Nike Juice: The Phil Knight Hoops Circuit

Lebron James Skills Academy moves from Akron to Las Vegas in 2012

The Phil Knight Hoops Circuit

- Phil Knight and his Spaceship recently released the 2012 Nike Grassroots Basketball Event Schedule.  Interesting stuff, check it out...In terms of the Colony, this weekend, Thursday through Sunday, the National Prep School Invitational will be taking place down in Rhode Island and the scheduled is absolutely stuffed to the core with thoroughbred horse-races.  Click here to view full #NPSI Schedule

New England Prep AAA+ Top Ten

TJ Warren: Went for 34 in Brewster win over South Kent

New England AAA+ Top 10

1. Brewster Academy (19-0) - After a big win on the road on Saturday over South Kent, the undefeated Bobcats will go after their 20th win of the season tomorrow when they'll square off against Putnam Science. 

2. Notre Dame Prep ( 15-6) -Won 88-79 on the road over Winchendon last Friday and it's been radio-silence since from Ryan Hurd's squad.  We do know this...the Crusaders are scheduled to play three games this weekend at the National Prep School Invitational.  They'll face WMA on Thursday, Canarias out of Spain on Friday, & La Jolla Prep on Saturday.

3. New Hampton (17-4) - After a huge win over NMH on Friday, the Huskies got back to work yesterday with a 75-41 win over Holderness.  Pete Hutchins and the gang head to Maine tomorrow to play Bridgton and then they'll reverse their course and head to RI where they'll play in the National Prep School Invitational on Friday and Saturday. 

4. Northfield Mount Hermon (18-2) -After falling to New Hampton at home on Friday, the Hoggers rebounded on Sunday with a 105-58 cruise-job over the Brown University JV squad.  Due up...at Cushing on Wednesday and then Bridgton & Lawrence Academy on Saturday & Sunday at the National Prep School Invitational in the Ocean State.

 5. South Kent (12-6) - SK played two at home this past weekend.  They were impressive on Saturday night in playing Brewster neck and neck for almost 30 minutes before the Brew Crew pulled away in the final ten minutes to end up winning by a 24-point margin.  Then, on Sunday, Kelvin Jefferson's squad rebounded with a 97-73 win over Winchendon.  Back at it today as they'll play on the road at STM.

5. St Thomas More (20-3) - Won 67-55 over Worcester Academy last Wednesday before travelling to Maine this weekend, where they won two games to take home the championship at the Wolverine Winter Classic, beating MCI 85-77 in the semis on Friday before taking down Bridgton 58-53 in the final on Saturday.  Jere Quinn's squad has now won six in a row since falling to Notre Dame Prep in New York City over the Martin Luther King Day Weekend.  The Chancellors dive right back into the tank today as they'll face South Kent this afternoon.

7. Bridgton Academy (15-8) - Beat Leadership Prep last Friday in the semis of the Wolverine Winter Classic up in Maine.  Then on Saturday, the hosts fell to St Thomas More 58-53 in the championship game.  Whit Lesure's club is set to host New Hampton tomorrow. 

8. Lee Academy (17-7) - Awaiting the result of Lee's game this past Saturday against Central Maine CC.  The Pandas are set to play two games this weekend at the National Prep School Invitational in Rhody: Robinson School on Thursday and CJEOTO Prep (NJ) on Friday.

9. Maine Central Institute (8-10) - Lost to STM in the Wolverine Winter Classic Semis on Friday before rolling over Leadership Prep by a score of 97-69 in the 3rd place game on Saturday.  They'll travel southwest tomorrow to go up against Winchendon on the hardwood floor. 

10. Winchendon (6-14) - After falling to Notre Dame Prep at home on Friday night, Winchendon lost on the road to South Kent on Sunday by a score of 97-73.  They'll host MCI tomorrow.

Kris Dunn breakin' records

Adam Rubin & Kris Dunn

Eatin' prime-rib - lobster-mashed - butternut squash

Crusader22 Productions

NEPSAC AA+ Top 10

Big weekend on the road for Day McNeil & Vermont Academy

 NEPSAC AA+ Top 10 - 1/29/12

1) Tilton (19-3) - Georges Niang scored 31, Wayne Selden had 19, and Nerlens Noel scored 13 and grabbed 13 boards as the Rams won at home on Friday over Holderness by a score of 77-56.  Marcus O'Neil's club will look for their 20th win of the season on Wednesday when thy host Phillips Andover.

2) St Marks (15-2) - Lions are off this week and will get back on the grind on Wednesday when they'll face Belmont Hill.

3) Wilbraham and Monson (16-4) - Got two wins this weekend over Brimmer and May on Friday and then Loomis Chaffee yesterday.  Big one coming for the Titans this Thursday as they'll face Notre Dame Prep at URI.

4) Kimball Union (13-3) - KUA is off until next Saturday when they'll host Brimmer and May.

5) St Andrews (15-4) - Scored a 30-point win over Lawrence Academy Friday night for their 16th win.

5) Vermont Academy (12-7) - Big weekend on the road for the Wildcats as they took down Cushing Academy on Friday night and then winning over Marianapolis on Saturday.  Next up for Jesse Bopp's club will be Winchendon on Friday at URI.

5) Cushing Academy (12-4) - Lost 67-61 at home to Vermont Academy on Friday and then rebounded with a solid 80-67 win on the road over Salisbury on Saturday.

5) Putnam Science (13-6) -Won 102-95 yesterday over West Point Prep behind 24 points from Shaun Lawton and 15 from Dayshon Smith.

10) Hotchkiss (5-8) - After winning only one of their first nine ball-games, the Kiss has won four in a row to bring their record to 5-8 with ten games remaining on the docket.  Not too late for Fred Benjamin's talented squad to get it goin' on and make a run.

10) Worcester Academy (7-8) - The Hilltoppers won 74-59 over Phillips Andover on Friday behind 14 points from senior point guard Ausar Madison and a dozen apiece from Andrew Scocca and Canaan Severrin.  Then, on Saturday, WA dropped a tight one on the road to Hotchkiss, losing 60-58.  Leading the way were Andrew Scocca, who had 21 points + 6 boards, and Rene Castro, who registered 18 points + 5 steals.  The Hilltoppers will next be in action on Monday when they'll travel to Rhode Island to take on another tough opponent in St Andrews.

10) Marianapolis (7-10) - Lost at home yesterday to Vermont Academy.  MP will play US Military Academy Prep today before playing Brimmer and May on Tuesday and Worcester Academy on Wednesday.

NEPSAC Class A: The Big Eight

Although they fell to Cushing today, hard chargin' Samuel Dingba & Salisbury are 12-3 & a favorite headin' into the Class A home-stretch

 NEPSAC Class A: Big February ahead

1) Choate (11-2) - - Won 66-39 over Gunnery this week for their 11th win.  They'll play Kingswood-Oxford and Trinity Pawling this week. 

2) Salisbury (12-3) - Beat West Point Prep and Westminster this week before dropping an 80-67 decision to Cushing earlier today in a contest in which sophomore forward Chris McCullough led the scoring for the Knights with 19 while senior combo guard Brandon Hedley added 11.  Jeff Ruskin's club will next be in action on Tuesday against a hot Canterbury ball-club. 

3) Tabor (11-5) - The Seawolves will return to action on Wednesday against Phillips Exeter after having been off this week.

4) Belmont Hill (9-7) - Got a big 59-51 win over Phillips Exeter earlier in the week and then picked up another dub over St Sebastians on Friday.  Tough week ahead as they'll face St Marks and Roxbury Latin.

5) Phillips Exeter (9-5) - Jay Tilton's team went 2-1 this past week, losing to Belmont Hill in between victories over Proctor Academy and St Paul's.  They'll have their hands full this week as they face Brooks and Tabor.

6. Kent School (8-4) - (8-4) - Lost 66-52 to Hotchkiss on Thursday.  They are set to face to face the Masters School tomorrow. 

7. Taft (9-7) - Lost to Canterbury on Friday in between wins over Berwick Academy on Wednesday and Trinity Pawling earlier today.  They'll play Hotchkiss this Wednesday.

8. Phillips Andover (6-9) -- After an overtime victory over Deerfield last Sunday, Andover lost 79-61 to Cushing during the week and then fell to Worcester Academy earlier today. 

8. Milton Academy (7-7) - Got a 64-55 win over the Middlesex School during the week.  They'll play Brimmer and May tomorrow and Brooks this week.

ESPN releases 'Top 25 HS players in the country'

4 Native-New Englanders in ESPN overall top 25

Native-NE accounts for 16% of ESPN Overall Top 25

- This week, ESPNU released its' Top 25 regardless of class. Check out below what ESPN Recruiting Nation had to say about the four native-New Englanders + a New England-Import that made the list.

