2019 PJN Classic Top Performers

The PJN Classic is a basketball event to honor the late Peter J. Nascembeni. Peter was a Vietnam veteran, from Springfield, MA. The founder of the event is Peter’s oldest son, Tony Bergeron, former Head Basketball Coach at Woodstock Academy (CT) and now on the UMASS staff.


The event was held this year on October 26-27 at Notre Dame-West Haven (CT) and featured some of the following college prospects:

2020’s

 

Chase Anderson (2020) 6’3 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Anderson is back at WA for his PG year, after graduating in the spring. He is very good at creating his own shot.

 

Jadon Archer (2020) 6’2 guard, MacDuffie School (MA) - Archer’s strengths: quick, good vision, shoots it well, leader on the court, poised, has two speeds and can really go, athletic. Per his coach,hHe is a real nice young man, genuine and a very solid student. An impressive effort on Day 1 gave his recruiting a boost: Archer leads MacDuffie Comeback at PJN    The Hoop Hustle Day 1 Video Highlights.

 

Nashon Battle (2020) 6’4 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) - A talented wing with Ivy League interest and academic capabilities. He plays with a great center of gravity that allows him to finish through contact. A great shooter, his coach says he will average double digits in scoring this year.

 

Elijah Blackman (2020) 6’5 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) - Blackman is a big bully guard who seeks contact, then strokes the three as defenders are forced to back off him.


Eshete Calvo (2020) guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Calvo is from Spain. He is an excellent passer and plays with a good IQ.

 

Vondre Chase (2020) 6’5 forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Chase is a very quick and athletic and presents all the skills to be a scholarship player. He is a high motor defender, who competes at both ends at a very high level. He scores at all three levels.

 

Enoch Cheeks (2020) 6’3 guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Cheeks is a dynamic athlete. His motor is unmatched, which provides dividends on the glass. Great instincts on the court, and quickly becoming a consistent shotmaker. He is coming off of an official visit to Robert Morris. The #3 ranked 2020 prospect in Massachusetts per the New England Recruiting Report.

 

Fabian Cox (2020) 6’7 forward, Notre Dame-West Haven Post Grad (CT). Home Town: Hamden, CT – Cox is a strong, athletic, mobile big man who is active on the boards. He has an ability to face-up and score, or play back-to-the-basket offense with great foot work.

 

Ta’zhon Daniels (2020) 5’8 point guard, Hillhouse High (CT) – Daniels is a super quick guard who can score at all three levels. He is looking to lead The Academics to post season success. Daniels is a scholarship level guard receiving interest from Barry University(FL) among others.


Josh Davis (2020) 6’3 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Davis is a lefty with an ability to score from 3. He is a good passer who knows his teammate personnel and what makes the overall team successful.

 

Walter Defrtias (2020) 6’4 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) –  Defrtias has a 35 inch vertical which helps generate a hard-to-guard mid-range jump shot.

 

Ronnie DeGray (2020) 6’8 wing forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) – DeGray, a Colorado native, is ranked as Connecticut’s #2 Top Prospect in the class by New England Reporting Recruit. He is a match-up nightmare who can score from many spots on the floor, including a deep stroke. Great size, frame, shoulders and grit. When he gets it going downhill, it’s hard to stop him. Has multiple D1 offers.

 

Chris DeJesus (2020) 6’2 wing, Weaver High - DeJesus is an elite shooter who has added 10lbs of muscle since his junior year at Weaver. The added weight has improved his ability to get to the rim and score through contact. His ability to shoot the ball will allow him the opportunity to play at the next level.


Maliki Delgado (2020) 6’4 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) - Delgato plays very hard and uses his 6’6 wingspan to defend 1-4 and score over and around his opponents.


Ed Dennson (2020) 6’4 wing, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Dennson is a high flying wing who can at times also step out and knock down the three. He plays both ends with passion and leads others with his high energy play.  SCA Day 2 stats

 

Dyondre Dominguez (2020) 6’8 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Dominguez is ranked as Connecticut’s #4 Top Prospect in the class by New England Reporting Recruit. This lefty with a 6’10 wing span defends multiple positions and can score from all three levels. His coach, Jacque Rivera says ” Dominguez is as good of a player as there is in New England, and I’m not sure there is a more competitive kid in the Nort east. Thrives on competing, if you don’t believe, just check his EYBL stats.”

 

AJ Edwards (2020) 5’11 guard, Notre Dame-West Haven Post Grad (CT). Home Town: New Haven, CT – Recruits of CT named Edwards as one of the Top 20 Seniors in the state after last winter’s season. Edwards has the ability to score from behind the arc, on mid-range pull-ups, and at the rim, while simultaneously creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

 

Justice Ellison 6’5 swing, Windsor High (CT) - Ellison transferred to Windsor this fall. He averaged 27ppg, 6 reb 3 assists per game last for South Windsor High. For the previous two years he was named an All Conference player. He is a strong finisher, shoots it well and handles the ball.


