The 6th Boro Hoops MHC 17U squad has been one of the best teams. While the talk around their team starts with their impressive big men, local prospect point guard Jake Pampolina looks to be one of the primary creators for this team
He had a massive season, making first team all-league, winning Rockland Player of the Year and was one of the top scorers in Section 1. At 5-foot-9, Pampolina doesn’t necessarily look the part, but this kid can flat out hoop and is now starting to prove on the AAU circuit. The coaches for 6th Boro Hoops trust him to run the offense, get others involved, score when opportunities are there and play their style of basketball. His value should keep growing throughout the following months especially if he can keep up his success from downtown which was very visible over the weekend.
MADE caught up with Pampolina and asked him a few questions.
How was Junior year and what are your goals for next year?
“During my junior season, I broke several different records throughout Rockland County and Suffern HS. I averaged 24.5 points 5 rebounds and 3 assists while also being a captain of the team for the second year in a row. I broke my school’s all-time scoring record with a total of 1206 points, while also breaking the three point record with 80 three pointers…My goals for my senior season are to continue to lead by example, as a captain for the 3rd year and take my team to a win in the Section 1 championship. I’m hoping to keep breaking big records, too. Senior year I’m targeting the Rockland County All-Time Scoring Record of 1,583 pts. I am striving to be awarded the Mr. Basketball honor in New York’s Section 1.” he said.
How good can this 6th boro hoops team be and how has it been playing with Aleksa Vlajic?
“This 6th Boro made hoops team will be phenomenal. Everyone on our team is selfless and plays as a family. We all pick each other up and everyone makes big time plays whether it’s scoring, passing or playing defense allowing us to be a very scary team. The sky’s the limit for 6th Boro and teams need to watch out.Playing with a guy like Aleksa Vlajic is amazing. Aleksa is selfless and makes winning plays for his teammates while being the sole focus for the other team’s defense. He opens everything up for us and is a big time player who makes big time plays every single game. His shooting ability extends the floor for us and his versatility and intangibles he brings with him are some of the best I’ve ever played with,” said Pampolina.
What do you think of the Made Hoops Circuit?
“I think the MADE Hoops circuit is great, it’s extremely fun and competitive. Every single team has awesome players and coaches allowing for a lot of close and down to the wire games. The Made Hoops circuit is definitely the best circuit I’ve ever played on and I would suggest other players to compete in.” he said.
What kind of college program are you looking for?
“The kind of college programs I’m looking for are the family oriented programs that value small guards like me. I’m looking for an opportunity to make an impact, train hard, work hard and play basketball. Academics are important to me, and I am considering schools where I can find a balance between my commitment to basketball, and my school work.” Pampolina added.
The recruitment process for Pampolina involves interest from the Ivy and Patriot League as well as High Academic D2s and D3s. His recruitment could be a quick one especially if one of these schools makes a serious push for him before the start of his Senior year. He will compete the second he steps on campus, he’s a tough practice player, brings energy every day and is very coachable.
