Select hoops proving grounds 2014
Select Hoops Proving Grounds - Girls Recap
The girls’ session of the Select Hoops Proving Grounds was extremely loaded with local talent, confirming my theory that girls basketball in Massachusetts is as good, if not better, than any state in New England. The players were put through full court drills, stations and ended the night with an hour of 5-on-5 action.
The field included 40+ players from various AAU programs and everywhere you turned there was fundamentally sound basketball being played. The coaches were thoroughly impressed with the girls’ willingness to play team basketball – which is a testament to the talented coaches in the state.
8th Grade:
Gianna Palli, Wellesley: This quick guard wore number 9 at the showcase and showed flashes of the Celtics number 9 (Rajon Rondo) as she set the table for her teammates all night. She was a more than willing passer, extremely fundamentally sound and played with a smile.
Amanda Minsk, Walpole: This lefty guard from Walpole is an extremely strong ball handler. In the 1-on-1 drill, she was able to exploit weaker guards with her strength in the paint. Also, an above average shooter.
Emma Eberhardt, Sharon: This tall wing player shined during 5-on-5 action as she displayed the ability to knock down shots and take her man off the bounce. She was very cognizant of where the 3-point line was, found it, and knocked down multiple bombs.
Lauren Ferreira, Westport: This feisty guard from Westport played with an attitude and competitiveness that coaches love. She was very explosive, unselfish and could finish in the paint.
Kara Bendanillo, Mansfield: When the lights came on for 5-on-5 action, this athletic guard from Mansfield turned her game up. She had a sequence where she scored eight straight points and mixed in a steal.
Rachael Johnson, Norton: This long, explosive guard from Norton lived up to her hype as she stood out in every drill and during game play. She had no problem getting to the rack and can finish with both hands fluently. In addition to a polished offensive game, Johnson was willing to play interior D and get in the passing lanes.
Brenna Pipe, Franklin: This tall guard did a nice job of handling the ball and putting defenders on her back while getting to the rim. She also showed the ability to mix it up with bigger players and knock down long-range shots.
Brittany Raphino, Randolph: This tall, athletic forward was one of the standouts in the evening session. She was impressive during every stage of the event. She dominated the paint on both ends and was unmatched running the floor – with or without the ball. She is a great finisher and distributor.
Barbara Ronca, Braintree: This wiry guard was arguably the most impressive player of the bunch. She showed an unrivaled ability to get open in the 1-on-1 drill, and when she received the ball she punished defenders. She handled the ball well, can score at will and was unselfish. She is a very complete player.
Sabrina Zeghibe, Westwood: Her reputation as a shooter preceded her (and she lived up to it), but she proved that she is much more than just an outside weapon. She was a great play maker setting up her teammates and was able to score in a variety of way during game play and drills.
Taylor Frazzette, Needham: This wing player had a solid evening as she stood out with her effort plays on both ends of the court. She has a willingness to match strength with players taller than her and is a good finisher.
Nataliya Amaral, Walpole: This long forward was a major bright spot on her 5-on-5 team that went undefeated. She did a great job in the post offensively and was a menace on the defensive end, creating lots of turnovers.
Kassidy Fields, Norton: A tough guard/forward, Fields was solid at all facets of the game. She did a nice job on the glass, played good hard defense and had no problem making plays offensively.
Emma Hume, Braintree: Although she was unable to play 5-on-5 since she is coming off a concussion, it was evident during drills/stations that Hume was one of the best forwards at the Proving Grounds.
Kawai Martin, Lexington: Martin had a knack for scoring and a nose for the ball all night. She did a nice job on the boards and displayed great shooting touch.
Shannon O’Connor, Wrentham: This forward was more than willing to do the dirty work all night. This coachable stud from Wrentham had great takes to the basket, could handle the ball and set up her teammates.
Other notables: Chelsea Gibbons, Foxboro; Alicia Hottleman, Mansfield; Jayne Howe, Pembroke; Madyson Bendanillo, Mansfield; Kara Milliken, Milton.
7th Grade:
Olivia Forbes, North Attleboro: This Baby Badger guard does all the intangibles well such as talking defensively, setting proper screens and boxing out. She played solid point guard during the 5-on-5 setting up her teammates.
