So as you all know, I'm out & about recruiting on the AAU circuit now to tie up the loose ends from winter. Today, I stayed in the area to watch the Zero Gravity Thoroughbred Classic (or whatever it's called) in the Saratoga area. Main site was Skidmore, which is where I spent most of the time. What did I see? Not much new, but there was some good talent in spots. Very top-heavy - the best teams were way, way better than the bottom feeders. I paid most attention to 10th grade and varsity boys, with some varsity girls mixed in.
10th Boys
I only talked to one new person today, and it was in this age group. The City Rocks held off Bronx-based Castle Athletics in a chippy one in the finals. It was a team effort for the well-recognized squad, but Luke Hicks and Jalen Hawkins really made themselves stand out. Hicks certainly isn't rusty - he played varsity for state champs Shenendehowa this year, and their season lasted up through Friday in a close L to Wings. The 6'2" guard didn't see a whole bunch of run this year, playing behind the Huerter brothers and Petar Bebic, but he showed that the well isn't running dry in the land of the Plainsmen. He had a stretch where he scored 12 points (5/5 shooting) in 4 minutes during the later stages of the 2nd half. Hawkins also had his stretches of dominance in the backcourt. The lanky 6'1" guard representing Utica Proctor is the latest in a line of athletic Hawkins brothers, and at this age, he's the best. He's lightning quick and can get to the basket almost at will, but still plays under control and is willing to pull up for short or mid-range jumpers and floaters. He can hit from deep if it's given to him, and the athletic ability allows for him to be a tough on-ball defender. He had a couple impressive moments, coming from out of the play on transition D to pin a layup against the backboard on two separate occasions. Can't forget about Catskill standout Justyn Lacy, who also did a lot for the City Rocks despite catching a stray elbow to the face today, giving him a nasty fat lip. It's certainly a guard-heavy team, with Colonie's Josh Paszkowski and Berne-Knox-Westerlo representatives Zack Hilton & Justin Houck (a junior) contributing, among others I'm probably forgetting. The one true post player was Lansingburgh's Anthony Kempster, an athletic 6'6" big that works 15' and in. He didn't do a lot offensively, but did a good job rebounding, altering shots, and getting them second-chance opportunities. Before the finals, City Rocks had another close W in the semis, this one being over Mid-Hudson based Elite Hoops. Castle picked up their semifinal W over CNY Trailblazers, a team full of small schoolers. The program is based in the Oneida area, but they have Mohawk Valley reps from Little Falls (perhaps their best player, Todd Hubbell - physically strong point guard with great court vision) and Canajoharie, along with VVS, Canastota (Jake Purdy - 6'4"ish post player that is raw, but knows what he brings to the game and does well with it) and Madison. Really top-heavy - watched Castle jump up nearly 40 in the first half against a team - but it was good to watch in those top 4.
Boys Varsity
Another Albany area squad picked up a W over Castle to take home a title. This time, it was NYE Elite that secured the lead in the last few minutes and scored time after time against Castle's press late to hold them off. NYE features a lot of Green Tech kids, along with 2 of the 3 top players from this year's squad at Troy's Catholic Central HS. Arguably GT's top dog this year, senior Anquan McLean, did some things for NYE. Three guys on the squad that really flexed were Green Tech junior Dasier Lukes and a pair of CCHS senior guards, Raiquis Harris and Brian Brooks. Lukes, a 6'2" guard who loves to get to the rack, did so time after time in the finals, especially late against the press. He found holes in the defense and took advantage without forcing the issue, and he showed a great ability to finish in traffic. Harris does the same, and also can make the tough pass look easy and is as quick as they come. The 6'0" senior with a motor that doesn't stop signed his NLI to play ball at Division II Bloomfield College in the fall. His backcourt running mate, 6'1" Brooks, has a unique ability to excel in whatever style his team plays. He can kill people in the open court, but can do the same in a much more controlled, half-court pace. Brian's also a knockdown shooter and has a noticeably good attitude on the court. He's unsigned (coaches, hello!) but has been shown some real interest by Division II programs such as Dominican, Le Moyne, and Davis & Elkins. Post-grad prep may be an option for him - if you're a D2 program looking for a point guard, he's definitely worth a look. Castle won a close one over Not Even Famous in semifinals, a team full of Capital District seniors. The most noticeable presence on that team was Troy senior Zach Radz - a senior 2 guard with a pure stroke and the ability to put it on the floor & get to the basket. He's received Division I interest, but no offers yet - post-grad prep is certainly an option for him, and he's another one worth a look if you're a scholarship level school looking for a shooter. Cohoes explosive 6'2" senior Shelton Alston made his presence felt too, and showed he has a perimeter stroke to match the above-the-rim athleticism. Schuylerville 6'3" senior Dante Langley made things happen on the perimeter too, as well as Joey Shehadi, a widely talked about senior point guard from Burr & Burton Academy in southern VT. Word in the winter was that he was planning on attending Colby in the fall.