Nerlens Noel - "He's in the family of Dwight Howard, Greg Oden and Anthony Davis when it comes to blocking shots. If he played one-handed, he'd still be the best shot-blocker in high school basketball, and, now that his offense is coming along, he's in the debate for top overall prospect."

Kaleb Tarczewski - "Children of the 1980s will draw immediate comparisons between Tarczewski and the character Ivan Drago from "Rocky IV." However, Drago couldn't dominate the lane like Kaleb and didn't have the hook shot he owns."

Steven Adams - "There isn't a guy we know less about -- but are as excited to watch develop -- than Adams. He comes from a huge family in New Zealand in which all of his brothers also are 6-10 or taller. He's been in the country only a few weeks, but we're already thinking he'll help Pitt turn around its fortunes next year."

 Wayne Selden - "A health scare derailed his summer last year, but he's been dominant since then. His athleticism rivals his ability to score, and, so far as a sophomore, he's been a showman with his passing and overall package."

Noah Vonleh - "He's on a really short list of best rebounders in the country. Vonleh's gift is his versatility and work ethic. He sits squarely on the fence as a power forward or small forward, and that's no big deal. His talent level has him in the conversation for top prospect in his class."

HoopRootz Blue Chip Showcase

Inviting New England's top 7th & 8th grade basketball players for an afternoon of 

competition and exposure

Click here for more information

NEPSAC AA+ Top 10

Georges Niang recently joined the Tilton 2000-Point Club

 NEPSAC AA + Top 10 - 1/26/12

1) Tilton (17-3) - Won over Lawrence Academy on Wednesday for their 17th win.  The Rams travel to Holderness today for a Friday night match.

2) St Marks (15-2) - Lions are off this week and will get back on the grind February 1st when they'll face Belmont Hill.

3) Wilbraham and Monson (14-4) - Made a big statement by handily beating Putnam Science on Wednesday.  The Titans will face Brimmer today and then Loomis Chaffee tomorrow.

4) Kimball Union (13-3) - KUA beat Holderness 70-49 on Wednesday behind 19 points from Abdul Malik-Abu and 15 from Jesse Chuku.  Mike Olson's club is now off until a week from tomorrow when they'll host Brimmer & May.

5) Cushing Academy (11-3) -  Won 79-61 over Phillips Andover on Wednesday for their 11th win.  The Penguins have a big weekend on their hands as they face Vermont Academy tonight and Salisbury tomorrow.

6) St Andrews (15-4) - St A's went 2-0 in their first two games since returning from their trip to Canada.  Last Sunday, they won by 19 over Marianapolis and then they also got a win over Hyde this week.   They play Lawrence Academy tonight.

7) Putnam Science (12-6) - Lost to Notre Dame Prep early in the week in a game that Dayshon Smith erupted for 37 points.  Then, on Wednesday, PSA dropped one to WMA.

8) Vermont Academy (10-7) - Won 68-38 over Proctor Academy on Wednesday.  They'll play Cushing tonight and then Marianapolis tomorrow.

9) Worcester Academy (6-7) - Lost 67-55 to St Thomas More on Wednesday.  The Hilltoppers will play Phillips Andover tonight and then Hotchkiss tomorrow.

10) Marianapolis (9-9) - Lost to St Andrews on Sunday and then got a 65-53 win over the Hyde School on Monday. MP will host Vermont Academy tomorrow.

New England AAA+ Top Ten

Myles Davis: Continues to light it up for NDP

  NEPSAC Class AAA+ Top 10

1. Brewster Academy (18-0) - Obliterated MCI on Monday by a score of 125-68 in a game in which Aaron Thomas was the leading scorer with 26.  Then, yesterday, TJ Warren led the charge with 30 as the Bobcats won 80-61 over Bridgton to move to 18-0 on the season.  Big one tomorrow night as the Brew Crew plays at South Kent at 7pm.

2. Northfield Mount Hermon (17-1) - The Hoggers made a big statement yesterday, avenging their only loss of the season by winning 75-53 at home over -South Kent.  NMH Stats: Sam Donahue - 18 points, Evan Cummins - 14 points + 12 boards, Ethan O'Day - 14 points + 8 boards + 5 steals, Spike Albrecht - 13 points + 9 assists, Anthony Dallier - 11 points + 7 rebounds + 5 dimes.  Another huge match-up tomorrow night as New Hampton comes to town.

