NEPSAC Showcase - Saturday Standouts I

The NEPSAC hosted the first of their two summer showcases this past weekend at Babson College and our scouts were on-hand all three days to check out the action.   Hundreds of student-athletes had a chance to show off their game in front of coaches and scouts from across the country, with college coaches from all levels present in the gym throughout the weekend.   We'll have recaps of what we saw going out all week, starting today.   With that being said, here is a look at five standouts from Saturday's action.   Each of these prospects made their impact on the game in a different way, with all five walking out of the gym with increased recruitment from college coaches.    A 6'7" wing for Putnam Science Academy, Green is the consummate team player in that he'll do whatever it takes to win. In fact, he left Saturday's action after suffering a shoulder injury while diving for a loose ball, just one of a handful of effort plays he made before his untimely injury. A standout with his grit and toughness, he also passes the eye test with a long and athletic 6'7" frame. Few prospects in the gym could match his effort level as he consistently plays with a high motor and uses his athleticism to make plays defensively and in space. A nice progression for him is that his jumper looks improve and he's also showing signs of comfort as a creator with the ball in his hands. Here's hoping for a quick recovery and return to form, as the PSA product was playing the best basketball of his career this spring, and in the process, attracting plenty of attention from mid-major programs along the east coast.     A 6'5" forward for Williston Northampton, Jones' physical presence for a '28 is striking. He's built like a high linebacker physically, he impresses with his fluidity of movement on both ends of the floor. His offensive game is farther along than I had thought, as he showed the ability to make plays off the bounce from the perimeter, while also scoring in the mid-range. He can play out of the dunker spot, has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass, and is a quality decision maker out of short rolls. His versatility extends to the defensive end of the floor, where I saw him defend scoring wings, lengthy forwards, and physical posts. Expect him to have a strong summer before showing out as one of the most impressive sophomores in the NESCAC.     A 6'3" combo guard for Mount Saint Charles, Lolonga made his mark with his versatile offensive game, commitment to the defensive end, and ability to motivate his teammates. Leadership skills don't go unnoticed by college coaches, and his are impressive. He's vocal defensively, the first to pick a guy up when he falls, and uses his voice from the bench to motivate his teammates. Beyond that, he has a nice presence with the ball in his hands, playing at different speeds to get to his spots, and finding teammates in spots where they can score. He uses his frame to his advantage as a scorer in the paint, knocks down shots from behind the arc in catch and shoot situations, and has the ability to operate as a decision maker out of ball screens. He's a scholarship prospect that should start to get attention from low majors, while knowing there's still two years more to his development before he enters college.     A 6'2" lead guard for New Hampton, Tabales impressed as much as any guard at the event, leaving with new scholarship offers and additional college interest at the mid-major level. He clearly thinks the game well, understands angles and spacing, and does a nice job of picking his spots as a scorer and creator. As a scorer, he lets the game come to him and plays with a smoothness that's fun to watch. He's got wiggle off the bounce, knows how to manipulate defenders in ball screens, and can really score from deep with the ball in his hands. He still plays with a little edge, some toughness, that doesn't go unnoticed on the defensive end of the floor. Basically, he's got a high compete level and plays the game with joy. He's a leader and a winner and will have plenty of coaches continue to follow him throughout the summer and into his final prep school campaign.     A 6'5" wing for Lawrence Academy, Baker impressed with his developed skill. Previously a standout due to his athleticism, he did a nice job of making decisions and plays with the ball in his hands, showing the ability to operate as a secondary playmaker in the half-court. He still flashes with his athleticism, making high level plays as a slasher and on the offensive glass, but also shows a slower gear that allows him to play with poise and patience against a set defense. He looks taller and his frame is more filled out, which only raises his ability on the defensive end of the floor where he has the ability to guard twos through fours while making plays in passing lanes that lead to scoring opportunities in transition. He has scholarship level physical gifts and continues to expand his offense game each time out, a combination that should lead to wide ranging college interest in the near future.

The NEPSAC hosted the first of their two summer showcases this past weekend at Babson College and our scouts were on-hand all three days to check out the action.