Varsity Girls
There were two separate divisions in this group, and they didn't play each other for the overall championship. Therefore, I only got to see one. Spartans Elite, a team with some of the top varsity players in the Albany area, put a queen-sized beatdown on Hudson River Titans, a team based in Mechanicville (I believe). It was so bad, the parents of Titans players wanted to take pictures with the Spartans Elite girls after. These were girls they had only watched before in sectional finals and events of the like. They boasted a scholarship-level lineup. Bethlehem junior Jenna Giacone is perhaps the most highly touted of them - the 6'0" point guard has major conference schools such as Boston College, Wake Forest, Miami, and plenty of others salivating. She's the real deal. Shenendehowa 6'0" sophomore wing Sydney Brown is every bit as impressive to me. She doesn't really have a flaw in her game - perimeter & post offense, perimeter & post defense, fundamentals, attitude, all top-notch. Also a Division I lock. Throw in Shaker 5'11" sophomore wing CeCe Mayo, who has all the physical tools and skill to be successful at the next level already. Many Division I schools are on her trail, such as VCU, St. Joseph's, and Fordham (to name a few). Add Catholic Central senior guard Madison Purcell (Le Moyne commit) and Bethlehem senior Gabby Giacone (yes, the Giacones are double trouble - Northeastern commit), and there's probably even a couple I'm forgetting. Yeah, that was a squad. Hudson River Titans, led by Mechanicville sophomore point guard Amanda Kenyon, didn't quit though. They at least gave a solid effort even when the game was 35 points out of reach. Caught the Spartans Elite team for a little while elsewhere, as they beat Castle Athletics soundly earlier in the day. Mayo, in particular, had herself a game in that one while I was there. At the same time, Niskayuna AAU girls team was beating JC Ballers pretty soundly. Niskayuna had a couple solid players - although it was mainly a Nisky team, a couple Guilderland girls jumped in along with Shaker junior Audrey Martino. Martino did some things in the first half, running the show and leading the way to a nice little cushion. JC Ballers was without their best player by far, Cohoes standout sophomore guard Nerea Brajac, who was sitting on the bench in street clothes, out with injury.
My opinion? It was an alright tournament. The brackets were very top-heavy, which led to a lot of blowouts. I'd rather see closer games, but it's something you run into everywhere with the watering down of AAU. The talent among those top teams was solid, though, as you can see above. Things ran much more smoothly than last year's ZG tournament in the Saratoga area, which I left midway through the day because I couldn't stand how half-assed it was. They got it together for this year. Officiating was alright. Typical AAU officials, and there was only one guy that I came across who really let things get out of control. If you replaced him with any other able-bodied human, I'd say the officiating wasn't half-bad. If I had a team, I'm not too sure if I'd send them to ZG tournaments, but I have a much more positive view of them while typing this now than I did at this time last year. That being considered, it was a success.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
LEAGUE UPDATES
Just relaying all the updated information via the blog for players & families. I'm in the process of scheduling information sessions, but it's taking a while trying to get it lined up and I don't feel like waiting any longer. If there are any questions, please ask!
Nothing has changed as far as main details over the last 2+ months. It'll be at Union College. Boys will be on Wednesdays, starting June 24, with girls on Thursdays starting June 25. Playoffs for both will take place on Saturday, August 8. The only possible change: flip-flopping the 6th week. Girls will move up on the final regular season week from Thursday (7/30) to Wednesday (7/29) - a third session falling in the girls' NCAA Division I evaluation period. Planning on moving the boys back from 7/29 to 7/30 for that week. Regular season game times will be at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00, with everyone playing 2 games a night.
