NERR Northeast Hoop Festival Varsity Standouts: Part 2

I attended the Northeast Hoop Festival on Saturday (4/5) and Sunday (4/6). I tried to catch as many varsity games as possible; but with coaching duties, multiple locations, and dozens of teams, it was impossible to see everybody.   That being said, below is part two of my standouts from the tournament.   If you missed part one, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-varsity-standouts-part-1/">here it is</a>.    Martin is a skilled lefty who uses change of speed and change of direction dribble moves very well. He has the ball on a string and is able to get into the paint and kickout for easy three pointers, and he's also able to find shots for himself from the three-point line and the midrange. The freshman struggled at times defending varsity level guards and finding the strength to be strong in the paint with the ball, but those tools should come along with time. Will be curious to see how Martin develops physically over the next couple years, because the skills are there right now.     Williams is a big-bodied wing who showed great versatility for his squad. Offensively, he was too much to handle in the paint for opposing wings – he consistently bulldozed his way into the paint and finished with both hands. He does a great job playing off of two feet and controlling his body in the lane, even while smaller guards collapse on him. Defensively, Williams' size allows him to guard larger bigs, but his coordination and quickness are good enough to hang with smaller wings. Will be curious to see whether he develops an outside shot, which would completely open up his game.     Hynes is a joy to watch play the game of basketball. He's so skilled with the ball in his hands and even though he won't blow you away with quickness or crazy hops, he does an excellent job getting to his spots and finding a way to score. He's also quite lethal out of the high post as an offensive hub; he has great vision and really understands how to move the rock. I'll be so curious to see how he fits into the Cushing system next season – I think being around other great players will only maximize his game.     Bedard is a breath of fresh air in a sometimes hard to watch AAU scene. While others are looking for their own shot and dribbling into two defenders in the paint, he is constantly looking to move the ball and make the right play. He'll swing the ball to get from a good shot to a great shot, and he never takes unwarranted shots. When he does get offensive opportunities, he can knock it down from the perimeter and is great at setting up his teammates for easy shots. He can also finish in the lane with strength and craft. Defensively, he plays his butt off and is always locked in. Total coach's dream.     Francis is a big-body combo guard who you do not want to step in front of in transition. When he gets a head of steam, he's impossible to push off his line and comes at you full force with his entire strength and weight. He can also knock down the open three ball with some solid range. Defensively, he's wonderful in the passing lanes and is always engaged on that end, even in Saturday morning AAU games. Francis will finish this year at South Shore Charter School and then reclassify to 2026 at Bridgton Academy for next season. His strength and athleticism can translate to that level right now.

I attended the Northeast Hoop Festival on Saturday (4/5) and Sunday (4/6). I tried to catch as many varsity games as possible; but with coaching duties, multiple locations, and dozens of teams, it was impossible to see everybody.