Cole Long, Dakelle Brooks Earn #NPHShowcase MVP, East Coast Talent Rising

I’m typing this up on our flight back to Toronto, in the middle of some rough turbulence and a shaking lab top.

Absolutely exhausted from a busy weekend, yet too excited to sleep on my thoughts. The weekend’s memories are still fresh in my mind and it would be a disservice to not speak on them immediately.

So here we goo….

As mentioned previously in my tidbits, these East Coast ballers undoubtedly earned their stripes over the three days at the #NPHShowcase.

The desire to learn and improve on their games was evident through attentive eyes in every drill and speech.

Top Prospects Game

The filtration process is never easy; ask any coach that has been in a situation where he or she has to make selections.

Nobody wants to be cut; it’s not a good feeling, but at the same time, it’s part of the process. Prospects must embrace failure, and use it as fuel to obtain their goals.

“Failure is part of the process” – Kyle Julius

The #NPHShowcase panel identified 20 prospects for the finale.

Dakelle Brooks, who was a load for defenders all weekend, unanimously earned #NPHShowcase underclassmen MVP, en route to a game-high 18 points in the loss to Team Black. Brooks is a 2016 6’2 combo guard playing for Auburn Drive in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The class of 2016 in Atlantic Canada is quite impressive in comparison to their counterparts.

Chris Towle impressed with his playmaking abilities, ending with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists in the Top Prospects game. Alex Carson, who displayed his versatility all weekend, added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Rowan Power was limited offensively, however did produce on the defensive end with six rebounds and a game-high three blocks.

Noah Giddings was a work horse for Team White, keeping them in the game, finishing inside.

Jordan Reid has improved his game every year, and impressed with strong finishes at the cup in addition to a sound pull-up game. After looking like it could end up as a blowout for Team White, Reid remained in attack mode and was integral in spearheading the comeback.

Jack MacAulay made a strong argument for establishing himself as the best passer in the tournament, pass first PG, finished with four assists in his final game.

For the upperclassmen, it was Newfoundland’s Cole Long who was named #NPHShowcase MVP, en route to 11 points in the Top Prospects game, while displaying his versatility all weekend. Long is a 2015 6’6 SF out of Booth Memorial High School.

Matt McVeigh is no stranger to scoring the ball, and he turned it up particularly in the second half to secure the win for his team. Julian Roche and Bayden White were a force on the glass and the X-factors on the interior.

It will be a vital off season for these athletes, whether it be transitioning positions, adding strength and muscle mass or building a strong foundation with regards to their fundamental skills.

We have discovered NCAA & CIS prospects throughout this weekend, which we will continue tracking for years to come.

The Atlantic Canada basketball scene has a lot to be proud of and excited about.

The work doesn’t stop.

NPH Top Performers

Team Black

• Matt McVeigh – 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
• Brayden White – 11 points, 7 rebounds
• Cole Long – 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
• Julian Roches – 8 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
• Devon Rector – 10 points
• Jack Campbell – 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals

Team White

• Dakelle Brooks – 17 points, 1 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks
• Chris Towle – 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
• Alex Carson – 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
• Noah Giddings – 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
• Jordan Reid – 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
• Rowan Power – 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assists, 3 blocks
• Jack MacAulay – 4 assists, 1 steal

 

Special Thank You

• First and foremost, on behalf of the @NorthPoleHoops team, we’d like to thank all the parents for their efforts and support of the #NPHShowcase.
• Thank you to NPH East Coast Analyst Deon Wilson for continuing to play an integral role in growing the game in Atlantic Canada.
• Thank you to Ryan Dickison and Ben Morrison for all their assistance throughout the weekend.
• Thank you to all the college and university coaches that were in attendance to evaluate talent as several of these player’s will be suiting up for their programs in the future. CIS – Memorial, UNB, Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s. CCAA – UNB-SJ, Crandall