Middlesex Magic Thrive Again in Live-July

Joey Glynn had a Monster July for Magic

Middlesex Magic: Nationals + Summer Wrap-Up

- 17u AAU Nationals - Mike Crotty's ball-club went 2-1 in pool play with wins over the Florida Hurricans and the Maryland Sure Shots to advance to the Championship Bracket, where they knocked off the Memphis Hawgs in the 1st Rd.  In the 2nd Rd, they dropped a tough one to a very good Alabama Challenge team that eventually advanced all the way to the Elite 8.  Overall, it was definitely a successful trip to Orlando, as the Middlesex Magic went 7-6 {Showcase+Nationals} against top-flight competition.  In looking at the entire month as a whole, Mike Crotty Jr. registered his second highly-successful summer in a row for his Program as the Magic went 15-7 with a host of signature wins and most importantly, the Magic players got the opportunity to perfrom in front of throngs of college coaches.  Let's see how they fared.

Joey Glynn -- Leading scorer and rebounder for the Magic in 13 games in Orlando (showcase and nationals),  Joey Glynn is a division I athlete who played high above the rim for the Magic throughout their entire Summer run.  Glynn showed his relentless motor on the glass on both ends of the floor, his defensive versatility, and his ability to score the roack in a variety of ways.   His tenacity on the floor and his tremendous upside are qualities that college coaches can not ignore.  Glynn has had  NE-10 and Patriot schools following him throughout Live-July, and it will be interesting to see what transpires with Glynn recruiting wise in August. 

Connor Mahoney - This ballplayer may have been the Magic Breakout Player of the Summer in terms of college coaches taking notice.  Mahoney was the leader of the team and he stepped up on both ends of the court this entire Summer.  In Orlando, he exploded for back to back 25 point scoring outbursts where he was deadly from 3-pt range, scored the ball from the post when he had a good match-up, and also used the bounce to take the ball to the basket or get into his mid-range pull up game.  Mahoney has also showed that he is a tremendous rebounder from the SF position and that he can defend both forward positions at the defensive end.  Coming into the Summer, Mahoney was viewed primarily as a NESCAC prospect, but times have changed, and Mahoney is now drawing Patriot and NE-10 attention.  In terms of intangibles, and Connor Mahoney as a young man, Mike Crotty Jr. didn't hold back his praise, "In addition to his great basketball IQ and leadership, you get one of the most reliable players and people I have ever had the chance to be around.  He is an instant positive addition to any college program on and off the court."

Anthony Barry -  All Summer long, Anthony Barry stood out as the Magic's lock-down defender on the opposing team's premier perimeter scorer and also showed that he is a terrific rebounder from the SG position.  Barry is a SG who does not necessarily have to score the ball to be effective.  If his team is having success getting buckets from other guys, Barry is more than happy to let his teammates do the scoring while he locks up defensively and rebounds the ball.  But don't let that quality fool you, because Barry can certainly score the ball when necessary.  In big Magic wins at the Nationals over the Maryland Sure Shots and the Memphis Dawgs, Barry dropped 20 and 17 in helping to guide his team to victory.  Although Barry seems the perfect fit as a D2 Scholarship player, he has also had a slew of coaches from low-D1 schools checking him out this summer.

Cooper Ainge - Cooper showed this Summer that he might be the Magic's most versatile offensive guard.  Ainge has a great stroke from deep, an excellent pullup jump shot, and he can get to the rim to finish and create for others.  Defensively he has great lateral quickness and terrific instincts.  Ainge has the highest of basketball IQs and his well rounded abilities will allow him to be a serious college player.

Kyle Reardon - Reardon proved himself this Summer as a true SF with a high Basketball IQ who can extend the defense with his jump-shot, and oh yeah, he is as tough as nails and would mix it up anywhere anytime.  Reardon was as invaluable a player as the Middlesex Magic had this Summer, as he played multiple positions and scored the ball in a variety of ways with his long range jumper, ability to drive to the rim, and a tough back to the basket game.  Reardon is a drawing a lot of Ivy League attention and much more. 

Aaron Davis  Although he battled an ankle sprain throughout the Summer, Davis showed flashes of exactly the type of player he is when healthy.  Simply put, Davis is a throw-back point guard who sees the floor and creates for his teammates with his tight handle and his high basketball IQ.   On top of that, Davis can really shoot the ball and he is a deceptive athlete who'll pressure the heck out of the ball.  With these skills and his characteristics as a leader, Davis is a player who Crotty feels "will take the ball for some {college}Coach's program and he will lead them for four years."

Michael Thorpe emerged as a terrific combo guard for the Magic in 2011.  He has blazing speed and quickness which he uses to bother opposing guards and to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.  He can really stroke the basketball from deep and has the ability to finish in traffic.  As a versatile guard with scoring ability and good instincts, Thorpe has regained momentum as an intriguing college prospect. 

Peter Miller -- Peter Miller stood out for the Magic this Summer as he emerged as one of New England's top 2013 prospects.  The 6'10 center can run the floor, has an advanced post-game, and is emerging as serious shot-blocker and window cleaner.  Miller continues to improve in all aspects of his game, including his jump shot and post defense, and he drew a variety of division 1 programs to come watch him put his skills on display this Summer.   Only a rising Junior, Miller's stock should continue to rise at NMH this coming year. 

Chris O'Keefe -- O'Keefe of Lexington is the definition of a hard-nosed guard, "one of the most hard nosed players the Magic has ever had," stated Crotty.  O'Keefe defends and rebounds his position extremely well, and plays a smart and efficient floor game from the guard position.  He is also an efficient scorer who can make open shots and drive to the rim to score.  His work ethic and competitiveness will make him an immediate value add to a college program.
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