Top Standouts from Day 1 of the Hoop Group Tip-Off Showcase
The first day of the Hoop Group Tip-off Showcase was extremely entertaining. Teams like the Patrick School and Rutgers Prep showcased their talent, while Seton Hall Prep proved its ability to compete against high level competition. In major events like…
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Continue ReadingThe first day of the Hoop Group Tip-off Showcase was extremely entertaining. Teams like the Patrick School and Rutgers Prep showcased their talent, while Seton Hall Prep proved its ability to compete against high level competition. In major events like this, players have standout performances that separate themselves from their peers. Here are some of the standouts from the first day of the Hoop Group Tip-off Showcase.
Nico Galette, 6’6 SF Rutgers Prep 2020
The Sacred Heart commit was named the game’s MVP after scoring a team-high 18 points for the Argonauts. He had several tough finishes around the basket and was knocking down his mid-range jump shots with consistency. Galette was also a force on the glass with eight rebounds as he used his height advantage to rip down rebounds. His play against Seton Hall Prep is a very good sign for Rutgers Prep’s hopes of playing in the Non-Public B South final.
Mason Morial, 6’3 SG Seton Hall Prep 2020
The senior guard was at times the best player on the floor as he forced numerous Rutgers Prep turnovers when Seton Hall Prep pressed. Morial was able to get into the lane with ease and made several tough shots around the basket. He was also a clutch shooter for Seton Hall Prep as he knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep the Pirates in the game. Morial may have lost the game, but his performance did not go unrecognized.
Zarique Nutter, 6’4 SF Patrick School 2021
The St. Benedict’s transfer dominated the game from start to finish. He was able to get to the basket at will and had a pair of nice breakaway dunks. Defensively, Nutter was able to keep his man in front and did not allow many offensive rebounds. The Patrick School needs a consistent perimeter presence when Jonathan Kuminga starts playing and Nutter can be that guy.
Samson Johnson, 6’10 PF Patrick School 2021
If not for Nutter’s performance, Johnson would have been the clear game MVP against the Hun School. He flashed stretch-4 potential with a pair of three-pointers and several mid-range jump shots. He blocked almost everything around the basket with his size and athleticism. Johnson may only have one Division I offer, but that number should rise after his performance against Hun.
Daniel Vessey, 6’2 SG Hun School 2022
Vessey was one of the few offensive sparks for the Hun School. He had a team-high 14 points, despite coming off the bench. Vessey was lights out from behind the arc as he knocked down four three-pointers in the game. He may only be a sophomore, but Vessey has earned more minutes after his play against the Patrick School.
Jayden Pierre, 6’0 PG Elizabeth 2022
No one from Neptune could keep Pierre in front of them. The sophomore point guard was able to attack the basket at will and had several crafty finishes that dazzled the crowd. He also flashed his elite passing ability with several slick passes. Pierre is one of the top point guards in New Jersey and proved it against Neptune.
DJ Watkins, 6’1 CG Elizabeth 2020
The senior guard had a game-high 17 points in the 75-33 rout of Neptune. Watkins started the game hot as he hit an and-1 right after the Minutemen won the tip-off. He did not stop there as he relentlessly attacked the basket against the Scarlet Fliers. Watkins played like a top player in the state and will have to keep playing like that for the Minutemen to make the Tournament of Champions.
Akoldah Gak, 6’10 PF Blair Academy 2021
The junior big man dominated the Patrick School National from start to finish. He showed off a soft touch around the basket, a solid shooting stroke and elite defensive skills. Outside of a technical foul for hanging on the rim, Gak had a flawless game. His ability to impact the game on both ends is a great sign for the undefeated Blair Academy.
Other Names to Know:
Jaylen Blakes, 6’1 PG Blair Academy 2021
Giovanni Phillip, 6’3 SG Patrick School National 2020
Jordan Price, 6’4 SF Elizabeth 2020
Sam Fagan, 5’10 PG Neptune 2021
Noah Farrakhan, 6’0 PG Patrick School 2020
Jack Weiss, 6’4 SG Hun School 2020
Noah Harris, 6’0 PG Rutgers Prep 2021
Giye Jenkins, 6’0 PG Seton Hall Prep 2021