MANSFIELD, Mass. – While the NCAA Tournament takes center stage in the world of basketball, Saturday was part of a busy weekend of basketball in Massachusetts. The state finals in high school basketball were part of it, as well as Hoop Group running a pair of showcases at the Mansfield Sportsplex. After the morning saw junior high school kids compete, we took in the afternoon session with over 100 high school players.
With that, we take a look at some notable players that competed in the high school ranks.
Chris Baldwin (6’7″ Fr. PF, Springfield (MA) St. Michael Academy) A talented forward with a good body for his age, his talent didn’t always show because there were times when the effort clearly wasn’t there. When it was, he looked capable of becoming a very good player, as he got stickbacks and made nice passes and made some shots. He also took a charge one time, but all too often he didn’t run the floor and looks like he lacks a motor, and if that continues it will keep him from reaching his potential.
Ben Engvall (6’4″ Jr. SF, Barrington (RI) High) A plus athlete, he was aggressive in trying to finish and has a good body. He didn’t wow you with any particular skills, but his aggressiveness went a long way towards being a factor for his team.
Samuel Gilles (6’1″ Jr. SG, Melrose (MA) High) Well-built wing did a nice job of playing within the team concept, as he wasn’t a big scorer but made his share of plays. He rebounded well from his position and made a couple of nice passes, while also showing he can handle the ball reasonably well for the shooting guard spot.
Kyle Lentini (6’4″ Jr. SF, South Hamilton (MA) Pingree School) Although he has a relatively mature body, it’s not all “good” weight, but he doesn’t mind using it. He didn’t shy away from contact and isn’t lacking skills at the offensive end, including some range out behind the arc.
Tyonne Malone (6’4″ SF, Easthampton (MA) Williston Northampton School) An eighth grader who caught the attention of some observers, he should be worth keeping an eye on. He’s pretty mature physically for his age, but he’s athletic and made himself a factor during game play.
Aaron McLean (6’6″ Fr. SF-PF, Hudson (MA) St. Mark’s School) The best way to describe him right now is that he’s the classic forward that doesn’t know the game very well but can be a factor because of his motor. He will get his share of rebounds and loose balls, and, and while he scored some points at the offensive end and isn’t completely lacking in ability there, he has a good ways to go. He also needs to add some strength for his post game and either grow more or become more skilled for the small forward spot.
Ryan Noel (6’7″ Fr. PF, West Roxbury (MA) Roxbury Latin) A young post player who goes to work inside, he’s not mature but also isn’t a baby physically, so he might still get a boost there. He showed a nice jump hook inside and should be worth watching to see if he develops into more of a factor inside.
Johnnie Spears (5’8″ So. PG, Georgetown (MA) Pingree School) Diminutive floor leader is quick and competes at both ends of the floor, not unlike his brother. He showed some good passing ability on the day, something he hasn’t lacked, and that included a nice long bounced lead pass on one play. A willing defender, his size doesn’t help him but his competitiveness does at that end. At the offensive end, he tended to lose the ball a little too much on Saturday, although that hasn’t happened often.
Victor Udoji (6’3″ So. SG, Randolph (MA) Northfield Mount Hermon) At times, this lefty guard was the best player on the floor, although he also tended to get the ball and just call his own number for questionable shots or forays to the hoop. An athletic guard with a developing body, he drove and finished aggressively at times and shot the ball well out to long range. It was, all in all, some of the best basketball he’s played.