Emily Nelson, North Attleboro: Like Forbes, Nelson understands the game and did a nice job setting up her teammates in the 5-on-5 portion of the showcase. Capable of scoring, Nelson picked her spots to attack the rack.
Olivia Martin, Hanson: When Martin was around the ball, good things happened. She has a knack for scoring, and created her own opportunities through outworking defenders.
Bella Hamden, Westwood: This forward from Westwood established her back to the basket game (which seems to be a lost art) early during drills. During game play she unveiled her face up game, which was equally effective.
Livi Correia, North Attleboro: She entered the showcase with a big reputation as one of the best (if not THE best) 7th graders in the state, and she exceeded expectations. I had a handful of coaches seek me out to tell me that I need to see #8. She displayed all the tools to score, but she was most effective setting up her teammates, delivering a lot of her assists from the backcourt thanks to her unrivaled court vision. Correia was the most fun player to watch on the night.
Sadie Hunt, Sandwich: This physically imposing forward from Cape Cod asserted herself on the glass on both ends. She should be absolutely dominant in South Shore League action for Sandwich.
Megan Marcel, Plymouth: Marcel was one of the best offensive players at the showcase as she displayed her sweet shooting touch all night. She is sneaky athletic and she punished defenders all night with her various ways of scoring.
Megan O’Connell, Franklin: This post player from Franklin played with an edge and attitude while bullying the opposition in the post. She is the type of player that you would love to have on your team, but hate going up against.
Allison Giambanco, Norwood: Stronger than she appears, this Mustang guard ran the floor extremely well and was rewarded many times by Correia. Capable of creating her own shot, Giambanco displayed the ability to get to the rack and knock down the deep ball.
Brittany Gacicia, Hanson: This guard from Hanson was one of the most fundamentally sound players I saw at the Proving Grounds. She was deceptively explosive and had no problem getting into the lane at will. This very smooth guard will terrorize the South Shore League.
Samantha Sousa, Franklin: This forward from Franklin is extremely fundamentally sound. She did nothing flashy, but was just extremely efficient during all portions of the showcase.
Other notables: Emma Marturo, Norwood; Jillian Margetta, North Attleboro; Tara O’Brien, Norwood; Vienna Monestime, Framingham; Katie Ellsworth, Framingham; Rebecca Hottleman, Mansfield.
6th Grade:
Corinne French, Norfolk: Only one sixth grader stepped up to play in the showcase, but wow, she was impressive. This guard played beyond her age as she displayed great court awareness and play making ability. If it didn’t say 6th grader on my program, I would have thought she was an 8th grader – and a good one.
Select Hoops Proving Grounds - Boys Recap
Contributions from Kyle DaLuz and Alex DaLuz.
Saturday saw some of the best middle school basketball players in the area attend the Select Hoops Proving Grounds event at Mass Premier Courts in Foxboro, MA. These players were put through various drills, followed by more than an hour of 5 v. 5 gameplay. Here were some of the standouts:
8th Grade:
Judson Martindale, Sudbury: The BABC player out of Sudbury was very much the real deal. He is a very solid player in all phases of the game. Martindale did a good job of seeing the floor and finding the open man. Can create his own shot, found the rim, and finished when he got there. As smooth and complete as an eighth grader can be. The most complete player of this session.
Daniel Schlakman, Sharon: The 6-foot-4 big from Sharon was dominant on both the offensive and defensive ends. A sound fundamental player with strong handles, Schlakman can also shoot consistently from midrange. Finishes around the rim, strong on both ends on the glass. He brought energy and was a vocal leader.
William Goss, Southborough: Built a lot like Schlakman, Goss had the size and ability to play soundly on both ends of the floor. Goss was strong around the rim and a good finisher. Also had a noteworthy midrange game.
Paul Roche, North Attleboro: His day was cut short due to illness, but not before he impressed in the full court drills and the early stages of the 5-on-5 portion of the showcase. This tall guard was very explosive off the catch and had no problem getting into the lane.
Aaron Strong, Sharon: Living up to his namesake, Aaron was very strong on both ends of the floor. He was not afraid to mix it up with bigger players and had no problem finishing with contact. Strong stood out on the defensive end, which is not the norm in a showcase setting.
Aidan Teahan, Norwell: In a guard-heavy showcase, this ball handler from the South Shore stood out with his smooth playmaking ability.
