Spooky Nook JamFest (PA) Day 1 Notepad
Hoop Group returned to Spooky Nook to host another stacked event with 14 different brackets between the 15u, 16u, and 17u levels. Several top teams were grouped into the HGSL bracket as a part of the Hoop Group Summer League…
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Continue ReadingHoop Group returned to Spooky Nook to host another stacked event with 14 different brackets between the 15u, 16u, and 17u levels. Several top teams were grouped into the HGSL bracket as a part of the Hoop Group Summer League season for each level, with teams hailing from Massachusetts to the DMV.
I started off my day watching the eventual 17u HGSL champion, NJ Panthers, face off against a good Red Rush team. 6’4 ’22 guard Ethan Simmon (Saint Joseph Metuchen) immediately stood out- showcasing a complete game with backdoor passing reads, a smooth pull-up jumper, and efficient finishing moves at the rim. One of the biggest stockrisers that I saw, I expect his recruitment to pick up after consistent performances in a championship run.
6’3 ’22 guard Andre Johnson (CT Select/South Kent) impressed in the next contest vs Global Squad, showcasing the shooting ability that has already landed several mid-major offers (UC-Davis, Towson, Boston, St. Peter’s, Iona) and Big East interest. A hot start from the perimeter opened up driving lanes to the rim in the second half, his 7/8 shooting from the line in the last two minutes of the contest sealed the game for his Connecticut Select team.
Nix Varano (Philly Pride/La Salle College High) was the best defender that I saw on Day 1. The 6’3 ’22 guard took a charge, blocked a shot on the fastbreak, collected a few steals, and was connected to his matchup at all times- cutting off angles, contesting shots, and crowding their airspace. He hit a few threes, did a great job of running the offense, and showed phenomenal leadership.
The last game of the night saw a talented Rhode Island Elite squad fall by one at the buzzer to a well-coached East Coast Power team. A trio of RI Elite players stood out: a pair of ’22 6’3 combo guards in Gob Gob Gob Gob 6'3" | PG Minnesota Prep | 2022 MN (Minnesota Prep) and Sam Kodi (Bradford Christian Academy) and ’23 7’0 center Isaiah Miranda (Phelps School). Gob’s 11-point barrage midway through the second half brought RIE back from a 17-point deficit with a flurry of converted layups off of steals and a three that barely touched the net. Kodi pushed the ball in transition and found his teammates well in the halfcourt, using an elite burst to create advantage opportunities for his squad. Miranda battled through some foul trouble but showed why he currently holds 13 D1 offers- a former soccer player, he moves incredibly well and uses his athleticism to punch home dunks and opponents’ shots throughout the contest. Miranda could end up being one of the best bigs in the ’23 class if his development continues its upward trajectory
Additional names that impressed:
’22 6’4 G/F Garrison Linton Garrison Linton 6'2" | CG Oakdale | 2021 MD Global Squad/Oakdale High
’22 6’1 PG Allen Cieslak Allen Cieslak 6'1" | PG Devon Prep | 2022 State PA East Coast Power /Devon Prep
’22 6’1 PG Brett Byrne Brett Byrne 6'1" | CG Methacton | 2022 State PA East Coast Power /Methacton High