*** Real time update - as of 4/18, we will have certified college officials manning the whistles at all games, both boys & girls. Costs a little extra, but as you see in AAU ball, you get what you pay for and we'll have the best!
I've received numerous questions about recruiting packet information and payment, and there have been some recruiting packet forms submitted and checks sent in so far. There's a form on the website for recruiting packet information. It can be filled out directly on the website and gets submitted directly to me - no one sees the info on it besides myself and the coaches who attend unless otherwise specified (name, grade entering, height, school, and stats/awards will be on roster pages when the time comes). It consists of general, contact, academic, and athletic info. To find the form, go to www.empirestatetakeover.org, and there's a 'Forms' dropdown selection under 'Contact Us'. As far as payment goes, it'll be $100. If you'd like more detailed info about payment, feel free to ask directly. Don't feel like throwing my address out there - contact info below! I treat the submission of recruiting packet information as a way of saying 'save my spot', and of course the payment as 'count me in'.
One more thing. I've talked about this to many of my people from farther away (Syracuse, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, LoHud, central MA), but here's a good time to drop it to everyone. I do offer the option of being an 'alternate'. This is for those who are interested in playing, but would only be available for 2-3 weeks during the season. The rate would drop from $100 and become a per-week thing. Again, it's for people who want to play but can't make it for most weeks. Let me know if this ends up being you, and we can discuss. I try to refrain from having loads of alternates, but I'm not going to turn people that want to play away because of lack of consistent availability.
Again... this doesn't really have schedule conflicts with AAU, for the most part. It's not a "AAU or this" sort of thing. Everyone that plays will be playing AAU somewhere. Many coaches have become paranoid in the couple weeks I've been on the trail... don't worry, not stealing your players!
We're getting into April, so I ask everyone I've talked to about the league to start thinking more seriously about whether or not you want in, if you haven't already. I'm requesting that I get a yes, no, or alternate decision by early-mid May and payment by the May 15 area. It's very important that I can provide accurate prospect lists well in advance to send to college coaches. Many go on vacation for an extended period of time in late May, so I want to get the bulk of e-mails out BEFORE spring semester wraps up. The more I can build 4-6 weeks in advance, the more programs will attend. With May 15 being six weeks away, it's EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you ask me anything & everything you're wondering about. So I'll be a broken record and say this again... Questions/comments? Please, ask away!
Jeff Mlinar
Cell: (315) 360-2730
jeffmlinar@yahoo.com
Nothing has changed as far as main details over the last 2+ months. It'll be at Union College. Boys will be on Wednesdays, starting June 24, with girls on Thursdays starting June 25. Playoffs for both will take place on Saturday, August 8. The only possible change: flip-flopping the 6th week. Girls will move up on the final regular season week from Thursday (7/30) to Wednesday (7/29) - a third session falling in the girls' NCAA Division I evaluation period. Planning on moving the boys back from 7/29 to 7/30 for that week. Regular season game times will be at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00, with everyone playing 2 games a night.
*** Real time update - as of 4/18, we will have certified college officials manning the whistles at all games, both boys & girls. Costs a little extra, but as you see in AAU ball, you get what you pay for and we'll have the best!
I've received numerous questions about recruiting packet information and payment, and there have been some recruiting packet forms submitted and checks sent in so far. There's a form on the website for recruiting packet information. It can be filled out directly on the website and gets submitted directly to me - no one sees the info on it besides myself and the coaches who attend unless otherwise specified (name, grade entering, height, school, and stats/awards will be on roster pages when the time comes). It consists of general, contact, academic, and athletic info. To find the form, go to www.empirestatetakeover.org, and there's a 'Forms' dropdown selection under 'Contact Us'. As far as payment goes, it'll be $100. If you'd like more detailed info about payment, feel free to ask directly. Don't feel like throwing my address out there - contact info below! I treat the submission of recruiting packet information as a way of saying 'save my spot', and of course the payment as 'count me in'.