7th Grade:
Bryant Ciccio, Attleboro: This point guard from Attleboro was arguably the most active player in this session. Ciccio was consistently aggressive in gameplay and during drills. He is a very quick player with strong ball handling ability and also is a pest on the defensive end.
Drew Plunkett, Medfield: Plunkett was another ball handler that stood out on the afternoon. He was steady during game play and fundamentally sound during drills. He picks his spots to be explosive and score.
Brandon Borde, Foxboro: This long wing player from Foxboro made his presence felt early in full court drills as he displayed his ball handling proficiency. He was vocal, displayed strong court vision and knocked down a handful of bombs in gameplay.
Will Rywolt, Barrington: This marksman from the Ocean State had his shot on display as he knocked down triples all over the gym. Also showed the ability to handle the rock.
Jack Mousette, Mansfield: This local lefty found ways to get into the lane all afternoon and had a handful of highlight reel finishes.
Timothy Callahan, Attleboro: This guard caught our attention with his willingness to sell out defensively and distribute the ball offensively. He compiled a couple of noteworthy dishes in 5-on-5 gameplay.
Jason Comeau, Mansfield: This strong-bodied forward from Mansfield asserted himself on the glass on both ends. He also displayed the ability to finish around the rim.
Nico Scaringello, Franklin: One of the most fun players to watch on the day, Scaringello handled the rock as good as anyone and mixed in some sizzle on his passes and dribble combination moves. Also knocked down midrange shots with consistency.
Ryan Bonneau, Barrington: Bonneau has the rare ability to create offense with his defense. He is an extremely active wing that can cause turnovers and cash them in on the offensive end.
Other notables: Drew Baacke, Medfield; Emmett Roy, Norfolk; Aidan Pelote, Taunton; Gavin Larnard, Scituate; Russell Campbell, Medfield; Johnell Fillippini, Plymouth.
6th Grade:
Adam Drummond, North Attleboro: We had to double check to make sure this smooth guard was only a sixth grader. Drummond played with confidence and showed a strong ability to shoot the ball.
Kevin Gallagher, Foxboro: This spunky guard has strong ball handling skills and is a high-motor player. He is fearless and capable on both ends.
Other notables: Billy Oram, North Attleboro; Charlie Olsen, North Attleboro.
The girls’ session of the Select Hoops Proving Grounds was extremely loaded with local talent, confirming my theory that girls basketball in Massachusetts is as good, if not better, than any state in New England. The players were put through full court drills, stations and ended the night with an hour of 5-on-5 action.
The field included 40+ players from various AAU programs and everywhere you turned there was fundamentally sound basketball being played. The coaches were thoroughly impressed with the girls’ willingness to play team basketball – which is a testament to the talented coaches in the state.
8th Grade:
Gianna Palli, Wellesley: This quick guard wore number 9 at the showcase and showed flashes of the Celtics number 9 (Rajon Rondo) as she set the table for her teammates all night. She was a more than willing passer, extremely fundamentally sound and played with a smile.
Amanda Minsk, Walpole: This lefty guard from Walpole is an extremely strong ball handler. In the 1-on-1 drill, she was able to exploit weaker guards with her strength in the paint. Also, an above average shooter.
Emma Eberhardt, Sharon: This tall wing player shined during 5-on-5 action as she displayed the ability to knock down shots and take her man off the bounce. She was very cognizant of where the 3-point line was, found it, and knocked down multiple bombs.
Lauren Ferreira, Westport: This feisty guard from Westport played with an attitude and competitiveness that coaches love. She was very explosive, unselfish and could finish in the paint.
Kara Bendanillo, Mansfield: When the lights came on for 5-on-5 action, this athletic guard from Mansfield turned her game up. She had a sequence where she scored eight straight points and mixed in a steal.
Rachael Johnson, Norton: This long, explosive guard from Norton lived up to her hype as she stood out in every drill and during game play. She had no problem getting to the rack and can finish with both hands fluently. In addition to a polished offensive game, Johnson was willing to play interior D and get in the passing lanes.
Brenna Pipe, Franklin: This tall guard did a nice job of handling the ball and putting defenders on her back while getting to the rim. She also showed the ability to mix it up with bigger players and knock down long-range shots.
Brittany Raphino, Randolph: This tall, athletic forward was one of the standouts in the evening session. She was impressive during every stage of the event. She dominated the paint on both ends and was unmatched running the floor – with or without the ball. She is a great finisher and distributor.
