HGAL Standouts Heading Into May Live Period Part I

In its inaugural season, the Hoop Group Academic League circuit has shined light on and brought more exposure to a handful of high academic prospects this spring. The state of New Jersey has had a some interesting prospects stand out of the first month of this circuit's play. In the first part of this article, let's dive into some New Jersey prospects that have stood out and that everyone should have their eyes on heading into the May live period.    A smooth guard with great positional size, [player_tooltip player_id='2342605' first='Trevor' last='Whitaker'] has been playing with great poise with the ball in his hands this spring. A fluid and confident shooter both off the catch and off the bounce, Whitaker gets to his spots comfortably— showcasing his ability to score it all multiple levels. Whitaker has also shined on the defensive end this spring— using his length to be disruptive defensively on the ball and active in the passing lanes. Possessing intriguing physical tools in combination with his smooth shot making ability, Whitaker has the intangibles that make him in interesting prospect to keep tabs on heading into the May live period.     A stretch 4 by every means of the definition, [player_tooltip player_id='1948973' first='Ryan' last='Hilongos'] has been impressive this spring in the ways he's been able to display his skillset at 6'7". Hilongos is a smooth and fluid shooter from three point range, particularly off the catch and has displayed his ability to stretch the floor so far this spring. As Hilongos continues to get stronger while refining his skillset, look for his stock to see a little boost as we approach the May live period.     So far this spring, [player_tooltip player_id='1981659' first='Jake' last='Russell'] has showcased his ability to be effective without the ball just as much as he can be effective without the ball. A strong and confident ball handler, Russell is a dynamic playmaker that keeps the defense honest. Russell is also an excellent perimeter shooter, possessing not only a smooth and compact release but also the versatility to be effective off the catch and coming off pin downs and curl screens. As we approach the May live period, look for Russell to continue to shine in this NJ Panthers' 17U HGAL backcourt.     An absolute sniper from three point range with great positional size at the wing position, Stephen Kmetz has been lighting it up from three point range for the GB Blue Devils. Kmetz has shined in the different ways he's able to shoot it from the perimeter this spring— off the catch, off the dribble, and off movement using different types of screens and pin downs. Kmetz also does an excellent job of hunting his shot both in the halfcourt and in transition as he always looking to get his shot off. An excellent floor spacer, look for Kmetz to continue to shine as a shooter heading into the live period this month.     Another absolute sniper for the GB Blue Devils, [player_tooltip player_id='2568645' first='Austin' last='Kolakowski'] has a compact release and can shoot it from deep range as well. Kolakowski thrives off the catch as a shooter and hunts his shot from three point range. An excellent off ball player, not only does Kolakowski excel as a perimeter shooter but also excels as a cutter in halfcourt sets. As we approach the May live period, look for Kolakowski to continue shine in his abilities to not only be an excellent off ball threat but also in his ability to do some of the dirty work in crashing the boards and pressuring the ball out on the perimeter.     [player_tooltip player_id='2478635' first='Andrew' last='Balagot'] has had a handful of strong scoring performances this spring for [program_tooltip program_id='2078593' first='United' last='NJ']. Balagot is an excellent perimeter shooter, possessing a smooth and fluid release. Balagot is a strong and confident ball handler that is also capable of creating offense off the bounce— applying pressure on the rim and getting to the basket and hitting shots from three point range. Heading into the May live period, look for Balagot to build upon the strong scoring performances he's had this spring and provide a steady and consistent source of offense for [program_tooltip program_id='2078593' first='United' last='NJ'].     [player_tooltip player_id='1859565' first='Sam' last='Jones'] is a lethal knockdown shooter from three point range and that has been on full display this spring for the [program_tooltip program_id='2309578' first='Jersey' last='Shore Predators'] this spring on the HGAL circuit. Along side his abilty to light it up from the perimeter, Jones has also showcased his ability to attack closeouts— getting to the basket and finishing in traffic. As we approach the May live period, look for Jones to continue to shine in his ability to be an dangerous three point shooter while also being able to finish around the basket.

In its inaugural season, the Hoop Group Academic League circuit has shined light on and brought more exposure to a handful of high academic prospects this spring. The state of New Jersey has had a some interesting prospects stand out of the first month of this circuit's play. In the first part of this article, let's dive into some New Jersey prospects that have stood out and that everyone should have their eyes on heading into the May live period.