Jeff Borzello, Notre Dame Recruiting, Pittsburgh Recruiting, Providence Recruiting, Seton Hall Recruiting, Syracuse Recruiting

NATIONAL PREP SHOWCASE TOP PERFORMERS

BY JEFF BORZELLO

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – With nearly every top prep team in the country at Albertus Magnus College this past weekend for the National Prep Showcase, there was plenty of talent on hand for spectators and coaches to watch. There was something for everyone – post-grad prospects, senior signees, junior gems and sophomore superstars. However, with all the top-notch talent on hand, it was difficult to pinpoint the best players at the Showcase – but I will try my best.

2010 Top 10 Standout Performers (listed alphabetically)

- Will Barton, Brewster Academy, Memphis: On paper, Barton was the best player at the event. In reality, he struggled to find open shots but passed very well.

- Lorenzo Brown, Hargrave Military Academy, North Carolina State: Constantly put on a show when in the game, Brown is going to be a star in the ACC.

- Yann Charles, Champlain St. Lambert, uncommitted: This kid will end up making an impact in college. The strong lefty is nearly impossible to stop offensively. Notre Dame was listed as a school showing early interest.

- Gerard Coleman, Tilton, Providence: Outstanding all-around offensive player, Coleman is tremendously athletic and is also dynamic defensively.

- Maxie Esho, Lee Academy, Massachusetts: He’s a tremendous athlete and can really score at the offensive end. Will make an impact in the A-10.

- C.J. Fair, Brewster Academy, Syracuse: Overshadowed by Will Barton, Fair showed off his all-around game and was dominant around the rim.

- Ron Giplaye, Notre Dame Prep, Providence. When he lowers his left shoulder and goes to the basket, he is difficult to defend. Aggressive and active around the rim.

- Hector Harold, Northfield Mount Hermon, Pepperdine: Carried NMH to two wins, including an impressive 32-point effort against MCI on Sunday.

- J.J. Moore, South Kent, Pittsburgh: Showed his complete offensive game this weekend, knocking down perimeter shots and finishing with dunks, while scoring 56 points in two games.

- Mardracus Wade, Hargrave Military Academy, Arkansas: If there’s a better on-ball defender in the prep school ranks, I would love to see him.
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2011 Top 10 Standout Performers (listed alphabetically)

- Trahshon Burrell, St. Thomas More: Very long and athletic wing can play above the rim and finishes in transition.

- Mike Carter-Williams, St. Andrew’s, Syracuse: He was injured in the first half against Blair, but he’s an outstanding guard.

- Aaron Cosby, Northfield Mount Hermon: Really solid point guard is one of the better prospects in the class of 2011.

- Alex Harris, Bridgton Academy: The California native was extremely impressive on Sunday; his stock is sure on rise.

- Jordan Laguerre, New Hampton Prep: Fundamentally-sound lefty is fantastic with ball-fakes and is a crafty guard.

- Danny Lawhorn, South Kent: Absolutely menace on the defensive end, Lawhorn needs to make better decisions in transition.

- Angel Nunez, Winchendon: Didn’t see that much time, but he is very long and versatile. He will be a big-time guy.

- Naadir Tharpe, Brewster Academy: Tharpe struggled with turnovers all weekend, but he might be the best 2011 prospect in the region.

- Shaquille Thomas, NIA Prep: The recently reclassified prospect is going to be a high-major player regardless of when he graduates.

- Dashaun Wiggins, Bridgton Academy, Seton Hall: Still forces too many things, but has plenty of talent. His half-court buzzer shot beat Tilton.

* Tyler Olander, Worcester Academy: Was out with a broken thumb, but he would have been one of the top prospects.
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Five Youngsters to Remember:

- Khem Birch (2012), Winchendon: His athleticism and shot-blocking ability stand out, but his offensive game will develop.

- Andre Drummond (2012), St. Thomas More: His playing time was limited because of a hurt ankle, but he showed the ability to dominate.

- Stefan Jankovic (2012), Kiski School: The Canadian swingman has a versatile offensive game and can really score.

- Ricardo Ledo (2012), St. Andrew’s: With teammate Mike Carter-Williams injured, Ledo scored 27 points in a defeat.

- Goodluck Okonoboh, Tilton: Alex Oriakhi’s cousin is a 2013 prospect, but he is aggressive and can really defend.

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