#OTRHoopsReport: Hoop Hall Recap Day 3

The Hoop Hall Classic is played at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield, MASS., – Martin Luther King Jr., weekend is important in the world of high school basketball, because of nearly every ranked team is playing some where in the country. The epicenter of this basketball can be found at the “Birthplace of Basketball,” which is at the Basketball Hall of Fame on the campus of Springfield College. Monday is an especially special day at the Spalding Hoop Hall Classic, because the final four games of the day are broadcasted nationally by ESPNU for a national audience. We were there to document the action first hand and give the standout performers from Monday’s action.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

9:00 am – St. Anthony High School (NJ) 57 vs. Constitution (PA) 56

Coach Bob Hurley’s controlled this game for most of the morning, however a late scare by Constitution put the game in doubt up until the game’s final horn. The Generals of Constitution would actually have a shot at the buzzer to win the game, but forward Ahmad Gilbert’s desperation 3-point shot fell short. Class of 2016 guard Jagan Mosely was named the game’s MVP as he scored 15 points to lead his team. Forward Gilbert who stands at 6-7 scored 27 points in this one, which included three 3-point field goals.

 

11:00 – Bishop O’Dowd (CA) 79 vs. Wheeler (GA) 70

This was a game of two halves, which was dominated by two different stars. This first half was all Jaylen Brown who scored 19 points and had his team out to a 38-37 lead going into the locker room. The second half was all about Ivan Rabb who got his offensive game going quickly. Rabb, who could be the best in the country at finishing with either hand, scored 24 points on 11 of 15 shooting. He also notched 12 rebounds and five blocks. Brown finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds himself. Tennessee signee, Shembari Phillips, had the dunk of the day as well as 10 points in the loss.

 

1:00 – Oak Hill (VA) 76 vs. Villa Angela St. Joseph (OH) 72

It looked like Carlton Bragg and Villa Angela might run away with this game early, Oak Hill responded with a strong fourth quarter to secure the win. In case anyone had not classified Dwayne Bacon as one of the nation’s best scorers going into this game, he cemented that fact after this weekend with a 33 point outburst this afternoon. The future Florida State Seminole added eight rebounds in the victory. Carlton Bragg filled up the stat sheet as usual with a solid 23 point, seven rebound, six assist, 3 block shot game. The future Jayhawk has impressive vision as a passer from the high post.

 

3:00 – Montverde Academy (FL) 76 vs. Bishop Gorman (NV) 57

This was a game filled with 5-star front line players. Ben Simmons, currently the top ranked player in the BrandonClayScouting.com ELITE 100, dominated this game from tip to buzzer. The LSU Tiger signee scored 36 points on 15 of 23 shooting. He added nine rebounds in the effort. The Bishop Gorman duo of Stephen Zimmerman and Chase Jeter were held in check throughout this contest. The Montverde guards were able to keep the Bishop Gorman guards off balance and force multiple turnovers. This dynamic prevented both big men from getting quality touches and looks on the interior. The one bright spot for Gaels of Bishop Gorman was the play of sophomore wing Charles O’Bannon Jr. The 6-5 slasher scored 22 points with three 3-pointers in this game.

 

5:00 – Chaminade College Prep (MO) 88 vs. Paul VI School (VA) 78

The high profile match-up of two of the best class of 2016 wings lived up to its billing. The pace in this game was good from the tip and saw plenty of buckets throughout. VJ King of Paul VI was terrific scoring 38 points and pulling down five rebounds. King proved that he could score both with the drive and the jumper in this viewing. Chaminade would receive a good second half effort from Jayson Tatum who finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds for the game. 21 of those points came in the second half as his team would pull away for the win. Chaminade received impressive games from class of 2016 guard Mike Lewis II who scored 23 points with six 3-pointers. Also class of 2016 post Tyler Cook notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds all the while rattling the rafters with numerous dunks.

 

Exposure & Showcase Opportunities

OTR Spring Showcase March 21, 2015

 

Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy.  He is the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB