Boston City League Standouts: Volume V
The Boston City League playoffs wrapped up last weekend with Latin Academy taking home their team’s second city title in school history and first since 1993. The tournament games were entertaining, first and foremost, but also showed just how deep…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Boston City League playoffs wrapped up last weekend with Latin Academy taking home their team’s second city title in school history and first since 1993. The tournament games were entertaining, first and foremost, but also showed just how deep and talented the league is.
Here are evaluations of four more standout guards:
Jahmar Henry | Charlestown | 5’11” | Combo Guard | 2021
Henry is a strong, athletic three-level scorer and an active defender. He has a crafty handle, drives with force right to the rim, and controls his body well as he scores through contact. He doesn’t stop attacking and kicks it out when cut off. His jumper is smooth, balanced, with good lift on catch-and-shoot threes and mid-range pull-ups. He’s also a hardworking player, who cuts to open space, crashes the glass on both ends, is constantly stealing the ball, and turning steals into points with dynamic play on the break.
Jahmar had games this season with 21 points (5 steals), 19 points, 18 points (5 steals), 16 points, 12 points (4 steals), 11 points (3 steals), and dropped a 30-piece in Charlestown’s BCL quarterfinal win at Burke.
Josh DeJesus | Charlestown | 5’7” | Point Guard | 2022
DeJesus is a quick, stocky ball-handler and facilitator, who easily changes speeds and has a high motor. He has a tight handle, attacks aggressively off the bounce, and doesn’t shy away from contact on drives. He finishes with either hand and has a floater in his bag. He has good speed in the open floor and quickly looks to turn defense into offense. He also has three-point range and can knock down shots off the catch or dribble.
Josh had games this season with 12 points (9 assists), 13 points (5 assists), and scored 21 points in their quarterfinal win. Expect him to have a huge senior season as he steps into a bigger role.
Takei Galloway | Burke | 6’0” | Combo Guard | 2022
Galloway is a long, athletic player, with an all-around skill set. He came into the season as more of an off-ball guard but was thrust into a primary ball-handling role and proved more than capable. He’s strong with the ball, has a solid handle, and sees the floor well. He has a quick first step and is best on drives to the rim, but is under control, doesn’t force it, and has great drive and kick ability. His jumper can become more consistent and he doesn’t take many pull-ups, but he’s a reliable catch-and-shoot threat and has good mechanics. He’s also sound on the defensive end and fills up the stat sheet with rebounds, blocks, and steals.
Takei had games this season with 19 points, 10 points (7 assists), and 9 points (9 rebounds & 7 assists).
Benny Martinez | Latin Academy | 6’0” | Combo Guard | 2022
Martinez has a slender build but is long and athletic, with quick feet and good bounce. He plays both on and off the ball, gets to the rim off the dribble, creates his own shot, and distributes well. His mid-range pull-up is smooth and while he isn’t a consistent 3PT shooter just yet, he has a quick release and good mechanics on his catch-and-shoot stroke. He’s also a tenacious defensive player, who moves his feet well, applies great pressure in the backcourt, and gets a ton of deflections.
Overshadowed the past two years by a deep Class of ‘21 BLA backcourt, Benny should have the ball in his hands next season and get a chance to show out. Yet, Benny had games this season with 16 points, 14 points (10 rebounds), 10 points, and chipped in 11 points in their BCL semifinal win vs. Charlestown.