine 6'6" | SF Middle Township | 2025 State NJ | 2025 Middle Township
Drew Corrao Drew Corrao 6'9" | C Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA | 2026 Archbishop Carroll
Robert Cottrell Robert Cottrell 6'0" | CG Roman Catholic | 2024 State PA | 2024 Roman Catholic
Darell Davis | 2027 Archbishop Carroll
Jalen Grant Jalen Grant 6'0" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ | 2026 Roselle Catholic
Tyrease Hunter Tyrease Hunter 6'3" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ | 2026 Roselle Catholic
Sammy Jackson Sammy Jackson 6'5" | SF Roman Catholic | 2026 State PA | 2026 Roman Catholic
Hunter Johnson Hunter Johnson 6'2" | SG Roman Catholic | 2025 State PA | 2024 Roman Catholic
Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ | 2026 Roselle Catholic
Bubba McNeil Bubba McNeil 5'10" | PG Middle Township | 2024 State NJ | 2024 Middle Township
Chase Moore Chase Moore 6'4" | SF Middle Township | 2026 State NJ | 2026 Middle Township
Nasir Ralls Nasir Ralls 6'0" | CG Archbishop Carroll | 2026 State PA | 2026 Archbishop Carroll
Travis Reed Jr Travis Reed Jr 6'4" | SG Roman Catholic | 2024 State PA | 2024 Roman Catholic
Anthony Trombetta Anthony Trombetta 5'10" | SG Middle Township | 2024 State NJ | 2024 Middle Township