NERR Northeast Hoop Festival: 17U Division Hidden Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend, one of New England's best tournament's came back to Boston—Zero Gravity's NERR Northeast Hoop Festival. There were loads of talented teams in attendance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read: <a href="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-17u-division-stockrisers/" id="https://prephoops.com/2026/04/nerr-northeast-hoop-festival-17u-division-stockrisers/">NERR Northeast Hoop Festival: 17U Division Stockrisers</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To continue on with my coverage, I'll be looking at some hidden gems from the 17U/varsity division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470933"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b8e4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've always been high on Noel as a long-term prospect, and it looks like it's finally starting to come together for him. On the Magic's HGSL squad, the 6-foot-7 primarily fills the shooter role, and he does it quite well. He has a super quick release, but he's also able to make shots on the move or off the dribble. When paired with his size and length, this makes him a phenomenal floor spacer. But Noel is also getting stronger and tougher—he delivered some blows in the paint offensively and showed better finishing chops than I've seen in the past. Very bright future ahead for Noel, who should be a key part of Milton Academy's rotation next season and is in an awesome spot to develop with the Magic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zayd Leanna","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Newburyport High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"NE Storm","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b8f65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leanna is playing for NE Storm's second team, and it's the perfect place for him to showcase his skillset. In a really nice win against Magic's HGSL team, the Newburyport native shot the ball extremely well from three and also had a host of nice finishes in the paint. He defends his behind off, and he has great athleticism and ball skills, which allows him to get lots of loose balls and be a nuisance on the defensive end and the boards. Leanna is likely reclassifying, and he should find a D3 fit when it comes time to pick a school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470919"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b8fcf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lolonga is ridiculously intriguing. Though he didn't score the ball super well in Team New England's matchup against Expressions, he showcased the ability to impact the game in a number of ways. Defensively, he's super versatile and is great at the point of attack; he has awesome length, athleticism, and quick hands. He can also step out and knock down outside shots occasionally and does a good job rebounding the ball on the offensive end. Lolonga is certainly a bit raw, but he fills a nice role and will still be impactful even without a super advanced skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2960033"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b9034"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ndong played on Newman's second team this season, so a lot of people probably don't know who he is. But the 6-foot-9 wing is built like a future D1 prospect and has a super intriguing set of skills. He can make shots from the perimeter, and he looks quite comfortable and coordinated on drives to the rim despite his size and length. Defensively, his physical attributes allow him to guard multiple positions and impact shots at the rim. As Ndong continues to get stronger, he should have tons of scholarship schools on him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2763489"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b909b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This was my first time seeing Andre-Mushipu, and I was impressed with his size and athleticism. The 6-foot-5 senior has great leaping ability and is built like a linebacker, so he's a matchup nightmare on the inside for The Club. When paired with his toughness and motor, he's quite difficult to stop. Andre-Mushipu also knocked down a couple threes and had some nice spin moves in the lane for finishes. When he's locked in on the defensive end, he becomes a different player, too, so that'll be something he has to figure out moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3040634"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b90fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I love Faulk's game. Despite not being a great outside shooter or a significant threat on the offensive end, he impacts the game in a variety of ways. Defensively, he can guard ANYONE and is always engaged and active with his hands. His strength and balance are elite, and the effort is always there. Offensively, he can handle the ball and is a heady passer, so he does well with other good offensive players around him. Definite D3 prospect who should either find a fit this time around or do a PG year somewhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2568386"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b915d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cyr can occasionally do too much with the basketball and take some out of control shots, but when he really leans into his playmaking and vision, he's awesome. He throws excellent passes and really understands how to read the defense. And the lefty is much quicker and more athletic than you think, so he can get to his spots on the floor to draw in the defense when he needs to. An improved three point shot would be huge for Cyr, but the junior point guard should have a nice season with House We Built.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jordan Inthirath","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ansonia HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"CT Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69e15846b9206"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I cannot get enough of Inthirath. He's 5-foot-7 on a good day but he's one of the quickest players I've ever seen. He's a total blur in transition and gets by defenders with utter ease, and then he makes good passes in the lane once the help comes. He can hit threes, too. Defensively, he has ridiculous hands and is a nightmare to dribble against. Oh, and I don't even know what it would look like for him to be remotely tired, because he never is. Inthirath is a show and needs to be recruited despite his size. Special player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->