3. Notre Dame Prep ( 14-6) - Myles Davis went for 30 and Steven Adams added 18 as NDP erased a 20-point deficit to beat Putnam Science Academy by a score of 96-82.  Ryan Hurd's squad plays at Winchendon tomorrow night before traveling to Maine to compete in the Wolverine Winter Classic this weekend.

4. New Hampton (15-4) - The Huskies won 75-64 yesterday on the road over Winchendon.  Olivier Hanlan led the way with 28, while Aaron Hendricks added 14 and Noah Vonleh registered 13 points + 10 boards.  Huge one tomorrow night as they face NMH on the road.

5. South Kent (11-5) -Lost on the road yesterday to NMH by a score of 75-53.  Heavyweight bout coming on Saturday as Brewster comes to the South Kent campus. 

6. St Thomas More (14-3) - Won 67-55 over Worcester Academy yesterday on the road.  STM will travel to Maine this weekend to compete in the Wolverine Winter Classic with Bridgton, MCI, and Notre Dame Prep.

7. Bridgton Academy (14-7) - Lost respectably to Brewster yesterday.  Wolverine Classic this weekend.
 

8. Maine Central Institute (7-9) - Blown out by Brewster on Monday.  Wolverine Classic this weekend.

9. Lee Academy (17-7) -Off this week, the Pandas will play Central Maine Community College on Saturday.

10. Winchendon (6-12) -  Dropped an 11-point decision yesterday against New Hampton.  Tough weekend ahead as the Winch hosts Notre Dame Prep tomorrow before traveling to CT to play South Kent on Sunday.

MIAA EMASS D2 Rankings

Stoughton earned a big win over KP last night

Sittin' up on the roof

1. Stoughton (10-1) - Sto-Town has hopped right back on the carousel after dropping a heart-breaker to Mansfield a few weeks back.  Last night against King Philip, the Tigers came away with a huge win behind 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 dimes from junior shot-caller Aaron Calixte.

2.  Brighton (10-1) - This Tigers club is as tough as nails...having taken on the characteristics of head coach Hugh Coleman.  Big win over New Mission about a dozen moons ago leaves the Oak Square Crew sitting on top of the City League South.

3. New Mission (7-3) - They've played a tough non-league schedule which will  be a big benefit come tourney time.  The Titans are also due to get freshman point guard Greg Bridges back soon from a high-ankle sprain, which will provide Cory McCarthy's ball-club another boost as they go after a 3rd straight State Championship.

4. King Philip (9-2) - Lost to Stoughton last night in a showdown in which Jake Layman scored 30.

5. North Andover (9-1) - Pulled off a big upset win last week over East Boston.  They will no question be a contender come tourney time.

6. Reading (10-2) - The Rockets lost their opener by one point to Melrose before reeling off ten straight wins going into yesterday, when they dropped another one point contest to Stoneham.  If we follow the pattern, Reading should reel off another ten straight as February approaches.

7. Melrose (7-2?) - The Raiders won two in a row last week over Watertown and Winchester after losing by five in OT to Stoneham two Fridays ago.

8. Wakefield (8-4) - The Wake got knocked off by Lexington on Friday night in Middlesex League battle.

9. Beverly (8-3) - The Tigers are sitting comfortably atop the North Division of the Northeastern League.

10. Stoneham (7-4) - The Stone has come up with two signature wins the last few weeks: beating Melrose about ten days ago and then stunning Reading last night.

11. Falmouth (9-1) - The Cape Cod Crew has played 90% ball thus far on the trail with their only loss coming in the opening week of the season to Barnstable.

12. Salem (6-3?) - The Sachems have been up and down this year...losses to Lynn English, Peabody, and Danvers mixed in with impressive wins over Beverly and Winthrop.

MIAA EMASS D1 Top 20

Nick Cambio: Another talented sophomore emerging for Rick Nault

 Central Catholic takes pole-position (Atari)

1) Central Catholic (11-0) - Passed yet another test in impressive fashion as they beat SJP easily on Sunday behind 18 points from junior forward Joel Berroa and 16 from sophomore forward Nick Cambio.  Then yesterday, CC won easily as they clobbered Dracut. *Buzz Naismith, "About halfway through the season and a few days after beating St Johns Prep by 20, undefeated Central Catholic has officially emerged as the Division One favorite in  Massachusetts.  The Raiders are exceptionally deep, with a half-dozen or so guys capable of stepping up and carrying the scoring load on a given night, and with senior guard Luis Puello out for most of the season thus far with an ankle, Rick Nault's squad has needed it. On certain nights this season it's been senior forward Doug Gemmel.  On other nights, sophomore guard Tyler Nelson has carried the load.  Then there's junior forward Joel Berroa, who went for 18 on Sunday against is SJP.  And highly-talented sophomore forward Nick Cambio has started to come on strong as well, rebounding the ball hard and dropping 16 points in CC's win over The Prep.  As Puello gets back in shape, regains his stride, and meshes with his thriving mates, this Central Catholic team is going to be very difficult to beat heading into the frontier."

