As we enter the new year and teams around New England prepare for league play, HEA takes an in-depth look at its alumni who participated in what was a busy schedule of holiday basketball tournaments including.  Competition included both prep and public school teams from across the Northeast.

Basketbull Hoops Fest – December 19-21

Day 1 of the event saw HEA alumnus Tyree Weston play well in 66-56 loss to a highly talented New Hampton Squad.  On Day 2, HEA alumnus Chandler Jones and a Commonwealth Academy team made up of all freshman defeated Pioneer Academy of Science (NJ) 72-60.  St. Mark’s School and HEA alumnus Aaron McLean came up short to a tough Bill Crothers School (CAN) 52-43.  In the day 2 nightcap HEA alumni Tyonne Malone, Justin Stewart and defending division 1 champs Putnam defeated Nazareth High School (NY) in overtime 68-62.  Malone finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds in what was a highly competitive contest.  On the final day of the event HEA alumnus Chris Baldwin and his Springfield Central lost to Hillhouse High School (CT) 78-45.  Baldwin finished with 8 points.

St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic – December 20-21

On day 1 of the event HEA alumnus Kimani Lawrence and Cushing Academy defeated Master’s School 76-58.  Cheshire Academy and HEA alumnus Tyree Weston defeated Worcester Academy 70-46.  HEA alumni Bruce Brown and Christian Vital fell to Putnam Science Academy (CT) 84-79.  In the final game of the day, HEA alumnus Terance Mann and his Tilton School squad defeated Lawrence Academy 86-55.  On day 2 of the event Bruce Brown, Christian Vital and Vermont Academy defeated Brimmer and May School 71-48.  The following game Weston and Cheshire Academy fell to Wilbraham Monson Academy 71-56.  Kimani Lawrence and Cushing Academy were back in action, defeating McDuffie School 78-71.  To cap off the event Terance Mann and Tilton School fell to host St. Andrew’s School 87-77.  HEA alumnus Christian Vital was named to the Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team.

Rivers Holiday Tournament – December 21

HEA alumnus PJ Tucker and his Beaver Country Day team defeated host Rivers School 52-50.  Sophomore Keyshaun Jacobs hit the game winning 3 to give BCDS the victory in the closing seconds of the game.  Tucker played tremendous defense off the bench, and contributed with timely scores.

Seacoast Classic – December 20-21

HEA alumnus Sultan Olusekun and his Belmont Hill squad participated in the Seacoast Classic event going 0-4, with losses against Hotchkiss School, Avon Old Farms, Brunswick School, and Brimmer and May.

BH-RL Holiday Tournament – December 27-28

The following week Olusekun’s Belmont Hill team competed in the Belmont Hill-Roxbury Latin Holiday Tournament.  On day 1 Belmont lost a hard fought contest to Brimmer and May 64-61.  Later on that afternoon Belmont defeated St. Sebastian’s School 38-37.  On day 2 Olusekun’s squad fell to Master’s School 55-42.

Shooting Touch Shoutout – December 27-28

HEA alumnus Charles Mitchell and New Mission High School fell to St. Joseph (NJ) 71-49.  St. Joseph was led by 7’1″ Karl Townes Jr. (#6 ranked prospect in 2014 ESPN 100).  Townes, who is signed to play for Kentucky next fall finished with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 6 blocks.  HEA alumnus Jovani Harper and Charlestown fell to perennial powerhouse St. Anthony’s (NJ) 66-38.  Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley continues his dominance while playing in the state of Massachusetts.

BABC Holiday Classic – December 27-29

On day 1 Charles Mitchell and New Mission High School defeated 2013 division 1 New Hampshire state champion Bishop Guertin High School 67-48.  HEA alumni Isaiah McLeod and Jakigh Dottin of Cambridge Rindge and Latin defeated Chris Baldwin’s Springfield Central 78-46.  McLeod led the way for Cambridge while Baldwin finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks.  On day 2 Malone and Stewart were back in action as Putnam defeated McLeod, Dottin and Cambridge 62-47.  Malone finished with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while McLeod finished with 14 points.  On day 3 #1 Putnam defeated #6 New Mission 69-52 in an MIAA showdown for the events final game.  Malone finished with 6 points for Putnam, while Mitchell finished with 5 points for New Mission.