#OTRHoopsReport: Hoop Hall Classic Monday Recap – January 19, 2016
Springfield, MASS., – Martin Luther King weekend is one of the premier times in the high school basketball season where teams can gain national exposure. At the epicenter of all the basketball around the country in the Hoop Hall Classic, which is played on the campus of Springfield College. The self-proclaimed ‘Birthplace of Basketball’ is the setting for some of the nation’s top teams to go head to head. Here is a rundown of Monday’s action.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
St. Anthony HS (NJ) 72 Bentonville HS (AR) 50
Too much depth and hot shooting from RJ Cole from propelled Bob Hurley’s team past Bentonville. Cole, a class of 2017 guard, scored 23 points on 5 of 8 3-point shooting. Kentucky signee Malik Monk finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for Bentonville.
’17 guard RJ Cole scores 23 for St. Anthony’s in a win at #HHclassic. pic.twitter.com/b6CnkhD5kT
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) January 18, 2016
DeMatha HS (DC) 72 Chaminade HS (MO) 69
This was the best game of the day. DeMatha needed a last second floater from Kellon Taylor to send the game to overtime. Once there, Washington signee Markelle Fultz helped seal the deal. His team high 20 points earned him MVP honors in the win. Duke signee, Jayson Tatum of Chaminade, was fantastic once again with 40 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
#HHclassic @DeMathaHoops goes to OT w/ Kellon Taylor hitting a floater at the buzzer. pic.twitter.com/suudeAlnIG
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) January 18, 2016
Oak Hill Academy (VA) 74 Mater Dei (CA) 55
It appeared for a time that Spencer Freedman of Mater Dei could keep his team in this game. His multiple 3-point field goals in the first half. The California team went into half time down seven, but a big third quarter by Steve Smith’s group would seal the deal. Although Oak Hill played without standout Mario Kegler, Ty-Shonn Alexander filled in the gap with 3-pointers himself. The Creighton commit earned 14 points and MVP honors. Alabama signee Braxton Key helped in the cause with 16 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists.
Creighton bound Ty-Shonn Alexander shot lights out again for @OHACoachSmith. 14pts on 3/6 from 3pt in a W #HHClassic pic.twitter.com/lBTsMKlsWT
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) January 18, 2016
Montverde Academy (FL) 81 Sierra Canyon HS (CA) 67
Unfortunately, the nation’s top 2018 prospect Marvin Bagley was not cleared to play in this game for Sierra Canyon. For a half it appeared that Sierra Canyon might have enough horse power to win without him. Class of 2017 forward Cody Riley scored a game high 25 points for Sierra Canyon, which included a pair of 3-pointers. Unfortunately for Sierra Canyon, Montverde found their rhythm and game away with a double digit lead. Sophomore forward Simi Shittu of Montverde emerged as one of the best performers of the weekend scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He also earned his second MVP award of the weekend.
#HHclassic ’18 F Simi Shittu (@LanX_Sims) was at it again today. 24pts & 10reb in a win for Montverde Academy pic.twitter.com/vjXjqSYRKu
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) January 18, 2016
Chino Hills HS (CA) 100 High Point Christian (NC) 75
Despite the score, this was the funnest game of the weekend. The Ball Brothers did what they do…run the fast break, shoot deep threes and light up the scoreboard. Class of 2016 point guard Lonzo Ball amazed the crowd with unbelievable passes. Sometimes he even delivered 80 foot strikes while falling out of bounds. He is firming established as the nation’s top passer. He finished with 15 points, 18 assists and 10 rebounds in the win. Brother, LiAngelo, scored a game high 29 points for Chino Hills. Kentucky bound forward Bam Adebayo scored 13 points and snagged 18 rebounds in the contest.
’16 G Lonzo Ball is the best passer in HS. Period. @comptonmagic @coachspoon2 @UCLA_Recruiting @EtopUdoEma WATCH : pic.twitter.com/B2CCYJqOKx
— Brandon Clay (@BrandonClayPSB) January 18, 2016
College Coaches can get the full report by Clicking here!
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. He is also 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