2) Newton North (11-0) - Tigers remained unbeaten with an important league-win over Needham on Friday night in a front of a capacity crowd in Tree City and then took care of Natick yesterday behind 22 points from senior guard Jared Masinton.

3) Acton-Boxboro (12-1) -The Colonials made it an even dozen in terms of earning wins as they defeated Newton South yesterday.  Head Coach Rick Kilpatrick has seniors Kevin LaFrancis and Joey Flannery both averaging about 20 points each per game.

4) Catholic Memorial (10-2) - After losing a dogfight to BC High late last week, the Knights bested Boston Latin over the weekend before cruising over Xaverian yesterday.

5) BC High (10-3) - Is there any question as to what Massachusetts high school team plays the toughest schedule?  Without a doubt, Bill Loughnane's squad  will have experienced all different types of ball games by the time the madness arrives.  BCH got a huge win over CM last week, fell to SJP on Friday night, and then yesterday, they won an easy one over Westie.

6) Brockton (10-1) - The Boxers held on to beat Andover by 2 on Friay after nearly blowing a 20 point 2nd half lead. Then won easily over Bridgewater-Raynam yesterday for the lucky 11th.

7) East Boston (9-3) - Junior wing Kenny Ramos had a double-double with 19 points and 11 boards as Eastie earned a solid win yesterday over South Boston.

8. Madison Park (12-1) -  Dennis Wilson's squad has been solid all season, and yesterday they took care of business against Latin Academy to move to 12-1 on the season.

9) Charlestown (7-3) - If Edson Cardoso can get Ronny Fernandez, Tyrese Hoxter, and Omar Orriols out on the floor together, I don't think anyone would be surprised to see the Townies storm back to the top when it counts.

10. Franklin (8-3)  - After losing their first three games out of the gate to King Philip, Stoughton, and CM, Franklin has turned the tables to win eight straight, including a huge win over Mansfield on Friday night.

11. Mansfield (8-4) - Over the weekend, the Hornets suffered their first Hockomock loss in many a fortnight as they fell to Franklin.

12) St Johns Prep - (7-4) - After ending BC High's 8-game winning streak in impressive fashion last Friday night, SJP lost by 20 to Central Catholic on Sunday.  Then yesterday,the Prep fell again as Malden Catholic beat 'em on a buzzer beater.

13. Weymouth (10-1) - Jim Dolan's club has been perfect other than a loss to Newton North a few weeks back on the road.  They'll get another chance at the Tigers soon...

14. Boston Latin (12-2) - Other than two losses to Top 5 teams in Acton-Boxborough and Catholic Memorial, Brendan Smith's club has been impressively efficient.

15. Westford  Academy (12-2) - After suffering December defeats at the hands of Acton-Boxborough and Boston Latin, the Grey Ghosts have gone 6-0 in January, including a victory over A-B that sets up a game 3 rubber match between the two DCL squads on February 10th.

16.  Andover - (8-3) - On Friday night, Dave Fazio's club roared back from a 20-point 2nd half deficit before coming up just short against Brockton.

17. Lawrence (9-3) - Beat Lowell on Friday night in a rivalry-game before dropping one to D4 Cathedral HS over the weekend.

18) Needham (8-4) - Suffered a set-back last Friday when they visited Newton North and then came back last night with an easy win over Walpole.

19. New Bedford (7-4?) - Hard for the Ship to get info on this squad...with Steve Wynn, Jonathan Fortes, and Cameron Walker, you've got to think the Whalers will be substantially dangerous come tournament time.

20) Lexington (7-6) - Up and down season for a squad that has been stung by injuries.  As they get healthy, look for Reggie Hobbs' club to get their product peaking by February break.

