Northeast Preview: Saturday's Standouts

October 15, 2023 by Trent Watson

Malcolm Thomas (Dematha): Malcolm Thomas stole the show at Northeast Preview with his high motor, making momentum changing plays on both ends of the floor. Meeting players at the rim using his length and divine timing or following missed shot attempts with emphatic dunks. Quickly covers ground defensively, sets solid screens and is an intelligent roller. Showed comfortability as a self-creator on offense from the top of the key, using his length to gain a first step when facing-up.

Luke Bevilacqua (George School): Luke Bevilacqua’s versatility and efficiency around the rim was on full display Saturday at our Northeast Preview. Bevilacqua initiated contact with opposing bigs, creating space for short jump hooks in the lane utilizing his soft touch. Aside from punishing defenders at the rim, his ability to stretch the floor and make plays as a faceup forward was glaring.

Darrell Davis (Archbishop Carroll): Darrell Davis is continuing to prove he’s ready to make a major impact for Archbishop Carroll this upcoming season. Davis plays with an uncanny poise for a player his age. Consistently using his elusive ball handling ability to obtain paint touches, where he converted high-arching floaters and short pull-ups.

Luca Foster (Archbishop Carroll): Luca Foster’s multi-dimensional skill set enabled him to make winning plays throughout Saturday's action. Foster’s size and length as a wing make him a switchable perimeter defender, while also possessing the toughness to guard bigger players in the post. Made athletic plays in transition, running the floor with urgency and acting as a lob threat.

Ian Williams (Archbishop Carroll): Ian Williams plays with a level of maturity and unselfishness that will instantly make you a fan of his game. An electrifying guard with a bursty first step, always looking to get downhill and make a play. His constant aggression at the point of attack, and ability to quickly scan the floor kept the defense honest.

Will Riley (Phelps School): Will Riley showed exactly why he’s such a highly touted prospect with his ability to effortlessly to score the ball from all three levels. Riley excelled coming off of ball screens, exuding great patience when probing the defense and getting to his spots. A smooth scorer with a natural feel that excelled when playing in space, or given the opportunity to make shots off the catch.

Thomas Sorber (Archbishop Ryan): Georgetown commit Thomas Sorber continued to show why he’s one of the best post players in the country during Saturday’s action. Sorber set the tone in every matchup with his physicality and ferociousness in the lane. Throwing his weight around to leverage deep post position, following it by exhibiting great footwork on the low block. It’s evident that Sorber is continuing to sculpt his physique, gradually becoming a better athlete and showing flashes of effectiveness as a help side rim protector.

Onyx Nnani (Phelps School): Onyx Nnani is a player that college coaches in this region should be tracking closely. A rangy forward prospect that steadily made winning plays throughout his play on Saturday. Discipline defender that defends at the rim without fouling, walling-up and chinning the ball when securing the defensive glass. Showcased some grab and go capabilities, paired with a solid all-around floor game.

Justin Houser (Phelps School): Justin Houser was impressive with his discipline defensively and ability to deter shots with his length. Possesses a solid frame and a strong base that allows him to stand his ground when absorbing contact. Rolled to the rim extremely hard after setting rock hard screens, and was very active on the offensive glass.

Tommy Vaughn (Phelps School): Tommy Vaughn is a newcomer to the Phelps program that is looking to be an impact player right away. The lightning quick point guard possesses blinding end to end speed, effortlessly touching the paint with his aggressive mentality. Made sound decisions coming off of ball screens, as well as showing improvement in his pull-up game.

JJ Massaquoi (Jackson Reed): JJ Massaquoi’s combination of quickness, power and explosiveness was very troublesome for opposing guards, tasked with the responsibility to keep him in front. Using his inside shoulder to gain leverage and create driving angles, his bully ball approach wore defenders down who were physically unmatched. Plays with deceptive bounce and has a natural knack for scoring for the ball.

Kai Settles (Jackson Reed): 2024 forward Kai Settles was a standout player with his functional strength and touch around the rim. Well-built forward who used his body to dislodge defenders, creating space for short fadeaway jumpers in the lane. Plays with a mean streak, having no regard for resistance from the opposition. Is a key contributor to solidifying the identity and setting the tempo for this scrappy Jackson Reed group.

Rocco Loomis (Rutgers Prep): Rocco Loomis was noticeably more comfortable making plays at the varsity level for Rutgers Prep. The freshman sharpshooter efficiently shot the ball off the catch, while also confidently attacking close-outs. Loomis is a competitor who isn’t afraid to rise to the occasion. Expect him to be a reliable rotation player for Rutgers Prep as he continues to improve his play.

Andrew Kretkowski (Rutgers Prep): Andrew Kretkowski is one of the most intriguing long-term prospects that participated in Saturday’s game sets. Kretkowski put together stretches of pure dominance for this young Rutgers Prep group, as he showcased his raw athleticism and scoring prowess from the wing. Whether it was converting thunderous dunks at the rim or spacing the floor from three, Kretkowski made a lasting impression at Northeast Preview.

Nasir Ralls (Archbishop Carroll): Ralls is another tough guard who played a significant role in Carroll’s success on Saturday. The fiery combo guard seems to be the heart and soul for this young group, often being the loudest player on the floor and bringing contagious energy. Aside from playing with high intensity, Ralls willingness to be a team player and do whatever is asked of him is a direct reflection of his coachability. Fierce competitor who stood out with his ability to make an impact in ways that don’t always show up on the scoreboard.

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