One more thing. I've talked about this to many of my people from farther away (Syracuse, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, LoHud, central MA), but here's a good time to drop it to everyone. I do offer the option of being an 'alternate'. This is for those who are interested in playing, but would only be available for 2-3 weeks during the season. The rate would drop from $100 and become a per-week thing. Again, it's for people who want to play but can't make it for most weeks. Let me know if this ends up being you, and we can discuss. I try to refrain from having loads of alternates, but I'm not going to turn people that want to play away because of lack of consistent availability.
Again... this doesn't really have schedule conflicts with AAU, for the most part. It's not a "AAU or this" sort of thing. Everyone that plays will be playing AAU somewhere. Many coaches have become paranoid in the couple weeks I've been on the trail... don't worry, not stealing your players!
We're getting into April, so I ask everyone I've talked to about the league to start thinking more seriously about whether or not you want in, if you haven't already. I'm requesting that I get a yes, no, or alternate decision by early-mid May and payment by the May 15 area. It's very important that I can provide accurate prospect lists well in advance to send to college coaches. Many go on vacation for an extended period of time in late May, so I want to get the bulk of e-mails out BEFORE spring semester wraps up. The more I can build 4-6 weeks in advance, the more programs will attend. With May 15 being six weeks away, it's EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you ask me anything & everything you're wondering about. So I'll be a broken record and say this again... Questions/comments? Please, ask away!
Jeff Mlinar
Cell: (315) 360-2730
jeffmlinar@yahoo.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Boys Suburban All-Stars (with an announcement)
I've briefly mentioned a couple times that I'll be introducing a new aspect to Empire State Takeover in coming weeks/months (whenever I can find the time to really get after it the right way). What will that be? I've been convinced by a few coaches at assorted college programs that starting a paid scouting service is a good idea. It's not something I was exploring at the beginning because I didn't want to be perceived as just some young guy trying to make a buck, which I'm not. However, it does make sense; it goes hand-in-hand with what I'm doing with the summer leagues and fall events. I'm out on the trail anyway. Why not organize everything I've seen on the court and been told from the players themselves and their coaches? I'm introducing this aspect with a free series of evaluations. Post-season all-star lists are trickling out, and I've watched the majority of these kids numerous times - only a few between Sections 2 & 3 that I haven't seen yet. These will include name, high school, height, grade, and a brief description of what you get with them. With a paid service down the road comes more info (intended major, necessary contact info, etc.).
*** Just a reminder... this isn't Empire State Takeover Scouting Service. This isn't an end game of sorts for me. The summer basketball leagues & college prep is and will continue to be my main focus. This is an added aspect to what I'm doing, since I'm out on the trail every night, even when coaches can't. There's a lot of info I've been gathering for the better part of 2 years that can be very helpful!
Now, for starters, the Suburban All-Stars.
MVP: Kevin Huerter (Shenendehowa, 6'5" jr G) As expected, Kevin's shown a great deal of growth in his game over the last year. Still most comfortable as a catch-and-shoot player from the perimeter, he can now use it to open up the rest of his game. He'll put it on the floor and get by defenders, either finishing with the mid-range game or at/above the rim. Had a baseline hammer off a backdoor cut in their regional final that made Henninger's bench give the stink face. Very rangy with long arms, gets hands on passes and makes good decisions on the break. He'll have his tuition, room & board paid for, just like his father that played basketball at Siena. As a junior, he currently has offers on the table from Albany, Siena, and Duquesne. He'll be playing EYBL with the City Rocks this year, and there are whispers about prep school being an option down the road. Averaging a team-high 16.9 points per game with a season high of 35, along with a team-high 63 threes. He's also shooting 81% from the line.
1st Team: Andrew Platek (Guilderland, 6'4" jr G) With the aforementioned Huerter in the discussion, I have to put the 'arguable' disclaimer.. but Platek's arguably the best shooter in Section 2. He was called upon to do much more for his Guilderland team than Huerter, who has a better cast around him at Shen. With that, he averaged a team-high 23.6 points per game, which included 86 threes. He also shot 88% from the line. Tireless running off screens for catch & shoot Js, also good in the isolation with 1-2 dribble moves into his jumper. At 6'4" with some lift under his shot, he can get it over the defense. Another Capital District junior with D1 in his future, he's got offers from Albany, Fairfield, and Yale, and he's also running with the City Rocks in a month for EYBL.