Doorstep: Lowell, Lynn English, Brookline, Attleboro, Somerville

Dayshon Smith & Myles Davis go at it

Scoochie Smith erupted for 37 in loss to ND Prep

 Dayshon Smith blowing up

- On Monday night, Putnam Science Academy and Notre Dame Prep locked up in a wild-one in which NDP staged a huge second half comeback to erase a double-digit PSA lead before going on to win by double-digits themselves.  The story of the ball-game was the Big Apple-flavored back-and-forth scoring duel between two New Yorkers in Myles Davis and Dayshon Smith.  While Davis dropped 30 to lead his team to the win, Smith was absolutely electric in exploding for 37 points in defeat.  Check out highlights below.>>>

BALLAS TV

NEPSAC Class B Rankings

Anthony Barry & Brooks sittin' on top

 NEPSAC Class B Top Seven - 1/23/12

1) Brooks (9-1) - Other than a double-overtime loss to St Pauls earlier in the month, Brooks has been perfect on the season...and last Friday, in a Class B Showdown, Brooks beat Beaver 66-53 on the road to take over the Master Hut on the Class B Mountaintop.

2) Beaver Country Day (10-2) - After a 10-0 start, Juan Figueroa's club has dropped to two in a row to St Marks and Brooks.  Expect them to get better from the defeats.

 3) Rivers (6-6) - Andrew Mirken's club has lost two in a row to St Marks and Brimmer and May...and they'll have another tough one on Wednesday when they travel to St Pauls. 

4) Suffield (6-5)  - After four straight wins to start the new year, the Tigers lost two in a row to Choate and WMA last week before having their game against Brooks canceled by snow this past weekend.

5) Chesire Academy (9-2) - Kevin Kehoe's squad has won all five of its' games thus far in 2012, including a one-point nailbiter on the road last week against Christian Heritage. 

6) Roxbury Latin (9-4) - RL won two out of three last week, winning over Dexter and BB&N while falling to St Marks.  Up on the docket this week: Nobles and Middlesex. 

7) Canterbury (7-5) - Led by Princeton-bound seven-foot center Edo Lawrence, Don Gowan's club has been up and down since winning four of five to start the season.

NEPSAC Class AAA+ Top Ten

Ethan O'Day and NMH are 17-1

 NEPSAC Class AAA+ Top 10

1. Brewster Academy (16-0) - The Bobcats remained perfect with two easy wins this week, including a 98-57 victory over Winchendon on Friday night.  The Brew Crew will face South Kent in a showdown next Saturday.

2. Northfield Mount Hermon (16-1) - The Hoggers won 86-76 over Winchendon at home on Wednesday.  Evan Cummins led the way with a monster line of 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks.  Ethan O'Day had 18 points and 8 boards.  Spike Albrecht had 19 points and 7 assists.  Anthony Dallier went for 14 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists.  And Sam Donahue finished with 14.  Then, yesterday, the Hoggers won over Choate.  Now, John Carrol's club will get the chance to avenge their only loss of the season when they host South Kent on Wednesday.

3. South Kent (11-4) - Won six straight out of the gate in 2012...huge week ahead as they travel to NMH on Wednesday and then play Brewster next Saturday.

4. Notre Dame Prep ( 13-6) - Came back to beat St Thomas More last Monday at the Big Apple Invitational.  Steven Adams had a monster 2nd half to finish with 18 points, 13 boards, and 5 blocks.  Not sure how NDP fared during the week as their schedule still eludes the Spaceship, but they did earn a 68-66 win over Vermont Academy yesterday.  Got them at 13-6?

5. New Hampton (14-4) - The Huskies rebounded from their loss last Sunday to NDP at the Hoophall to win 71-63 on the road over MCI on Wednesday and then they won again on Friday at home over Philips Exeter 93-44.  They next play on Wednesday when they visit Winchendon.

6. St Thomas More (13-3) -Fell to Notre Dame Prep last Monday in NY at the Big Apple Invitational before storming back back to blow out Putnam Science 107-66 during the week.  Then, this weekend, STM hosted and won the championship at the Founder's Classic Tournament, beating Bridgton in the semis on Friday before taking care of MCI in the Chip.

7. Maine Central Institute (7-8) - Played in the Founder's Classic in CT over the weekend, winning 89-65 on Friday over the Phelps School in the semis before falling 85-62 to St Thomas More in the championship.

8. Bridgton Academy (14-6) -  Beat Holderness last week before losing to STM on Friday in the semis of the Founder's Classic in CT.  The Bridg then won yesterday over the Phelps School in the 3rd place game.

