Other Metro Boston players generating attention

August 27, 2009 New England Hoop News Staff

Metro Boston certainly had their share of talent in the backcourt this past spring and summer, led by guard Shabazz Napier (Lawrence Academy, 2011). Although much of the limelight seemed to focus on Napier in terms of college recruitment and buzz, two hard working, athletic and talented bigs find themselves reaping some of the benefits as well as a scoring guard. Ike Azotam (Marionapolis Prep, 2010) and Mario Monroe (Brockton HS, 2010) are two fowards who have been receiving plenty of attention from Division I schools after their very serviceable play this summer during the month of July.  At the off-guard position, 6'4 Allen Harris (Suffield Academy, 2010) is also generating some buzz. 

Azotam, a 6'7 forward, who played for O'Bryant Tech last year has consistently been a very capable running mate for Napier.  Azotam can be an extremely physical presence down low, runs the floor like a deer, is athletic and is an animal on the glass. 

Coach Mo Vasquez commented about his play in July "Ike not only played well but dominated. Ike showed the coaches what he is capable of doing on the floor.  He is a force on the boards and finishes everything around the cup."  Vasquez also commented that Azotam has received heavy interest from the University of Hartford and Coach Dan Leobiwitz.  Other schools that have offered include:  Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac, and Robert Morris.  Some interest has creaped in from the A-10 and Colonial, but expect Azotam to sign early as he already has visits to Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac lined up next week. 

Monroe, a 6'8 power foward, is more of a skilled big, while Azotam is more of physical presence.  Can Monroe bang and mix it up inside?  Absolutely, but he is very efficient facing up and hitting the 15-footer and uses his finesse around the rim.  Monroe can be a menace on the defensive end as well because of his 6'8, LONG frame, he will alter and get his hands on a lot of shots. Monroe played at North Cambridge Catholic last year but because of a family re-location, will be attending Brockton High School this fall. 

Coach Vasquez said "Mario was great on the defensive end down in Orlando".   Also according to Vasquez, Robert Morris is heavily involved with Monroe and expects that at the end of the day, Mario will end up playing for Mike Rice down at Robert Morris. 

Allen Harris is a guard with good size who can really light it up.  At 6'4-6'5, Harris is much taller than most players on the wing and finds a way to shoot or score over them.  Harris averaged over 24ppg for Catholic Memorial this past year, close to tops in Massachusetts. 

He plans on attending Suffield Academy this fall as post-graduate.  Harris has been receiving heavy interest from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Ct as well as Florida Atlantic, Stonybrook and Louisiana Lafayette.  Harris also has his share of Division II offers from New Haven, St. Mike's, and others. 

Metro Boston put a great run together in the Nationals this year as they ended up losing in the Sweet 16 to the Jackson (Mississippi) Tigers, a nationally-known program.  Big wins over Team STAT and Team Texas Elite drew tons of college coaches and respect for the program.  It looks like their play has paid off for ALL members of the team, and not just Napier. 

To view highlights of their Orlando run and match-up with Team STAT, click here.

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