HEA has seen its alumni accomplish tremendous success in both the classroom and on the court over the past three years. As a result, HEA has awarded its first annual season awards, based on how each prospect played over the course of the season. Prospects had to be an alumni of Elite Week in order to be eligible. Congratulations to all of our alumni on a great season, and good luck this spring/summer on the circuit. Awards were separated into two categories, NEPSAC and State, for those prospects competing in one of New England’s state associations.
HEA 2014 NEPSAC Awards
Player of the Season: Unique McLean
McLean had a season that can only be described as one for the ages. Averaging close to 30 points a game, and eclipsing the 1,000 point mark for his career in only two years, McLean’s offensive assault on the NEPSAC this season was unprecedented. The 6’2″ sophomore led his team to a 16-4 overall record, and the #4 seed in the NEPSAC Class B Tournament. 2014 was Hoosac Schools first year competing at the Class B level, after winning the Class D championship in 2013. For his efforts, McLean was named the 2014 NEPSAC Class B Player of the Year, following up his Class D Player of the Year award in 2013. McLean holds offers from a number of mid-major schools, but look for his recruitment to skyrocket this spring/summer competing in his first season on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Breakout Player of the Season: Bruce Brown
Brown’s arrival onto the NEPSAC scene was a loud one, both literally and figuratively. The 6’4″ sophomore led his young Vermont Academy team to the NEPSAC Class AA tournament, while eclipsing the 30 point plateau on multiple occasions. Brown earned the reputation as being a high flyer, putting a number of his opponents on the proverbial mixtape poster. Brown was selected to the Class AA Second Team All-League, and received offers from BC, Manhattan, and UMass. Look for Brown to continue to see an increase in his recruitment over the spring/summer.
Play of the Season: Bruce Brown
Brown had two plays this season that defined his arrival in the NEPSAC. The first was his poster over a 6’9″ defender at the 2014 National Prep School Showcase. The second, a similar finish at the 2014 National Prep School Invitational.
BRUCE BROWN 2013 NPS HIGHLIGHTS
BRUCE BROWN 2014 NPSI HIGHLIGHTS
Defensive Player of the Year: Terance Mann
Mann led his Tilton School Rams to a 14-11 overall record, including a win over the 2013 Prep School National Champion Northfield Mount Hermon, and the #4 seed of the NEPSAC Class AA Tournament. Although some may consider the 2014 a bit of a down season for the Rams, the 6’6″ junior led the team in every major statistical category, anchoring the team on both ends of the floor. For his efforts, Mann was named to the Class AA First Team All-League.
Offensive Player of the Year: Sultan Olusekun
One of the most underrated prospects in New England, Olusekun has been the offensive leader for Belmont Hill for the past three seasons. The 6’0″ lead guard had a number of games over 20 points, including a 23 point, 10 assist double-double against St. Paul’s School in early February. Olusekun consistently created plays for his himself and his teammates all season long, earning a spot on the ISL First Team All-League.
HEA All-NEPSAC 1st Team: G – Unique McLean – 2016, Hoosac School G – Bruce Brown – 2016, Vermont Academy G – Terance Mann – 2015, Tilton School F – Eric D’Aguanno – 2016, Marianapolis Prep F – Aaron McLean – 2015, St. Mark’s School HEA All-NEPSAC 2nd Team: G – Sultan Olusekun – 2015, Belmont Hill School G – Christian Vital – 2016, Vermont Academy G – Tyree Weston – 2016, Cheshire Academy F – Chandler Jones – 2017, Commonwealth Academy F – Kimani Lawrence – 2017, Cushing Academy HEA All-NEPSAC Honorable Mentions: Ellis Christmas – 2016, Suffield Academy / Janard Jones – 2016, Newman School / PJ Tucker – 2016, Beaver Country Day School / Geo Baker – 2017, Buckingham Browne & Nichols / Audric Sandoval – 2017, New Hampton SchoolHEA 2014 State Awards
Player of the Season: Isaiah McLeod
McLeod led his Cambridge Rindge and Latin team to a 16-6 overall record, the #5 seed in the 2014 MIAA Division 1 North Tournament, and a #14 ranked finish in the ESPN Boston Top 25. The 6’2″ junior guard dominated throughout the season, averaging 19.3 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals per game. The highlight of the season was a 43 points, 6 steals, 4 blocks, and 3 rebounds, in a 74-67 win against Everett High School on January 28, 2014. McLeod was a 2014 All-Boston Herald Boys Basketball Team selection, and an honorable mention selection on the 2014 ESPN Boston MIAA All-State Boys Basketball Team.
Breakout Player of the Season: Tomas Murphy
Perhaps no player in all of New England had more expectations entering the 2013-2014 season then 6’9″ freshman, Tomas Murphy. Having been offered by BC, Florida, Maryland, Providence, and URI before his first ever game, Murphy faced a highly anticipated debut into the high school ranks. Murphy delivered from the 1st game of the season, finishing with 31 points against 2013 RIIL Champion Classical. Murphy battled through a mid-season wrist injury to help lead his Prout School team to a 14-9 overall record, and the #4 seed in the 2014 RIIL Division 2 Tournament, losing 49-48 to North Providence in the quarterfinals.
Play of the Season: Tyonne Malone
Malone was a newcomer on what was the 2013 MIAA Division 1 State Champions, having transferred from nearby Williston Northampton School, which competes in the NEPSAC. The 6’5″ sophomore sacrificed his own personal statistics to align himself with a deep Putnam team that had championship aspirations since day 1 of the season. The result was a 2014 MIAA Division 1 State Championship, an undefeated record of 25-0, and a wire-to-wire #1 ranking in the ESPN Boston Top 25. The play of the season was a breakaway dunk from Malone in the closing minutes of the title game, which sealed the championship for Putnam, and put an exclamation point an undefeated season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Solomon Abioye
Abioye, a 6’4″ forward who plays for South Boston, is one of the Boston City Leagues most prolific defenders. Although his team struggled this season, after making an appearance in the 2013 MIAA playoffs, Abioye anchored his team defensively. For his efforts, Abioye was selected to participate in the 2014 Boston City League All-Star Game.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jake Midura
One of the best players in Massachusetts that few people outside of Western Massachusetts talks about is Jake Midura. The 6’4″ sophomore guard averaged 16.6 points a game for a Chicopee High School team that finished the season with a 7-13 overall record. With deep range on his jump shot, the ability to overpower smaller guard, and an increased confidence with making plays off the dribble, Midura is one of the most versatile offensive players in the MIAA. Although the 2013-2014 season may not have ended with a playoff birth, Midura and his squad have plenty to look forward to in the future.
HEA All-State 1st Team: G – Isaiah McLeod – 2015, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School G – Sherron Harris – 2016, Melrose High School G – Jake Midura – 2016, Chicopee High School F – Tyonne Malone – 2016, Putnam High School F – Tomas Murphy – 2017, The Prout School HEA All-State 2nd Team: G – Keyshaad Dixon – 2016, Braintree High School G – Kendall Baldwin – 2016, Renaissance High School G – Brendan Hoban – 2016, Watertown High School F – Solomon Abioye – 2015, South Boston High School F – Chris Baldwin – 2016, Central High School HEA All-State Honorable Mentions: Jovani Harper – 2016, Charlestown High School / Jared Thorpe – 2016, Reading Memorial High School / Jakigh Dottin – 2017, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School / Charles Mitchell – 2017, New Mission High School / Marcus Zegarowski – 2017, Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School
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