Never Forget Classic: Backcourt standouts

Rome Runs hosted its annual Never Forget Classic on Saturday, bringing together a handful of top programs from the Tri-State region for one of the inaugural events of the fall season. Keep reading for a look at a handful of backcourt prospects who stood out over the course of several sets in the afternoon.    Hill had the opportunity to get his feet wet with CATS during the June scholastic events and looked increasingly comfortable running the show for his new team. The Baltimore native controlled the game from the point of attack on both ends of the floor, orchestrating the offense with precision while putting on a clinic in pick-and-roll playmaking. Hill called his own number when appropriate, showing he could get all the way to the rim and finish or keep things honest with his pullup game from the perimeter. On the other end, he was effective applying pressure as the head of the snake for a swarming CATS defense. He won't be a fit for everybody given his stature but Hill is sure to make a D1 program happy should they value his tough-nosed two-way game.     Making his fall debut as the returning leader for a talented Neumann team, Newson was effective while applying consistent pressure on both ends of the floor. He was a constant force using his quickness and athleticism to get downhill and make plays above the rim, while also converting on efficient looks as a jump shooter when the situation dictated. Defensively he was flying around as part of Neumann's swarming full-court pressure, forcing turnovers and igniting transition attacks going the other way. When Newson is playing within himself and consistently attacking, there aren't many who can contend with his blend of ball skills and quick-twitch athleticism.     Continuing to acclimate nicely to his new surroundings at Perkiomen, Feamster came out aggressive and didn't look back while steering a runaway win over Coatesville. As is typically the case, he got himself going by way of his jumper, knocking down shots off the catch from the perimeter and also working into the midrange for his signature pullups and fadeaways. Feamster played sound defense and also showcased his evolving athleticism with an alley-oop slam on the break. He would go on to announce his commitment to UMass later in the day, giving the Minutemen a tough, proven shotmaker with ancillary scoring and playmaking chops.     Coming off his recent commitment to Le Moyne, Collins made his fall debut with Neumann and looked ready to make a big step forward as a senior leader. Stepping into a prime role after serving as a spark off the bench last season, he spent a good deal of time with the ball in his hands while staying persistently in attack mode. Collins was effective using his dynamic first step to make plays getting downhill but really impressed with the growth he displayed as a perimeter shooter, firing and converting with confidence both off the dribble and catch. If he can continue refining his jumper and decisionmaking to go with his explosive athleticism and tough-nosed two-way approach, Collins could prove to be a real difference maker for the Dolphins in the NEC.     An under-the-radar addition that looks like it could pay off in a big way for Perkiomen, Ray quietly put together a really strong two-way performance in the Panthers' win over Coatesville. The Maryland native and Damascus HS transfer plays an exceptionally clean complementary game, serving as a consistently additive two-way piece on the margins. He was effective knocking down shots off the catch from the perimeter, showcasing smooth and consistent mechanics, but impressed most with his abilities as a passer and rapid-fire decisionmaker within the flow of the offense. Defensively, he shows advanced awareness with the length and ground coverage ability to make an impact both on and off the ball. With bloodlines in his favor, Ray could have a chance to be one of the bigger breakout performers in the state over the next year-plus.

Rome Runs hosted its annual Never Forget Classic on Saturday, bringing together a handful of top programs from the Tri-State region for one of the inaugural events of the fall season. Keep reading for a look at a handful of backcourt prospects who stood out over the course of several sets in the afternoon.