Hoop Group Jersey Jam Fest: NJ 16U Standouts

Hoop Group continues its spring tournament slate with its Jersey Jam Fest taking place across several sites this coming weekend, featuring a selection of sneaker circuit, HGSL, and independent programs. After spending Saturday afternoon and evening taking in a half-dozen sets of 16U action at Multi Sports Kingdom in Manalapan, the following Jersey-based prospects stood out with their respective play.    The breakout looks to be right around the corner for Kuqo, coming off a winter of development as an incoming transfer and deep reserve for eventual state champion Bergen Catholic. While his production can still be a bit inconsistent, the blossoming stretch big shows high-level intrigue as a prospect while flourishing under extended minutes for the first time. He brings an ideal modern skillset to the frontcourt with his ability to space the floor as a fluid, high-volume perimeter shooter off a variety of actions that translate to the next level. Kuqo shows comfort making decisions on the perimeter as well, or rolling to the rim and operating in the pocket of the defense with soft touch as a finisher. He shows flashes as both a rim protector and defender in space, while looking like he has at least another inch or two left to go in his developing frame. The upside is becoming more apparent by the day, with it being only a matter of time before D1s start paying attention.     As New Heights pulled away from Team Final for a momentum-establishing win heading into the 3SSB circuit, it was Johnson in the driver's seat delivering the knockout blows. Known as one of the elite shooting threats in the region, he was punishing from long range while showing off his blisteringly quick release. Whether spacing out off the catch or pulling up in tight pockets with a hand in his face, it felt like anything that left Johnson's hands was hitting the bottom of the net. Johnson also helped set the tone on the other end of the floor with aggressive ball pressure to help speed up bigger opposing guards. We'd like to see him continue adding to his on-ball arsenal offensively at his size, but the way he continues to impact high-level games with his shotmaking prowess should place Johnson firmly on D1 radars moving forward.     One of the breakouts across the state so far this grassroots season has been Britt, who continued his strong start to the spring over the course of two games with Lightning on Saturday. A lanky wing guard, he stands out with a frame--long arms, high shoulders, wiry strength--brimming with potential for the next level. The go-to guy at Weehawken this past season, he shows an ability to fit in efficiently alongside other jumpers, playing maturely off his jump shot in the halfcourt setting while showcasing a smooth high release from the perimeter. His flashes as a scorer and playmaker off the dribble at his size point to an intriguing upside to tap into while remaining somewhat of a sleeper up until this point.     Making his debut with WeR1 and on the sneaker circuit level, Abreu made an instant splash in an eventual narrow loss to a high-octane Team Final group from the EYBL. He showed flashes of brilliance in the winter and carried that over on Saturday, impressing previously unfamiliar onlookers with his smooth, rhythmic game off the dribble. Abreu knifed through defenses to get paint touches while also picking up defensively to spark transition offense, showing off his evolving athleticism while getting above the rim for a first half flush on the break. It was a big performance for Abreu to put himself on the map across the region, with growth as a consistent jump shooter and decisionmaker opening up real possibilities for a scholarship when the time comes.     Steering a near-upset over the EYBL's NY Rens, Mazzella staked his claim among the top 16U floor generals on the HGSL. Having played up last summer and with two years of extensive varsity reps under his belt, the experience clearly pays dividends for Mazzella as he operates a step ahead of others as an extension of the coach on the floor. He's calculated and efficient in pursuit of his spots, using a low center of gravity to his advantage in getting underneath of defenders to turn the corner and draw help defenders. A pure floor general, he'll have no problem garnering D1 attention if coaches are able to see further performances like Saturday's against that type of competition.

Hoop Group continues its spring tournament slate with its Jersey Jam Fest taking place across several sites this coming weekend, featuring a selection of sneaker circuit, HGSL, and independent programs. After spending Saturday afternoon and evening taking in a half-dozen sets of 16U action at Multi Sports Kingdom in Manalapan, the following Jersey-based prospects stood out with their respective play.