Rashad McCants Puts On A Show

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND -- This game was billed as Rashad McCants (right) versus Denham Brown; North Carolina versus Connecticut. And one can honestly say UNC and UCONN fans will be very happy they have these recruits coming in next season.

McCants scored 42 points, including a three-pointer to lead New Hampton Prep to a 90-76 victory over Grassroots Canada. Brown finished the game with 30 points. "Denham Brown is a great player," McCants said. "He can pull up for the jumper. He can drive to the basket. He can do a lot of things offensively."

And so can McCants. "I wouldn't trade Rashad for any player," said New Hampton coach Jamie Arnesault. "Rashad did a great job on Denham when he was asked to handle him. Rashad also had a great offensive game."

McCants didn't take a bad shot. He might have played the perfect offensive game. Rashad also had five assists and five rebounds. He was everywhere on the court.

But take nothing away from Brown, who is going to score some points in that UCONN system along with Rashard Anderson. UCONN fans might get dizzy watching those two run the fastbreak. "Denham is a great player," Arsenault said. "Rashad did a great job on him too."

New Hampton led at the half 44-36. McCants had scored 17 points in the first half while Brown had 15. But New Hampton gradually pulled away and any challenge Canada would make, McCants would answer with a basket.

Andrew Carpenter also scored 22 points for the losers while John Neparlo had 13 and Wes Miller and Michael Clarke had nine points a piece for the winners.