As many of the top prep school programs in the country were competing in the National Prep Showcase at Albertus Magnus College (New Haven, CT), this past weekend two of the top middle school programs in the region participated in the 2013 National Post Grad Hoops Festival at the New Haven Boys and Girls Club.  Smith Leadership Academy (Boston, MA) defeated Hillside School (Marlborough, MA) 64-58.  HEA alumni were represented on both squads, in what was a hard fought game from start to finish.

Smith Leadership Academy was led by Dominic Jones (6’2″, Guard, 2018) who scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half to lead the Panthers past Hillside down the stretch.  Jones solidified himself as one of the top young prospects in New England.  Maurice Works (5’10”, Guard, 2018) was instrumental for the Panthers out of the backcourt, pushing the tempo on offense, while creating multiple turnovers with his patented ball pressure on defense.  Kenneth Araujo (6’3″, Forward, 2018), finished in double figures in scoring, while using his high energy level to rebound the ball on both ends of the floor.  HEA alumni Julian Howell (5’11”, Guard, 2018) and DeVrae Burns (5’7″, Guard, 2018) both contributed with stellar defense and timely scores on offense down the stretch.  Darion Jordan-Thomas (6’4″, Forward, 2018) was a force defending the post and led the team in rebounding.

Hillside School was paced by Chris Doherty (6’6″, Forward, 2018) who scored at will on the block with jump hooks over both shoulders.  Doherty proved he is as polished a post player as any young prospect in the region, and one of the top young Prospects in New England.  Hillside School had monstrous size in the front court, including Jose Lara (6’4″, Forward, 2018) and HEA alumnus Martin Mann (6’5″, Forward, 2017).  Both controlled the paint on both ends, while effectively scoring in the paint.  The Bulldogs backcourt featured HEA alumnus Isaiah Holmes (5’5″, Guard, 2017), as well as Isaiah Godwin (5’7″, Guard, 2017) and Cameron Ray (6’0″, Guard, 2018).  Godwin led the group in scoring, while Holmes and Ray both effectively handled ball handing responsibilities and knocked down open shots.  Paul Durkee (6’1″, Guard, 2018) is a new addition to Hillside School, who displayed his ability to shoot with range.