1st Ever North Pole Hoops New England Showdown Announced
North Pole Hoops is proud to announce The New England Showdown, NPH’s first event hosted on American soil in conjunction with Vermont Academy.
Last season, Vermont made the trip to Canada to participate in the Sun Youth tournament, where they were crowned champions in Quebec.
This year, Canada comes to Vermont, as three selected prep programs from the north will take on three NEPSAC teams on American soil.
“We chose to collaborate with NPH because of innovation, passion and being well respected,” said Vermont Head Coach Alex Popp.
“We are anticipating a first class event in New England.”
The Showdown, which takes place December 17-18th at Vermont Academy, will announce the five participating teams (in addition to VA) this month.
Vermont, who will make a case for the top team in America, features two of the best Canadian prospects in Christian David (Top-5 in 2017) and Simi Shittu–the #1 prospect in the Nation for the Canadian Class of 2018.
In addition to the Canadian duo, VA boasts NCAA talent across the board–Jordan Nwora, Marcus Santos-Silva, Bailey Patella, Kendrick Gray, Will Brady–all who hold division one offers from high major to low.
Alex Popp, Head Coach for Vermont Academy, is excited to join forces with North Pole Hoops in bringing together the top talent from across the continent.
“High level basketball from the two best basketball countries in the world,” said Popp.
“Who wouldn’t want to see an uber-talented field from the two hottest places on the planet for grassroots basketball?”
Christian David has steadily improved during his time in Vermont, narrowing his list of schools down to five contenders–Creighton, Butler, Pittsburgh, Miami and Oregon remain as David’s top choices for where he will head next year.
Simi Shittu, who transferred from Montverde Academy this offseason, is the #1 player in class of 2018 in Canada. The Burlington, Ontario product is ranked #8 in ESPN’s Top 100 list.
Shittu currently holds offers from UCONN, Louisville, Marquette, Memphis, Syracuse, Texas and Washington to name a few.
“His willingness to work hard has been incredible,” said Coach Popp.
Both sides of the border will see Shittu and co. on full display this Winter, as fans will make their way to Saxtons River, VT.