Barbara Ronca, Braintree: This wiry guard was arguably the most impressive player of the bunch. She showed an unrivaled ability to get open in the 1-on-1 drill, and when she received the ball she punished defenders. She handled the ball well, can score at will and was unselfish. She is a very complete player.
Sabrina Zeghibe, Westwood: Her reputation as a shooter preceded her (and she lived up to it), but she proved that she is much more than just an outside weapon. She was a great play maker setting up her teammates and was able to score in a variety of way during game play and drills.
Taylor Frazzette, Needham: This wing player had a solid evening as she stood out with her effort plays on both ends of the court. She has a willingness to match strength with players taller than her and is a good finisher.
Nataliya Amaral, Walpole: This long forward was a major bright spot on her 5-on-5 team that went undefeated. She did a great job in the post offensively and was a menace on the defensive end, creating lots of turnovers.
Kassidy Fields, Norton: A tough guard/forward, Fields was solid at all facets of the game. She did a nice job on the glass, played good hard defense and had no problem making plays offensively.
Emma Hume, Braintree: Although she was unable to play 5-on-5 since she is coming off a concussion, it was evident during drills/stations that Hume was one of the best forwards at the Proving Grounds.
Kawai Martin, Lexington: Martin had a knack for scoring and a nose for the ball all night. She did a nice job on the boards and displayed great shooting touch.
Shannon O’Connor, Wrentham: This forward was more than willing to do the dirty work all night. This coachable stud from Wrentham had great takes to the basket, could handle the ball and set up her teammates.
Other notables: Chelsea Gibbons, Foxboro; Alicia Hottleman, Mansfield; Jayne Howe, Pembroke; Madyson Bendanillo, Mansfield; Kara Milliken, Milton.
7th Grade:
Olivia Forbes, North Attleboro: This Baby Badger guard does all the intangibles well such as talking defensively, setting proper screens and boxing out. She played solid point guard during the 5-on-5 setting up her teammates.
Emily Nelson, North Attleboro: Like Forbes, Nelson understands the game and did a nice job setting up her teammates in the 5-on-5 portion of the showcase. Capable of scoring, Nelson picked her spots to attack the rack.
Olivia Martin, Hanson: When Martin was around the ball, good things happened. She has a knack for scoring, and created her own opportunities through outworking defenders.
Bella Hamden, Westwood: This forward from Westwood established her back to the basket game (which seems to be a lost art) early during drills. During game play she unveiled her face up game, which was equally effective.
Livi Correia, North Attleboro: She entered the showcase with a big reputation as one of the best (if not THE best) 7th graders in the state, and she exceeded expectations. I had a handful of coaches seek me out to tell me that I need to see #8. She displayed all the tools to score, but she was most effective setting up her teammates, delivering a lot of her assists from the backcourt thanks to her unrivaled court vision. Correia was the most fun player to watch on the night.
Sadie Hunt, Sandwich: This physically imposing forward from Cape Cod asserted herself on the glass on both ends. She should be absolutely dominant in South Shore League action for Sandwich.
Megan Marcel, Plymouth: Marcel was one of the best offensive players at the showcase as she displayed her sweet shooting touch all night. She is sneaky athletic and she punished defenders all night with her various ways of scoring.
Megan O’Connell, Franklin: This post player from Franklin played with an edge and attitude while bullying the opposition in the post. She is the type of player that you would love to have on your team, but hate going up against.
Allison Giambanco, Norwood: Stronger than she appears, this Mustang guard ran the floor extremely well and was rewarded many times by Correia. Capable of creating her own shot, Giambanco displayed the ability to get to the rack and knock down the deep ball.
Brittany Gacicia, Hanson: This guard from Hanson was one of the most fundamentally sound players I saw at the Proving Grounds. She was deceptively explosive and had no problem getting into the lane at will. This very smooth guard will terrorize the South Shore League.
Samantha Sousa, Franklin: This forward from Franklin is extremely fundamentally sound. She did nothing flashy, but was just extremely efficient during all portions of the showcase.
Other notables: Emma Marturo, Norwood; Jillian Margetta, North Attleboro; Tara O’Brien, Norwood; Vienna Monestime, Framingham; Katie Ellsworth, Framingham; Rebecca Hottleman, Mansfield.
