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Breaking down the early Big Ten classes
NEW HAVEN, Conn.-- Each year, the National Prep Showcase on the campus of Albertus Magnus College serves as the unofficial start to the high school/prep basketball season. There may not have been as much star power in the building as there has been in years past, but Saturday was a good day with Pitt bound Detrick Mostella and Rivals150 junior Donovan Mitchell among the standouts.
Mostella hopes to be at Pitt soon
If four-star shooting guard Detrick Mostella has his way, he'll be on the campus of Pittsburgh sooner than later. A native of Alabama and a member of the class of 2013 who spent his senior year in Indiana and originally signed with Oklahoma State, Mostella is currently at Fitchburg (Mass.) Notre Dame Prep.
Looking a little bit out of shape, Mostella got off to a slow start for Notre Dame. But, in the second half the explosive guard took the game over as his team completed a 20 point comeback. Finishing with 31 on 10-25 shooting (he started 1-13), Mostella showed ability to get wherever he wanted with the ball and to make shots from deep. He has a tremendously explosive first step and is extra bouncy around the rim making him very tough to contain.
Ranked No. 53 in the class of 2013, Mostella will remain in that class for now. Mostella told Rivals.com that he is finishing up an online course and taking his standardized test one more time in hopes of gaining eligibility for the second semester at Pitt. Whether it is this season or next, Mostella will absolutely need to add strength but as long as he can handle the change in physicality he has the tools to be a very productive scorer in the ACC.
Mitchell a versatile guard
As they usually are, Jason Smith's Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Prep squad is loaded with talent. On Saturday, the No. 105 player in the class of 2015 Donovan Mitchell introduced himself to the masses and looked like a kid who could work his way further up the rankings.
A 6-foot-2 New Yorker, Mitchell describes himself as simply a guard and that makes sense. He isn't really a true two, nor is he a true point. But, he's a perimeter playmaker on both ends of the floor with wild athleticism and a high basketball IQ.
Because of his big time athleticism, Mitchell is a highly entertaining finisher at the rim. He's a threat to dunk on people off the dribble and turns fastbreaks into highlight reel opportunities. But, he's not totally reliant on his athleticism. He reads defenses, can distribute the ball and is a highly alert and smart defender.
He finished with a solid line of 17 points, six steals and five boards while always staying under control. He has offers from Iowa, Connecticut, Maryland, Providence, Boston College, Cincinnati, St. John's and Seton Hall with many more looking. From the sounds of it, college programs view him as he views himself, just as a playmaking guard who you find a spot for in your lineup.
"Most coaches just feel like I'm a guard," said Mitchell. "I'm athletic, I can after it on defense and I play hard."
Garrett a spring option at the point
Schools on the hunt for a point guard in the class of 2014 don't have very many good options. Three-star floor general Jarvis Garrett is certainly one of the good ones. A native of Milwaukee who now attends Fitchburg (Mass.) Notre Dame, Garrett was easily one of the best point guards on display Saturday.
A solidly built 5-foot-11 floor general, Garrett is very strong with the ball and was making good decisions. He defends with toughness and what really opens things up is the fact that he is a very dangerous pull-up jump shooter. His shooting keeps defenders on their heels and almost at his mercy when he is hitting them.
Garrett finished with 25 points and four assists while controlling the tempo. He's yet to take any visits and currently has offers from UTEP, Rhode Island, Creighton and Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
"I'm just looking for a place that feels like home," Garrett told Rivals.com. "Somewhere that I can hopefully play right away and somewhere that plays fast and that plays tough defense."
In the night's final game, Delray Beach (Fla.) Elev8 Academy and Wilbraham (Mass.) Wilbraham & Monson locked horns in an entertaining game that went to overtime. Ultimately, it was the Elev8 backcourt of Western KentuckyClick Saturday notes and notablesHere to view this Link. bound Derrick ClaytonClick Saturday notes and notablesHere to view this Link. and junior Reggie ReidClick Saturday notes and notablesHere to view this Link. who went for 27 each that made the difference.
A 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Oakland, Clayton is one of the biggest recruiting steals in the country. The thin wing can shoot the ball with range, he can create off the dribble and he's an athletic finisher at the cup. He likes the big moment and big shot and just needs to get stronger. A native of Harlem, Ga., Reid is a 5-foot-11 speed demon who plays with great court awareness. He was knocking down open shots, getting into the lane to make plays for others and he is an explosive athlete capable of finishing with authority at the rim. A three-star prospect, Reid has an offer from Florida Gulf Coast but other than some interest from Appalachian State his recruitment was quiet heading into the NPS. His Saturday performance will likely change that.