9. Lee Academy (17-7) - The Pandas went 2-1 over the weekend, losing by 20+ points to PSA on Friday before beating Granby on Saturday and then getting a 68-63 win over Winchendon yesterday.

10. Winchendon (6-11) - After winning over Marianapolis last weekend at the BABC Prep Classic in Boston, the Winch lost three in a row last week, falling 86-76 to NMH on Wednesday, 98-57 to Brewster on Friday, and 93-85 to Lee Academy yesterday.
 

NEPSAC Double-A+ Top 10

Lehigh-bound Jesse Chuku & KUA are makin' noise

 NEPSAC AA + Inds. Top 10 - 1/21/12

1. Tilton (16-3) - Beat Vermont Academy by 10 on the road on Wednesday and then won easily last night, 64-49, over Villa Angela-St Joseph's down at the Mountaineer Showcase in Morgantown, West Virginia behind 27 points from Georges Niang.  The Rams will face Arlington Prep out of Florida tonight in the Championship.

2) St Marks (15-2) - Dave Lubick's senior-led squad earned a 64-44 win over St Pauls earlier today for their 15th win of the season.

3) Wilbraham and Monson (13-4) - Knocked off Marianaplos 64-63 on Wednesday and then won easily on Friday over Suffield behind 32 points from junior floor-general Jaylen Brantley.

4) Putnam Science (12-4) -After getting blown out by St Thomas More during the week, the Mustangs took care of business on Friday night, winning 112-88 over Lee Academy behind 20 from frosh guard Jonathan Joseph.  Also, Shaun Lawton had 17 + 7 assists + 6 boards, Keon Scott scored 17, Tyree Robinson went for 16 and 8 boards, Oscar Assie had 18 and 8 boards, Dayshon Smith chipped in with 14.

5) Kimball Union (12-3) - Beat Berwick Academy handily on Wednesday and then scored a big 48-43 win over Vermont Academy on Friday. 

6) Cushing Academy(10-3) - Won 75-60 at home over Deerfield Academy during the week before losing a 68-66 shocker on the road to Thayer Academy on Friday.

7) St Andrews (13-4)- Waiting on a result-report from their weekday game.  Mike Hart's club will take the floor tomorrow against Marianapolis.

8) Vermont Academy (9-6) - Lost by 10 to Tilton on Wednesday and then dropped a 48-43 decision to Kimball Union on the road on Friday.

9) Worcester Academy (6-6) - The Hilltoppers lost 72-60 on Friday to St Marks in a game in which junior guard Rene Castro went for 27.  Jamie Sullivan's squad goes back at it on Wednesday against St Thomas More.

10) Marianapolis (8-8) - Lost a one-point heart-breaker to Wilbraham & Monson on Wednesday.  They'll play St Andrews tomorrow.

Crusdader 22 drops Steven Adams Video

Adam Rubin welcomes Steven Adams to the States

Crusader 22 Productions

Nerlens Noel #2eZ Mixtape

Derek Malloy profiles Nerlens Noel

#2eZ Videos

Wayne Selden plus the harm on the dunk shot

Wayne Selden submits bid for Dunk of the Year

Ballas TV

NEPSAC Class A: Top Five

Floor General Shane McLaughlin & Choate are 9-1

Interesting data compilation in Class A

1) Choate (9-1) - With a 60-42 win over Philips Exeter on Saturday followed by a 20+ point win over Suffield yesterday, CRH submitted the winning bid for the top-spot in the NEPSAC Single A parking-lot.

2) Salisbury (10-2) - The other contending bid for the top spot belonged to a squad whose two losses are to the Navy JV squad and a top-half AA team in Cushing.  Otherwise , it's been cruise-control-city for Jeff Ruskin's club.  They'll get their chance at Choate on Feb 15.

3) Tabor (11-5) - The talent appears to be gelling at Tabor as the Seawolves have been playing good basketball since the ball dropped on 2012. A serious run at the NEPSAC A Championship Belt appears likely.

4) Phillips Exeter (7-3) - After seven straight wins to start the season, Jay Tilton's club has dropped three in a row to three race-horse clubs in MCI, KUA, and Choate.  It doesn't get any easier as Exeter heads up to play New Hampton this weekend but this tough 4-game stretch will make 'em better in the long-run.

5) Kent (8-3) - They've won seven in a row since they showed well in two December losses to NMH + New Hampton and will look to make it eight straight this weekend against Berwick Academy..