John Sica (Bethlehem, 6'7" sr G/F) Solid player on the court with the brains to match. Worked in the blocks more for his Bethlehem squad, but likes playing the swingman role. Has the ability to hit from deep, and can put it on the floor and get past defenders that he drags out from the blocks. Definitely more of a finesse player, but he's more willing to absorb contact now than in the past. Injuries have been an Achilles' heel for him (pun intended), with knee issues last year, a shoulder injury over the summer, and apparent injury issues that he played through part of this season. That didn't deter his next destination from jumping aboard the Sica train though - he's signed his NLI to attend and play basketball at Columbia next year. Averaged 18.2 points per game, hit a dozen threes and shot 76% from the line this season, while sitting out a 4 game stretch in late January-early February.
Myles Joyce (Averill Park, 6'4" sr G) Lot of 6'4" guards on this list, huh? Myles had a breakout year after spending some time being Mr. Underrated - the guy who looked every bit as effective as the bigger names, but didn't get the love. He averaged a team-high 17.7 points per game, shot 77% from the line while getting there more often than those mentioned above, and he hit 37 threes. Smart player that doesn't force the issue on O, makes the right play, and is a good defender when fully invested. He's possibly the best rebounding guard in the area. He's a great pickup for his future destination, SUNY Oneonta.
Thomas Huerter (Shenendehowa, 6'6" sr G) Older brother can hoop, too. Thomas is a glue guy for one of the best teams in the state in Class AA. You know what you're getting from him. The only three games he hasn't scored double digits have been blowouts, and he's given them double digits in the last 13 games. Not as much of a shooter as Kevin, but he's more adept at putting it on the floor and getting to the rim, absorbing contact and finishing. He's also a very smart player - the top comment about him from basketball minds is that he always makes the right play. Very rarely turns it over. Physically speaking, a late bloomer. His athleticism was a big knock last year, and now he's dunking on people and stronger than his matchup. Postgrad prep looks like the next step for him, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up at the D1 level after. Averaged 15.8 per game this year, upwards of 80% from the line with 26 threes.
2nd Team: Jahlil Nails (Columbia, 6'5" sr G) Jahlil was the victim of being about as much of a one-man show as you can possibly be this year. A true Division I talent, NLI signed and all, without any help. He has an unusually high release on his jumper - mix that with his height, and his jump shot is very difficult to affect, let alone block. He's a difficult shot maker, able to hit from mid-range and the perimeter with a hand in the face, off the dribble, on the catch, leaners, fadeaways, you name it. He needed every bit of that this year, averaging 20.7 points per game this year while having multiple defenders and every junk D in the world thrown at him. He got to the line a lot (at least 7 attempts in 60% of their games) and shot 71%. Nails will be headed to CCSU in the fall.
Brandon Fischer (Shenendehowa, 6'6" sr F) The only true post player on the Suburban all-star list this year. Brandon's shown great growth in his game over the last two years. He has a college-ready body and isn't afraid of physicality. Plays hard at both ends, runs the floor better than most bigs, has soft hands, rebounds well in & out of his area, and finishes well off an array of moves through contact. What more can you ask for? Add 2 inches, and he would be a Division I prospect, but he's totally fine with his future destination in Division II Le Moyne. He's averaging 11.1 points per game this season (still going, as the AA state champs have Federations this weekend) and collects board after board.
Nolan Smith (Colonie, 6'0" sr G) A pure scorer on a Colonie team that had intriguing pieces, but could never really put it together. This lefty has a refined offensive skill set, and everything about his game looks like it came right out of the textbook. Very fundamentally sound offensively. Size is a bit of an issue as a natural 2 guard. He anticipates well and can cause problems on defense - if he's fully invested. Would've liked to see him on a better, more consistent team where he could be used as more of a pure scorer than a team leader. He averaged 15.1 per game this year with a season high of 26, along with 35 3s on the season. Projects as a good Division III prospect.