ColoradoClick The No. 81 player in the class of 2015, Aaron FalzonClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link. of Northfield (Mass.) Mt. Herman is carving himself out a niche as a stretch four man who can bomb away from deep. While his range and touch from deep is impressive, Falzon sometimes settles a little too much for the deep jumper. When he gets on the glass and gets himself some easy hoops around the rim like on Saturday, he is a much tougher cover. Falzon mentioned offers from Boston CollegeClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., N.C. StateClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., Penn StateClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., GeorgiaClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., Providence, Seton HallClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link. and RutgersClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link. on Saturday and said that he probably won't cut anything down Here to view this Link. signee Tory MillerClick The No. 81 player in the class of 2015, Aaron FalzonClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link. of Northfield (Mass.) Mt. Herman is carving himself out a niche as a stretch four man who can bomb away from deep. While his range and touch from deep is impressive, Falzon sometimes settles a little too much for the deep jumper. When he gets on the glass and gets himself some easy hoops around the rim like on Saturday, he is a much tougher cover. Falzon mentioned offers from Boston CollegeClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., N.C. StateClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., Penn StateClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., GeorgiaClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link., Providence, Seton HallClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link. and RutgersClick For Wilbraham & Monson, class of 2016 star Mustapha Heron was outstanding. A physically tough and smart guard, Heron really likes to do his damage around the rim and he will go get a tough rebound. He finished with a very efficient 35 points (12-17 FG) and 10 rebounds in a solid outing. By our count, his UNLV bound teammate Goodluck Okonoboh had 11 blocks but he was only officially credited with 8. The shot blocking machine also added 15 points and eight rebounds. His offense remains raw, but Okonoboh is an insanely quick straight up leaper and allows his guards to extend pressure because he is there on the back line to clean up their mistakes.Here to view this Link. on Saturday and said that he probably won't cut anything down Here to view this Link. was on top of his game on Saturday. The 6-foot-8 big man from the Kansas City area was a force in the lane for New Hampton (N.H.) Prep. Miller is powerfully built with broad shoulders and long arms and he was using his strength to move guys around the lane. When he caught entry passes he surveyed for his best option and delivered several crisp passes to open shooters to go along with some powerful dunks and a nice looking baseline jumper. Regular performances like Saturday's could put the future Buffalo in the mix for the final 2014 Rivals150.
The game between New Hampton and Waynesboro (Va.) Fishburne was an intense affair that Fishburne won in overtime. The reason that they were able to make it there was Tre HarrisClick Also playing well for New Hampton was Aubrey Dawkins. Originally a class of 2013 kid, the son of Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins has stretched out to about 6-foot-4 and added to his game. He's a good shooter, plays a patient floor game and has sneaky athleticism on drives to the cup.Here to view this Link.. The Kansas StateClick Also playing well for New Hampton was Aubrey Dawkins. Originally a class of 2013 kid, the son of Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins has stretched out to about 6-foot-4 and added to his game. He's a good shooter, plays a patient floor game and has sneaky athleticism on drives to the cup.Here to view this Link. signee shook off a tough shooting day and drained two big threes late - the second with three seconds to go - to force overtime. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard finished with 21 points and four boards.
The first of Saturday's three overtime games was between Oakdale (Conn.) St. Thomas More and Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy. St. Thomas More was able to pull away in the extra session and did so largely on the strength of two super pickups for their respective universities. A 6-foot-1 combo guard, Cane BroomeClick Also key for Fishburne was former class of 2013 prospect Shamiek Sheppard. The Brooklyn native and three-star prospect is an all around tough guy on the wing who handles the ball some, hits the glass and plays tough defense. He didn't have a huge stat line, but he had a much bigger impact on the game than his 11 points and seven rebounds would suggest.Here to view this Link. looks like a huge pickup for Sacred Heart. He is skinny, but Broome can really create off the dribble and is a high volume scorer for a guy that doesn't live with deep jumpers. He had 29 points on an assortment of drives. Also impressive for St. Thomas More was Fordham bound combo forward Eric PaschallClick Also key for Fishburne was former class of 2013 prospect Shamiek Sheppard. The Brooklyn native and three-star prospect is an all around tough guy on the wing who handles the ball some, hits the glass and plays tough defense. He didn't have a huge stat line, but he had a much bigger impact on the game than his 11 points and seven rebounds would suggest.Here to view this Link.. The 6-foot-5 New Yorker is a high end athlete, has a great frame and a very nice inside/out game. He competes on the glass runs the floor and looks like he should be an instant impact player for the Rams if the way he played in his 21 point, nine rebound performance is any indication.
For Fork Union, small forward Tavarius Shine has really hit his stride. The Texan is an athletic and physically tough wing who has expanded his game. Previously, the three-star had seemed like more of an undersized power forward but he looks to have legit wing game now. He was hitting threes off the dribble, defended well and was productive all over the floor in a 21 point, nine rebound outing.