Team Rio Classic Championship Sunday Standouts

<p>The [program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] Classic took place this past weekend at Hoop Group as teams were fighting to take home the title in their division. Championship Sunday was filled with players doing their best to help their teams win. Here are the [program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] Classic Championship Sunday standouts.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1476266" first="Brave" last="Haugh"], 6'6 PF Marlboro 2024</strong></p> <p>Haugh had a big weekend for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'] 16U team as he helped lead them to the 16U Blue title. The 6'6 forward ran the floor hard, setting himself up for easy baskets in transition. Haugh showed a nice touch on his jumper and even knocked down a fadeaway jumper during the game yesterday. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and slid his feet nicely on defense. Haugh is a prospect to watch in Central Jersey with his energy and skill.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013071" first="Christian" last="Pierre-Louis"], 6'2 SG Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>Starrell Hearns </strong>hit the game-winning shot to win the 17U Blue title for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'], but it was Pierre-Louis who drove the show in the championship game. The 6'2 lefty attacked the basket with a purpose as he exploded to the rim and finished through contact. Pierre-Louis shot the ball with confidence as he hit a couple of nice mid-range pull-ups in the title game. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor and played tough on-ball defense. Pierre-Louis is a gritty, two-way guard who does whatever it takes to help his team win games.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1412107" first="Jaycen" last="Santucci"], 6'1 SG Central Regional 2025</strong></p> <p>Santucci had a huge Sunday for the Jersey Shore Predators as he helped lead the way for their 15U White title. The 6'1 guard shot the ball with confidence from the perimeter and made opponents pay for giving him space. Santucci went to the basket with a purpose and was able to finish through contact multiple times on Sunday. The ball did not stick in his hands and he made several defensive plays. Santucci's ability to get to the basket and finish through contact is something that will help his stock in a big way this summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153991" first="Gio" last="Panzini"], 6'5 SF Red Bank Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p>Panzini had a strong showing for [program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] University 16U this weekend as he made plays at both ends of the floor. The 6'5 wing finished strong around the rim, throwing down a couple of dunks and showing good body control. Panzini shot the ball nicely on the perimeter as he rose up with confidence on his jumper. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and showed the ability to defend multiple positions. Panzini is a wing prospect to watch with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150533" first="Connor" last="Howard"], 6'3 SG SJV 2023</strong></p> <p>Howard came up with big plays down the stretch to help [program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'] Diller take home the 17U White title. The 6'3 guard was at his best attacking the basket as he finished nicely around the basket and did not mind drawing contact. Howard hit a clutch three late in the game and he was unafraid of taking big shots in key moments for them. He dove on the floor for loose balls and slid his feet on the defensive end. If Howard continues to hit clutch shots down the stretch, then his stock will go up this summer.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1273934" first="John" last="Kelly"], 6'3 SF Watchung Hills (Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite) 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902737" first="Zack" last="Davis"], 6'7 F Ranney ([program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force']) 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213554" first="Brandon" last="Benjamin"], 6'7 PF Bergen Catholic ([program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] University) 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213571" first="Elijah" last="Butler"], 6'5 G/F Linden ([program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force']) 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1204508" first="Taylor" last="Perlmutter"], 5'11 PG La Salle Academy ([program_tooltip program_id='2078569' first='Jersey' last='Force'] Select) 2023</strong></p>