Isaiah Moak (Averill Park, 6'0" jr G) Isaiah's game continues to improve at a drastic rate, almost from month to month. Personally watched his game improve from last June through August, and made a statement that if I had to pick a Most Improved Player for last year's King of Kings College Prospect League, I'd roll with him. Well, if I had to pick a Most Improved Player in the Suburban this year, it'd also be him. Fearless going to the rim and with a build like a running back, he's fine with contact. However, the big jump in his offensive game has come with his perimeter J. He wasn't really known for the 3, but he finished with a team high 47 3s this season, including multiple treys in 12 of his final 14 games. Moak also works hard on the defensive end - quick enough to defend other guards, yet physical enough to battle people 4-5 inches taller in the blocks sometimes. Jumps passing lanes well and will take charges/get on the floor for loose balls. He averaged 15 per game this season, including a season high 35 points (7 threes). He's now looking like a good Division III prospect with the improvement in his game.
Ralph Simeone (Guilderland, 6'1" sr G) Guilderland was more than a one-man show. When teams geared all of their interest on junior standout Andrew Platek, Simeone was the recipient and he took advantage. Developed as a reliable 2nd perimeter scorer for one of the top Suburban teams, typically from the point guard spot. He was out when I watched Guilderland this season, the only game he missed all year. He averaged 13.4 per game this season, eclipsing the 20 point mark 3 times. A lot of that came from beyond the arc, where he hit 37 treys. Another Division III prospect here.
More coming from other leagues soon!
*** Just a reminder... this isn't Empire State Takeover Scouting Service. This isn't an end game of sorts for me. The summer basketball leagues & college prep is and will continue to be my main focus. This is an added aspect to what I'm doing, since I'm out on the trail every night, even when coaches can't. There's a lot of info I've been gathering for the better part of 2 years that can be very helpful!
Now, for starters, the Suburban All-Stars.
MVP: Kevin Huerter (Shenendehowa, 6'5" jr G) As expected, Kevin's shown a great deal of growth in his game over the last year. Still most comfortable as a catch-and-shoot player from the perimeter, he can now use it to open up the rest of his game. He'll put it on the floor and get by defenders, either finishing with the mid-range game or at/above the rim. Had a baseline hammer off a backdoor cut in their regional final that made Henninger's bench give the stink face. Very rangy with long arms, gets hands on passes and makes good decisions on the break. He'll have his tuition, room & board paid for, just like his father that played basketball at Siena. As a junior, he currently has offers on the table from Albany, Siena, and Duquesne. He'll be playing EYBL with the City Rocks this year, and there are whispers about prep school being an option down the road. Averaging a team-high 16.9 points per game with a season high of 35, along with a team-high 63 threes. He's also shooting 81% from the line.
1st Team: Andrew Platek (Guilderland, 6'4" jr G) With the aforementioned Huerter in the discussion, I have to put the 'arguable' disclaimer.. but Platek's arguably the best shooter in Section 2. He was called upon to do much more for his Guilderland team than Huerter, who has a better cast around him at Shen. With that, he averaged a team-high 23.6 points per game, which included 86 threes. He also shot 88% from the line. Tireless running off screens for catch & shoot Js, also good in the isolation with 1-2 dribble moves into his jumper. At 6'4" with some lift under his shot, he can get it over the defense. Another Capital District junior with D1 in his future, he's got offers from Albany, Fairfield, and Yale, and he's also running with the City Rocks in a month for EYBL.
John Sica (Bethlehem, 6'7" sr G/F) Solid player on the court with the brains to match. Worked in the blocks more for his Bethlehem squad, but likes playing the swingman role. Has the ability to hit from deep, and can put it on the floor and get past defenders that he drags out from the blocks. Definitely more of a finesse player, but he's more willing to absorb contact now than in the past. Injuries have been an Achilles' heel for him (pun intended), with knee issues last year, a shoulder injury over the summer, and apparent injury issues that he played through part of this season. That didn't deter his next destination from jumping aboard the Sica train though - he's signed his NLI to attend and play basketball at Columbia next year. Averaged 18.2 points per game, hit a dozen threes and shot 76% from the line this season, while sitting out a 4 game stretch in late January-early February.
Myles Joyce (Averill Park, 6'4" sr G) Lot of 6'4" guards on this list, huh? Myles had a breakout year after spending some time being Mr. Underrated - the guy who looked every bit as effective as the bigger names, but didn't get the love. He averaged a team-high 17.7 points per game, shot 77% from the line while getting there more often than those mentioned above, and he hit 37 threes. Smart player that doesn't force the issue on O, makes the right play, and is a good defender when fully invested. He's possibly the best rebounding guard in the area. He's a great pickup for his future destination, SUNY Oneonta.