6th Grade:
Corinne French, Norfolk: Only one sixth grader stepped up to play in the showcase, but wow, she was impressive. This guard played beyond her age as she displayed great court awareness and play making ability. If it didn’t say 6th grader on my program, I would have thought she was an 8th grader – and a good one.
Select Hoops Proving Grounds - Boys Recap
Contributions from Kyle DaLuz and Alex DaLuz.
Saturday saw some of the best middle school basketball players in the area attend the Select Hoops Proving Grounds event at Mass Premier Courts in Foxboro, MA. These players were put through various drills, followed by more than an hour of 5 v. 5 gameplay. Here were some of the standouts:
8th Grade:
Judson Martindale, Sudbury: The BABC player out of Sudbury was very much the real deal. He is a very solid player in all phases of the game. Martindale did a good job of seeing the floor and finding the open man. Can create his own shot, found the rim, and finished when he got there. As smooth and complete as an eighth grader can be. The most complete player of this session.
Daniel Schlakman, Sharon: The 6-foot-4 big from Sharon was dominant on both the offensive and defensive ends. A sound fundamental player with strong handles, Schlakman can also shoot consistently from midrange. Finishes around the rim, strong on both ends on the glass. He brought energy and was a vocal leader.
William Goss, Southborough: Built a lot like Schlakman, Goss had the size and ability to play soundly on both ends of the floor. Goss was strong around the rim and a good finisher. Also had a noteworthy midrange game.
Paul Roche, North Attleboro: His day was cut short due to illness, but not before he impressed in the full court drills and the early stages of the 5-on-5 portion of the showcase. This tall guard was very explosive off the catch and had no problem getting into the lane.
Aaron Strong, Sharon: Living up to his namesake, Aaron was very strong on both ends of the floor. He was not afraid to mix it up with bigger players and had no problem finishing with contact. Strong stood out on the defensive end, which is not the norm in a showcase setting.
Aidan Teahan, Norwell: In a guard-heavy showcase, this ball handler from the South Shore stood out with his smooth playmaking ability.
7th Grade:
Bryant Ciccio, Attleboro: This point guard from Attleboro was arguably the most active player in this session. Ciccio was consistently aggressive in gameplay and during drills. He is a very quick player with strong ball handling ability and also is a pest on the defensive end.
Drew Plunkett, Medfield: Plunkett was another ball handler that stood out on the afternoon. He was steady during game play and fundamentally sound during drills. He picks his spots to be explosive and score.
Brandon Borde, Foxboro: This long wing player from Foxboro made his presence felt early in full court drills as he displayed his ball handling proficiency. He was vocal, displayed strong court vision and knocked down a handful of bombs in gameplay.
Will Rywolt, Barrington: This marksman from the Ocean State had his shot on display as he knocked down triples all over the gym. Also showed the ability to handle the rock.
Jack Mousette, Mansfield: This local lefty found ways to get into the lane all afternoon and had a handful of highlight reel finishes.
Timothy Callahan, Attleboro: This guard caught our attention with his willingness to sell out defensively and distribute the ball offensively. He compiled a couple of noteworthy dishes in 5-on-5 gameplay.
Jason Comeau, Mansfield: This strong-bodied forward from Mansfield asserted himself on the glass on both ends. He also displayed the ability to finish around the rim.
Nico Scaringello, Franklin: One of the most fun players to watch on the day, Scaringello handled the rock as good as anyone and mixed in some sizzle on his passes and dribble combination moves. Also knocked down midrange shots with consistency.
Ryan Bonneau, Barrington: Bonneau has the rare ability to create offense with his defense. He is an extremely active wing that can cause turnovers and cash them in on the offensive end.
Other notables: Drew Baacke, Medfield; Emmett Roy, Norfolk; Aidan Pelote, Taunton; Gavin Larnard, Scituate; Russell Campbell, Medfield; Johnell Fillippini, Plymouth.
6th Grade:
Adam Drummond, North Attleboro: We had to double check to make sure this smooth guard was only a sixth grader. Drummond played with confidence and showed a strong ability to shoot the ball.
Kevin Gallagher, Foxboro: This spunky guard has strong ball handling skills and is a high-motor player. He is fearless and capable on both ends.
Other notables: Billy Oram, North Attleboro; Charlie Olsen, North Attleboro.