New England Hoop News Dish - October 15, 2009

October 15, 2009 New England Hoop News Staff

New England Hoop News

Weekly Dish, 10/15/09

Rumors erupted over the last couple of days about Keegan Hyland committing to Vermont. The 6'3 sharpshooter out of South Portland HS in Portland, Maine reportedly gave the Catamounts a commitment on Tuesday, only to pull-back his commitment within the next 24 hours. Hyland, who plays with Carl Parker's MBR program in the grassroots circuit, now has his sights focused on prep school. Options include Northfield Mt. Hermon, Worcester Academy, Tilton, New Hampton, and others. Hyland has improved dramatically from year to year and is a tireless worker. Another year on the court would surely build on Hyland's recruitment level and make Coach Parker and a soon to be announced prep school coach, very happy.

Speaking of Coach Parker and MBR, other commitments have officially occurred from his 17u club. Dominic Borelli has given his word to St. Anselm's in New Hampshire. The 6'7 forward is a strong inside/outside player. He is very capable of stepping outside beyond the three-point land, but also mixing it up inside. Jacob Moore, a 6'6 forward out of Hampden High School in Hampden, Maine has committed to attend Bentley College on a scholarship. Moore is a very good shooter, especially for his size and also slashes well to the rim. Both players will be nice additions in the Northeast-10 conference and are great representations of MBR's program.

A surprise commitment came from Northfield Mount Hermon yesterday. Joe Sharkey, a 6'2 combo guard from Northfield Mt. Hermon gave Brown a verbal commitment. The surpising part about this commitment is that Sharkey is only a Junior, in the class of 2011. This is the earliest commitment ever to an Ivy League program. Sharkey has been a well-known player in the New England basketball circuit for a long time, and possibly could play at a higher level, but it's refreshing to see him make a decision that will benefit him in more ways than just basketball. Sharkey gets up and down the court very quickly with the ball, is flashy and efficient off the dribble, and can knock down the outside shot.

Harvard is apparently still in the mix for Top 100 player, Dwight Powell, who is said to be deciding this weekend between Stanford, Harvard and Georgia Tech. Powell told Rivals.com that "Harvard is a great academic opportunity, and I got a really good feel on my visit as far as meshing with the players and the coaches".

The class of 2013 in New England is much stronger than many had originally thought. This was especially evident this past weekend in the Hall of Fame Columbus Day Challenge tournament. The following Freshman made names for themselves, if they hadn't already:

Kuran Iverson, Xpressions Elite - the 6'8 lanky forward is highly skilled for his size. He is also highly athletic. A freshman at Northwest Catholic, Iverson runs the floor very, very well and finishes high above the rim. He suffered a hard injury to his sinus cavity in the championship game and may be out for some time. Iverson could definitely be a name to remember.

Cornelius Tyson, NE Playaz - Tyson is a 6'0 point guard that is savvy on the court. Tyson has that feel to his game that isn't taught, it's innate. He is extremely comfortable handling the ball vs. pressure and running a team. He will undoubtedly become a very effective defender over the coming years, because of his length and quickness.

Rene Castro, BABC - The 6'4 wing scored 29 points in the championship game, scoring almost at will going to the rim. A big, strong guard, Castro will need to work on his outside shooting as he continues to develop, but he has an ability to get to the rim that just can't be taught.

Wayne Selden, BABC - Selden is the other wing tandem now playing with BABC. Selden came over from MABC and is a freshman at O'Bryant. Physically he is stronger than almost everyone his age. He's already about 6'4 and 210lbs. He is has a decent jumper, but like Castro, gets to the rim at will.

Goodluck Okonoboh, BABC - Goodluck is an imposing presence for a freshman. He's 6'7 and already built pretty well. Even more imposing is the way he plays. He is a fierce competitor, trys to dunk everything, blocks/alters shot after shot and goes after every rebound. Goodluck has solid athleticism and is a natural comparison to cousin, Alex Oriakhi, a freshman at UConn.

Jake Fay, Rhode Island Hawks - Fay is a 6'4 shooter out of Brimmer and May. With good size, Fay's skill level is impressive. He can really shoot and has a cerebral feel for the game. Seems to have some good toughness as well.

Kahlil Dukes, Expressions Elite - The 5'10 combo guard excelled all weekend at the Columbus Day Challenge. Dukes averaged over 25ppg in the teams' 5 wins in route to the 15u title. In the championship game, with BABC making a run, Dukes canned a three-pointer, and was fouled, connecting on the free-throw. When Dukes is on, he is as good as any guard in New England!

Jared Reuter, NE Playaz - The 6'6 strong body is an absolute load in the post. He is tough, in great shape, and very efficient. He also has a lot of skill for his size, see's the floor well, and can step out to 15 and shoot. Possibly the most complete of all the BIGs in New England right now.

Makai Mason, Team West - Mason is small, probably 5'7 on his best day, but that doesn't hold him back one bit. He is very, very good with the ball in his hands. He creates shots for himself off the dribble as well as anyone we've seen. The size difference doesn't affect him getting his shot off. He is also really good at setting up teammates because of the attention he draws. Shoots from deep!!

Others who performed well at the Columbus Day Challenge:

Matt Costello, Mass Elite 14u - Averaged 24 points per game during the weekend including 38 points vs. the South County Basketball Club. Costello scored in a variety of ways, from downtown, mid-range, and driving to the hoop. Costello raised some eyebrows this weekend with his play vs. some extremely high-level clubs.

Anthony Barry, Middlesex Magic - Barry had a great weekend for his Middlesex Magic club. He got to the rim over and over again, and is extremely athletic. With a consistent outside shot, Barry's game could flourish.

Ricardo Ledo, Expressions - Ledo was reportedly extremely smooth all weekend. He continues to get better and better every time we see him play. The 6'3 off-guard connected for 24 pts in the championship game vs. the NE Playaz.

Shabazz Napier, NE Playaz - Single-handedly brought the Playaz back into the game vs. Connecticut Select, after being down 10 with less than four minutes to go. Finished with 28 points in this game.

Jakarri McCallop, CT Select - "Champ" was a beast all weekend inside and had 29 points vs. the Whitby Wildcats out of Canada.

Mike Boornizan, Drive4Stardum - Boornizan is a 6'4 wing out of Xavier HS in Connecticut. Not only does Boornizan get better and better every time we see him play, but his body continues to develop. At 6'4, Boornizan has a very good skill level, as evident by his 28 points vs. the RI Hawks.

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