Thomas Huerter (Shenendehowa, 6'6" sr G) Older brother can hoop, too. Thomas is a glue guy for one of the best teams in the state in Class AA. You know what you're getting from him. The only three games he hasn't scored double digits have been blowouts, and he's given them double digits in the last 13 games. Not as much of a shooter as Kevin, but he's more adept at putting it on the floor and getting to the rim, absorbing contact and finishing. He's also a very smart player - the top comment about him from basketball minds is that he always makes the right play. Very rarely turns it over. Physically speaking, a late bloomer. His athleticism was a big knock last year, and now he's dunking on people and stronger than his matchup. Postgrad prep looks like the next step for him, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't end up at the D1 level after. Averaged 15.8 per game this year, upwards of 80% from the line with 26 threes.
2nd Team: Jahlil Nails (Columbia, 6'5" sr G) Jahlil was the victim of being about as much of a one-man show as you can possibly be this year. A true Division I talent, NLI signed and all, without any help. He has an unusually high release on his jumper - mix that with his height, and his jump shot is very difficult to affect, let alone block. He's a difficult shot maker, able to hit from mid-range and the perimeter with a hand in the face, off the dribble, on the catch, leaners, fadeaways, you name it. He needed every bit of that this year, averaging 20.7 points per game this year while having multiple defenders and every junk D in the world thrown at him. He got to the line a lot (at least 7 attempts in 60% of their games) and shot 71%. Nails will be headed to CCSU in the fall.
Brandon Fischer (Shenendehowa, 6'6" sr F) The only true post player on the Suburban all-star list this year. Brandon's shown great growth in his game over the last two years. He has a college-ready body and isn't afraid of physicality. Plays hard at both ends, runs the floor better than most bigs, has soft hands, rebounds well in & out of his area, and finishes well off an array of moves through contact. What more can you ask for? Add 2 inches, and he would be a Division I prospect, but he's totally fine with his future destination in Division II Le Moyne. He's averaging 11.1 points per game this season (still going, as the AA state champs have Federations this weekend) and collects board after board.
Nolan Smith (Colonie, 6'0" sr G) A pure scorer on a Colonie team that had intriguing pieces, but could never really put it together. This lefty has a refined offensive skill set, and everything about his game looks like it came right out of the textbook. Very fundamentally sound offensively. Size is a bit of an issue as a natural 2 guard. He anticipates well and can cause problems on defense - if he's fully invested. Would've liked to see him on a better, more consistent team where he could be used as more of a pure scorer than a team leader. He averaged 15.1 per game this year with a season high of 26, along with 35 3s on the season. Projects as a good Division III prospect.
Isaiah Moak (Averill Park, 6'0" jr G) Isaiah's game continues to improve at a drastic rate, almost from month to month. Personally watched his game improve from last June through August, and made a statement that if I had to pick a Most Improved Player for last year's King of Kings College Prospect League, I'd roll with him. Well, if I had to pick a Most Improved Player in the Suburban this year, it'd also be him. Fearless going to the rim and with a build like a running back, he's fine with contact. However, the big jump in his offensive game has come with his perimeter J. He wasn't really known for the 3, but he finished with a team high 47 3s this season, including multiple treys in 12 of his final 14 games. Moak also works hard on the defensive end - quick enough to defend other guards, yet physical enough to battle people 4-5 inches taller in the blocks sometimes. Jumps passing lanes well and will take charges/get on the floor for loose balls. He averaged 15 per game this season, including a season high 35 points (7 threes). He's now looking like a good Division III prospect with the improvement in his game.
Ralph Simeone (Guilderland, 6'1" sr G) Guilderland was more than a one-man show. When teams geared all of their interest on junior standout Andrew Platek, Simeone was the recipient and he took advantage. Developed as a reliable 2nd perimeter scorer for one of the top Suburban teams, typically from the point guard spot. He was out when I watched Guilderland this season, the only game he missed all year. He averaged 13.4 per game this season, eclipsing the 20 point mark 3 times. A lot of that came from beyond the arc, where he hit 37 treys. Another Division III prospect here.
More coming from other leagues soon!
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