Names to Know @ ZG Mass State Tournament @ Dana Barros: Part 1

<p>Yet again we are back at the Dana Barros facilities in Stoughton, Mass with another weekend of high level hoops. Who were some of the top names in attendance?</p> <p><strong>Gerald Dottin | 6’4" | Wing with positionless potential | Cathedral HS | Prodigy | 2023</strong></p> <p>Gerald Dottin stood out as the most versatile player of the weekend. Within the first five minutes during a Sunday afternoon game, Dottin scored from all three levels, crashed the glass with purpose, and collected a well-timed off-ball steal which led to a breakaway dunk at the other end. His constant motor and drive to make winning play after winning play stood out, as Dottin got to the basket at will. With an explosive second bounce off the floor and great timing on the boards, it felt as if Dottin had a double-double heading into the second half. It was his shooting stroke that really impressed. He knocked down several closely contested self-created three-pointers and showcased a fluid stroke with fundamental mechanics on his shot. His diversified scoring portfolio came through against the NE Storm as he even showed flashes of playmaking off a live dribble. Dottin was also very much locked in on defense. He was constantly talking and communicating switches off the ball.</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1081823" first="Mike" last="Loughnane"] | 6’3" | Combo-Guard / movement shooter | BC High | Middlesex Magic | 2022</b></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1081823" first="Mike" last="Loughnane"] plays with a controlled cadence and fluid steadiness. After getting a chance to watch him play throughout March, April and May, there is something very strategic about his game on both sides of the floor. A trusted ball-handler who can operate both on and off the ball, Loughnane made many high-level decisions on the drive and kick action. He has a great touch around the basket with a smooth and controlled finishing game at the rim. His tempo in the open floor and ability to make the right decision stood out as he converted on several transition looks. Rarely does the ball stick in his hands, as he does a great job passing then relocating to an open spot. With sound mechanics, Loughnane can catch and shoot with ease and in tight spaces. He does a great job of moving his feet with his defensive slides as a point of attack defender, as Loughnane collected several steals simply with his ability to anticipate his opponent’s next step.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1081854" first="Walt" last="Andrews"] Jr. | 6’4" | Big Guard capable of guarding up | Rocky Hill School | Team New England | 2023</strong></p> <p>During Sunday's matchup against the Middlesex Magic, Andrews got to his scoring spots at will and converted whenever he got the chance. I was impressed with his always-in-attack mode mindset on offense, as he even beat double teams when they were thrown his way. Andrews finished with an emphatic 40 points but scored at all three levels. An intense competitor willing to dive on the floor, I was also impressed with his consistency on his jump shot. He finished above the rim in transition and played with a constant chip on his shoulder. As the focal point of the offense, Andrews wasn't getting easy looks. The majority of his shots from beyond the arc were self-created with a hand in his face. Willing to talk on defense, Andrews never gave up throughout the afternoon and continued to fight on the offensive glass for second chance opportunities.</p> <p><strong>Flavien Geoffroy | 6’7" | Wing / Big, capable of guarding up | Putnam Science Academy | Team NE RI | 2021</strong></p> <p>Geoffroy is one of those players who has the strength and foot speed to guard both up and down the positional spectrum. His nimble foot speed paired with his power game and willingness to use his strength stood out during Saturday's game. Physical by nature, he effortlessly carves out space with his boxouts. While he primarily played the center spot, Geoffroy found ways to score in the post setting but also impressed with a steady face-up game and willingness to create for himself in the midrange. Capable of knocking down shots even from beyond the arc, Geoffroy's ability to step out and stretch the floor will translate well at the next level. He played with a calm and settled demeanor but did a good job picking and choosing his spots of when to show intensity and fight. A fluid mover without the ball, I was impressed with his speed and ability to stay on the balls of his feet on both ends.</p> <p><strong>Robby Baguidy | 5’10" | Lead Guard, Ball-Mover | Goffstown HS | New England Storm | 2022</strong></p> <p>A tireless worker on the defensive side of the floor, Robby Baguidy impressed with his focus and determination as a point of attack defender. He came up with several poke-steals and deflections which converted to easy buckets on the other end. On offense, Baguidy was one the most patient and unselfish players of the weekend. He played with a high level of maturity and rarely turned the ball over as a lead ball-handler. I was very impressed with his willingness to utilize a strategic pass fake. Baguidy finished the weekend with several impressive assists to open teammates both in the painted region and on the perimeter. With his explosive takes to the basket, Baguidy created several advantages during a decisive Sunday victory against Prodigy.</p> <p><strong>Octavio Brito | 6’4" | Big Guard capable of guarding up | Lincoln HS | Team NE RI | 2021</strong></p> <p>If there were a weekend award for the highest effort/motor, I would bestow that prize on Octavio Brito. He constantly made hustle play after-hustle play to help secure a victory against a challenging Rise Above squad. With guard skills on offense, Brito at times operated as the small-ball five but constantly out-leaped his opponents on the boards even if they had the height advantage. In crunch time, Brito had the play of the weekend as he stepped in to take a game-winning charge. A play which his coach called the most crucial moment of Sunday's hard-fought victory. Brito wasn't just limited to his high effort moments as he also knocked down several shots from long range and found ways to create his own shot when the offense broke down.</p> <p>https://twitter.com/PHNewEngland/status/1388881244683972616?s=20</p>