Under The Radar Stars Shine At Ridgewood Live

Ridgewood High School played host to the 2nd NCAA Live event weekend in June over the past 3 days. Plenty of teams from across the state showed up to let their talents be seen by tons of college programs from across the country. Here we will dive into a handful of unranked and under the radar prospects from the classes of 2027 and 2028 who gained stock through the weekend.    Vasilakopoulos brings length and plus wingspan to the small forward spot for a fine tuned DGN squad. There were a couple of rebounds where he made some high squeezes with the ball and embraced the challenge around the basket. In early afternoon game on Saturday he spaced to the open area of the floor off of a BLOB set to catch and knock it down from 3. He also finished on a nice drive to finish over more size. Next level wise can help fill a swing man role in the 3 – 4 positions dependent on program need.     I saw Hesch play earlier this spring about a month and a half ago with his [program_tooltip program_id='2076459' first='Breakaway' last=''] team and I thought he presented a versatile skill set at the wing spot. In team's Sunday morning game that observation came to fruition as he filled the small forward position effectively. He provided value with tracking down a few offensive rebounds to provide second chance opportunities utilizing his length. He also put it on a the deck then made solid kick out reads or by hitting a cutter on the block for an assist. Not afraid to get on the floor for loose balls and presents a fundamental feel throughout.     Makes impact as a two way guard for Providence St. Mel. Caught him in one of team's games on Saturday and he made a couple steals in the back court which then transferred to buckets on the other end turning defense into offense. Offensively has a shifty handle and regularly will push tempo to help speed game up. He threw multiple accurate pitch ahead passes in the primary phase as well as made the right drive and kick reads to teammates for assists off penetration. Is a knock down rangy shooter as well. Ability to change pace and provide instincts deems him a strong playmaker.     If you want to find a hidden gem in a room full of diamonds, go ahead and meet the 6'5 wing from Marist Mr. [player_tooltip player_id='3683069' first='Jaylen' last='Francis']. He may be a little raw still but his progression and skills are continuing to develop and will be seen during his upcoming junior campaign with the Red Hawks. You can't teach size or length and Francis provides those tangibles filling a prototype 2 or 3 position. He squeezes the ball high on the glass for rebounds and possesses a quick bounce at the rim for finishes. His length disrupts defensively and he runs the break phase at a solid rate. The upside is certainly here and should see stock rise through next 2 years.     Smith is a tough front court prospect who impacts the game on both ends with active and physical play. Offensively in early evening game on Saturday he spread the floor for a catch and shoot 3 and continued to finish effectively around the hoop. He possesses bounce at the cup and utilizes it often for good reason. Competed against a front court of 6'8 and 6'9 but that didn't phase his willingness to secure tough rebounds in heavy traffic. Bought enough energy and effort to help team sneak out a tough grind out game. Overall will help make winning plays beyond the scoring column.

Ridgewood High School played host to the 2nd NCAA Live event weekend in June over the past 3 days. Plenty of teams from across the state showed up to let their talents be seen by tons of college programs from across the country. Here we will dive into a handful of unranked and under the radar prospects from the classes of 2027 and 2028 who gained stock through the weekend.