Monsignor Martin League Breakout Candidates: Shooters
Western New York is an underrated basketball hotspot chockful of promising, talented recruits. The 2019-2020 Monsignor Martin League (Buffalo NY) was highly competitive and produced many memorable moments for both teams and individuals alike. This article will focus on 4…
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Continue ReadingWestern New York is an underrated basketball hotspot chockful of promising, talented recruits. The 2019-2020 Monsignor Martin League (Buffalo NY) was highly competitive and produced many memorable moments for both teams and individuals alike. This article will focus on 4 Sharpshooters that are poised for a breakout season in 2020-2021.
Josh Haskell – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute – Class of 2022
Haskell, a 6’6” Junior, may tell you he is the best shooter in the Monsignor Martin League; his statistics from 2019-2020 certainly help make his case. Posting 44% on 2.8 attempts per game earned him the 3 point scoring title in his Sophomore season. I believe that Haskell is poised to take another step forward as an upperclassman. His teammates may have to get creative to help him get open, however, as one can assume defenses will focus on stopping Haskell from doing what he does best each time he takes the floor.
Hugh Purks Hugh Purks 5'10" | PG Nichols | 2021 State NY – Nichols – Class of 2021
Purks is one of just two returning Vikings to have managed double-digit points per game in 2019-2020. I see Purks as a breakout candidate because he truly elevated his game to another height after the loss of Nichols’ leading scorer to a broken ankle last January. A volume shooter, Purks had games where he scored 28, 25, and 22 points over the last month of the season. Given he put in the work this offseason, I can see Purks raising his jump shooting to an even higher level in 2020-2021.
Leo Camilloni – Bishop Timon-St. Jude – Class of 2021
Camilloni impressed me by finishing last season at an even 40% from long range. Over his final 5 games in which he registered a three point attempt, Camilloni connected on 11 of 25 attempts, which equates to 44%. As the season wore on, Camilloni clearly became more comfortable shooting from distance, which is why I can see that trend continuing in 2020-2021. He is certainly is a big reason that the Tigers finished second in the 2019-2020 Monsignor Martin League in both team three point attempts per game and team three point percentage. An improved season from Camilloni may be enough to land Bishop Timon St. Jude on top of that leaderboard at the end of 2020-2021.
Eric Geisler – Canisius – Class of 2021
Geisler belongs on a list of breakout shooting candidates because he showed marked improvement as last season unfolded. In the first month-and-change of 2019-2020, he had games of 0-2, 0-3, and 1-5 from deep. To his credit, the second half of the year went much smoother. He had multiple games shooting 3 pointers at 50% or better, which should be attributed to his work ethic and mental toughness. Canisius, the reigning and defending Monsignor Martin League Champions, will be tasked with replacing much of their production from a season ago. I believe Geisler can and will be a major cog and weapon for a Crusader team rallying to repeat as conference champs.
*All statistics come from Maxpreps.com. All analysis is my own.