Doorstep: Phillips Andover (5-7)  Milton Academy (6-7)

Belmont Hill (7-6) Taft (7-5)

The Daquein McNeil Operation

 Ballas TV sings D-Mac on the transition-attack

Vermont Academy - Baltimore

Colonists make Hoop Mix Tape Top 10 Tuesday

Goodluck Okonoboh - Eric Green

Jakarr Sampson - Zach Auguste

HoopMixTape.com

New England Prep AA+ Top Ten

Nerlens Noel made the Hoophall All-Tournament 1st Team

NEPSAC Class AA + Ind - 1/12/12

1.Tilton (14-3) - Wayne Selden led with 30 and Georges Niang had 27 on Saturday as Tilton earned a tough 90-86 win over the new-look Notre Dame Prep War Plane.  Then on Saturday, the Rams dropped a tough one to Brewster in what was probably the most exciting, action-packed game of the weekend at the Hoophall.  Nerlens Noel was absolutely sensational and made a best-player in the country-type statement in dropping 22 points, swatting 7 shots while holding Mitch McGary to 3 points.  Tilton still gets one more crack at Brewster as the arch-rivals will face off again on Monday, February 20th at 4pm.  As for Tilton's next game, the Rams will travel to the Catamount State on Wednesday to take on Vermont Academy.

2) St Marks (14-2) - The Lions registered three wins in three days over the weekend to move to 14-2 on the season.  They won on Friday by a large margin over Roxbury Latin and then defeated Beaver Country Day handily on Saturday.  Next, on Sunday, St Marks took down Amile Jefferson's Friends Central HS ball-club out of Philly in impressive fashion at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, winning by a final score of 67-57.  Kaleb Tarczewski played to rave reviews from the head honchos on press row as he led the way with 22 while Nik Stauskas had 16 and Jaymie Spears added 15.

3) Putnam Science (11-3) - The Mustangs are red hot and have now won six straight games after they registered three wins over the holiday weekend.  On Friday, PSA rolled over Marianapolis in a crosstown-showdown by a score of 66-37.  On Saturday, the 'Stangs traveled to Boston where they won big over Brimmer & May at the BABC Prep Classic.  Then, on Monday, Putnam earned their 3rd Triple AAA-win of the season as they prevailed 86-72 over Maine Central Institute in a game in which Dayshon Smith led the way with 25 points and 8 assists.  Also for PSA, Shaun Lawton added 20 and Oscar Assie compiled 16 and 8 boards. *PSA senior wing Shaun Lawton is having a break-out season and folks that matter are noticing as Lawton was offered a full-ride by the University of Maine over the weekend.

4) Wilbraham and Monson (11-4) -  Wilbraham & Monson split two this weekend, beating Marianapolis at the BABC Prep Classic by a score of 60-53 on Saturday behind 18 points from senior guard Maodo Lo and then losing a 71-60 affair to St Thomas More on Sunday at the Hoophall.  Both Jaylen Brantley and Kamali Bey made the Hoophall Local All-Tournament Team.

4) Cushing Academy(9-2) - After dropping two straight to Tilton and Putnam Science, the Penguins got back on track this weekend with a 65-63 overtime win over Kimball Union on Saturday.  Kaleb Joseph led the charge with a line of 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while Andrew Chrabascz was the high scorer with 17.  Also for Cushing, Tyler McFarland went for a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and Treavan Duffy had a nice game with 14 and 6.

6) St Andrews (13-4) - Cedric Kuakumensah won the MVP as St A's went 3-0 in Canadian territory to take down the Championship at the Snowball Classic up in British Colombia.

7) Vermont Academy (9-4) - Jesse Bopp's club won two easy ones over the weekend: they'll be back in the tank tomorrow when Tilton comes to town.

8) Kimball Union (10-3) - KUA fell to Cushing in OT over the weekend: they have a big one coming up on Friday against Vermont Academy.

9) Worcester Academy (6-5) - The Hilltoppers lost 64-49 to Northfield Mount Hermon on Sunday at the BABC Prep Classic in Boston.  Rene Castro was the leading scorer for WA with 14 while Andrew Scocca went crazy eights in points and rebounds.  Worcester next takes the floor on Friday when they travel to Southborough to play St Marks.

10) Marianapolis (8-7) - Lost to Putnam Science on Friday, WMA on Saturday, and Winchendon on Monday.  MP will look to turn it around this week when they'll get another shot at Wilbraham.