2024 Northeast Preview Upperclassmen Standouts
October 17, 2024 by MADE Hoops Staff
The 4th Annual MADE Hoops Northeast Preview Took place at Total Turf over this past weekend. With some of the top teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware all in attendance, the amount of talent in the gym was downright staggering. The MADE scouting team was on hand for the action and highlighted several players in the classes of 2025 & 2026 who made the most of their time at Northeast Preview.
2025
JJ Massaquoi I Jackson-Reed: A power wing, there aren’t many perimeter players who rebound the way Massaquoi does. Offensively he was at his best slashing to the basket as usual. A big-bodied wing who relies on his strength and athleticism as difference makers, Massaquoi spent most of his Saturday simply out-efforting his opposition.
Matt Gilhool I Penn Charter: The LSU commit caught fire from the start of his first game on Sunday and didn’t slow down much as a scorer in game two of the day either. A skilled 6-foot-10 big man who can really stretch the floor with his shooting, Gilhool pulled the trigger and announced for LSU just a couple of weeks ago. He will bring both a versatile offensive game and some rim protection along with him.
Onyx Nnani I Phelps: Nnani committed to Arkansas State on Saturday night and played with the same freeness and fluidity that tends to come after announcing a college decision. The 6-foot-10 big man had a putback basket that ultimately kept his team ahead in one of his games and was effective around the rim on both ends in the other.
DJ Brown I West Nottingham: Sacred Heart landed a steal in NY guard DJ Brown. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is an elite level athlete and a dangerous slasher. The Empire State native has improved his perimeter shot and decision making in recent months and has all league potential at his college destination.
Aleksa Vlajic I International Sports Academy: The talented European forward arrived at Hoosac last month and has wasted little time in showcasing his talent. At 6-foot-10 he’s able to score around the rim and showed good touch with both hands. He was a solid passer as well.
Evan Romano I St. Rose: Romano was one of the best shooters on the MHC with Team Kulture this season. If this weekend was any indication he will be an important piece of the St. Rose offense this year as well. At 6-foot-4 he has range past the three point line and quick release on his jump shot. Romano hit two big threes and then had a big and-one down the stretch in a hard fought win vs Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Beckett Currie | Phelps: Beckett Currie is the new lead guard for the Phelps National team and had an impressive outing as he helped Phelps to a 2-0 record. Currie possesses a quick-trigger release paired with the confidence and creativity to get his shot off. Currie converted some tough makes, but also plays with great awareness and pace when orchestrating the offense. Will be key in Phelps success on the big time stage.
Devon Nelson | Bonner: Millesville commit Devon Nelson is exactly what this young Bonner team needs, a heady veteran guard who can reel them in and lead by example. Nelson has no issue with deferring to younger guards Kam Jackson, and Korey Francis, but in the heat of the game when the Friars were in need of a quality possession, Nelson answered the call. The senior guard will be a pivotal piece for the Friars this season when closing out games.
Jake West | Penn Charter: The newly declared Northwestern Wildcat Jake West had a positive outing at the NE Preview. West looked like he was trying to get his teammates in a good groove early, being very unselfish and looking to get other players in rhythm as they gear up for a tough schedule. West shows maturity in his decision making, picking his spots well and taking what the defense gave him.
Tristan Burth | Bridgeport: Six-foot-nine forward Tristan Burth was a bright spot for Bridgeport Prep during their time at the NE Preview. Burth exhibited quick foot speed for a player his size, and feathery touch around the rim. Burth is an unsigned senior that low to mid major Division I programs in the tri-state area should have on their board.
2026
Derrick Morton-Rivera I Father Judge: Morton-Rivera was white hot from the field en route to a 30+ point performance vs Roselle Catholic. It was just another strong and increasingly common scoring performance from the Father Judge wing. As one of the best shooters in the state of Pennsylvania and beyond he is starting to expand his offensive arsenal and it’s unlocking another level to his offense in the process.
Mani Sajid I Plymouth Whitemarsh: The fast rising scoring guard also went for 30 points in what ended up being a close loss to St. Rose. Sajid put up points on all three levels and was able to create for his teammates as well. He’s played as well as anyone this fall and has solidified himself as a top 100 prospect in the process.
PJ Singleton I Canarsie: One of the best scorers in the state of New York, Singleton again appears ready to be one of the top scorers in the PSAL this season. A 6-foot-6 scorer with a college ready frame and the ability to get to the rim, when he’s locked in on the offensive end there’s little stopping him.
Liberty Fusire I Archbishop Carroll: Fusire was one of the handful of MHC standouts in the gym this weekend who made the most of their time at Northeast Preview. The rim running forward was a factor on both ends of the floor and blocked a number of shots. The versatile defender has shown a bit more of an offensive arsenal in recent months and his best basketball is certainly ahead of him.
Peyton Miller I George School: The transfer to the George School is already paying dividends for the New Jersey guard. Miller has had as strong of a fall showcase season as anyone in the northeast as both a distributor and as a scorer. The 6-foot-2 guard has been downright unguardable in the mid-range for the better part of a month. It will be interesting to see how he looks once the regular season begins.
Aiden Derkack I Colonia: Derkack was fantastic on Saturday morning, setting his teammates up for easy looks, slashing to the basket, and sticking open jumpers. The talented wing also forced a number of turnovers on the defensive side of the ball and was the best player by far in their opening showcase win. A versatile and hard playing wing, Derkack very much looked the part of top 100 prospect on Saturday.
Nyce Bakare | Phelps: With the identity of this year’s Phelps team, Bakare’s skill set and size on the wing will be important to this team's success. Bakare proved he can be a menacing defender with his length, forcing turnovers that led to high-rising dunks the other way. Phelps will have playmakers at multiple positions this season, so Bakare also being able to knock down the long ball off the catch will help balance out the floor spacing for their post threats, and slashing guards.
Keiner Asprilla | St.Peter’s: Was very impressed with the physicality and motor that Asprilla played with during some big time matchups. Asprilla uses his frame to his advantage by pushing defenders deep into the paint to establish post position. Asprilla’s ability to leverage position for offensive rebound opportunities resulted in second chance dunks at the rim. Physically wears down opposing bigs over the course of a game with his wide frame and overall strength.
Torrey Brooks Jr | Camden: Camden guard Torrey Brooks Jr. put on a lethal shooting display during his time at the NE Preview, exploding for a 40-point performance against St.Benedict’s. Brooks Jr. is starting to exude more confidence and poise as a scorer, finding more ways to draw more fouls and create space for perimeter shots.
Jalen Hopkins | West Catholic: Wiry forward Jalen Hopkins had a positive outing for the Burrs this past weekend. A raw prospect who plays hard and does the little things well, Hopkins acted as an interior force on both ends, but excelled defensively. Great at walling-up and contesting without fouling, and has a quick second effort on the glass.