WESTON, Mass. – The Rivers School was once again home to the Boston Best 40 on Saturday. The event brought together some top talent in the area in grades 6-9, with sixth and seventh graders starting the day and eighth and ninth graders following that. The event was run by Rivers coach Andrew Mirken with some assistance from ESkillz Academy.
The young players went through a series of drills before playing in games against one another. The eighth and ninth graders were also shown a more extensive set of drills that they can use to help improve their skill level.
Among those helping out was Dwight Brewington, a former local high school star. Brewington played his college ball at Providence and Liberty, then played overseas before coming home to start his own basketball training company, Active Skills Basketball Training.
One player who shined in the afternoon was Aaron McLain (Fr. SF-PF, Hudson (MA) St. Mark’s School). McLain is long and a plus athlete who gets things done on the court. While he doesn’t quite know the game yet, he’s effective because he competes at both ends and is disruptive, blocking shots and rebounding. He wears a size 16 shoe, so he’s likely not done growing yet, and his best days are ahead.
When matched up one-on-one, McLain got the best of Freddy Oliveira (6’5″ So. SF, West Roxbury (MA) High). While Oliveira isn’t lacking in skills and was playing with a bum ankle, he too often seemed to be taking it easy on the floor instead of getting after it, especially as he didn’t get back on defense often. He’s capable of making nice passes, which leads you to think he can make a living facing the basket – if his motor comes around.
A.J. Brodeur (Fr. PF, Northboro (MA) Algonquin HS) caught our eye right away as he has some length and showed some good offensive tools. He hit a couple of mid-range jumpers while facing the basket and later scored on the post, and his body still has some ways to go.
Geoffrey Gray (Fr. PG, Newton (MA) South HS) didn’t wow anyone with physical gifts, as he’s not very tall or quick, but he certainly opened eyes with his play. He knows how to run a team and has solid skills for the point guard spot, and the lefty also showed a touch from long range. For good measure, he helped seal the all-star game with four late free throws.
Another young sophomore who competed was Taris Wilson (So. SG, Charlestown (MA) High), a very athletic and aggressive guard who has no fear of driving to the basket. He looks like he might have just one speed, but that’s something that can be changed.
A couple of eighth graders to keep an eye on, based on what they showed here, are Hans Gabriel, a warrior at both ends of the floor who was in a lot of plays, and Alonzo Jackson, an excellent student who is long, a plus athlete and a baby physically.
