NERR Northeast Hoop Festival Varsity Standouts: Part 5

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 five of my standouts from the tournament. This is the final part.   If you missed part one, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-varsity-standouts-part-1/">here it is</a>. If you missed part two, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-varsity-standouts-part-2/">here it is</a>. If you missed part three, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-varsity-standouts-part-3/">here it is</a>. If you missed part four, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-varsity-standouts-part-4/">here it is</a>.    McDermott was flame-throwing on Sunday morning. He made multiple incredibly difficult step-back threes off the dribble, all of which were heavily contested – he's a tough shot maker. He was also probably the best cutter I saw at the NEHF either of the two days; he never stops moving and really understands how to backcut, slip, refuse and curl screens based on how he's being defended. This off-ball movement makes him a truly fantastic role player and piece to an offense. Will be curious to see whether he goes prep in the coming years, because he's currently at public school in Rhode Island.     Simpson was a menace on the boards all weekend. He couldn't be kept off the offensive glass and was constantly winning his team extra possessions, and he was a finishing machine once he got the ball in the paint. Defensively, he cleaned up ALL the rebounds and took contact very well on boxouts. BCRI uses him as an offensive hub at the top of the key, and he does a really good job finding teammates for backcuts and slips. The LaSalle Academy senior who was RI Gatorade player of the year will be reclassifying to 2026 at Deerfield Academy next year.     Azor is a dog. I'm not sure he sat at any point during his squad's game against Blueprint, and he still competed for the entire game on both ends and didn't look tired. Offensively, he's lightning-quick and extremely physical with the ball in his hands; he gets downhill and brushes off contact like it's nothing. Defensively, he slides his feet incredibly well and was consistently beating the offensive player to the spot on Saturday. I'll be curious to see whether Azor plays more on or off ball next season at Tilton – either way, he will definitely play in college somewhere.     St. Peter is such a solid role player. In an AAU environment where players often get the ball and hold it for longer than they should, he already knows what he's going to do with the rock when he gets it. He makes quick decisions and is also incredibly willing to move the ball for extra passes and kick aheads. As a floor spacer, he's incredibly effective because he has a quick and accurate three-point shot and also attacks closeouts with decisiveness and speed. Really solid player who will make a nice D3 player somewhere. Really enjoyed watching him hoop.     Anson impressed with his elite level athleticism in transition. The 6-foot-4 combo-guard is a freight train on the break and has above-the-rim hops; he had numerous fastbreak layups where he elevated way above the defense and finished with contact. He's also able to hold his line against the defense and get to the rim with his handle and first-step. The passing and off-ball movement instincts are there, too. If he can get his shot a bit quicker and more consistent, he could be a nice player at the D2 level. Regardless, his size and athleticism will definitely earn him a spot somewhere.

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.