Michael Eurquhart (2020) 6’6 forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) - Eurquhart rim runs, rebounds at a high level and blocks shots. In post, he can score over either shoulder.


Lawrence Foreman (2020) 6’9 forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Foreman is Rider University Commit and is no stranger to Connecticut, as he appeared in the state championship game last year for Windsor High. He scores over either shoulder and loves to be bang inside for rebounds. He also shoots it well from 15 feet.

 

Ben Fort (2020) 6’5 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Fort is an athlete and a defensive stopper who can defend 1-4. He has a developing jump shot.

 

Amani Gottlieb (2020) guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) –  Gottlieb has great athleticism which he uses to be a defensive stopper and rebound well from the guard position.

 

Aaron Gray (2020) 6’5 swing, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Gray is an utility knife, a mismatch nightmare. He can be a face-up 3, back-to the-basket 4 or a point forward. The Rhode Island native is a high IQ guy and willing passer. Holds offers from FDU, Wagner and UMASS-Lowell, to name a few. SCA Blue Game 1 Stats. Day 2 Transition Dunk Highlight  SCA Blue Game 2 stats  Most Outstanding Player Day 2

 

Trevor Green (2020) 6’5 wing, Woodstock Academy, CT - Green has a silky smooth game. He plays with great poise and pace. He is built today’s “positionless” college game. He has guard skills and forward length.


Kyle Hartley (2020) 6’3 shooting guard, Amistad High (CT) - Hartley is a lefty shooting guard with very smooth stroke and deep range.  Also has very nice touch on mid-range pull-ups.  He can play above the rim.  Late bloomer who is still developing a full skill set and still learning the game.  Hartley saw his first varsity action as a junior.  His shooting and size drew the attention of several D3 coaches and prep school coaches last season and at the New Haven Senior Showcase last month.  Gets it done in the classroom as well with 7 AP courses on his transcript.

 

Paul Hosey (2020) 6’8 forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) - Hosey is a long lefty from Atlanta who has a nice stroke and scores well around the basket.

 

Micheal Jefferson (2020) 6’6 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Jefferson hails from Texas. He has an extremely high IQ and knows how to play basketball. He has unlimited distance on his jump shot. When toponent’s contest that jumper, he plays well off the bounce. Holds a number of D1 offers.

 

David Jones (2020) 6’8 forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Jones is nicknamed “The Motor Man” due to the fact that his motor runs nonstop playing hard. He will protect the rim at all costs.

 

Jamon Kemp (2020) 6’6 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Per his coach, “Kemp is a DOG!” He is the son of former NBA player Shawn Kemp. He has an impressive 45 inch vertical leap. He is as good of a wing there is re scoring oat, above and around the rim. He has good jump shooting form and with time and space he can make them.

 

Zach Laput (2020) 6’4 guard, Notre Dame-West Haven High (CT) - Laput is a pure shooter, who is also capable of finishing above the rim. He has a college-ready body with tremendous motor and work ethic.  The Hoop Hustle Day 1 Video Highlights.

 

Cincere Lash (2020) 6’2 swing, Hillhouse High (CT) - This senior showed flashes of scoring assertiveness in the post season last year. Lash, with consistent scoring on a nightly basis, will strengthen the Ac’s attack. St. Joes (ME) and Rhode Island College are a couple of schools who’ve shown interest so far.

 

Darryl MacKey (2020) 6’2 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) - A combo guard with a 40 inch vertical leap. With his athletic abilities, he is hard to contain in the open court.

 

Cairo McCrory (2020) 6’6 forward, Woodstock Academy (CT) – McCory is ranked as Connecticut’s #3 Top Prospect in the class by New England Reporting Recruit. He committed to UMASS in August. The Minutemen have landed a long and athletic scorer who has the ability to go on scoring sprees with ease. He has improved every year.

 

Quinton McElroy (2020) 6’2 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) – McElroy is a lefty who has a valuable 6’6 wingspan.  You will often hear the “SHOOTER!!!” screams after he has been on the court for a bit. Takes and makes shots. His coach, Jacque Rivera describes his game as being similar to NBA Guard Mike Connley

 

Corey McKeithan 5’11 guard, Windsor High (CT) - McKeithan is a very athletic and quick play maker. He scores in multiple ways,  averaged 23 ppg as a junior. He was selected as All State last year, and as an All Conference player since his sophomore year. Committed to Rider University.  The Hoop Hustle Day 1 Video Highlights.

 

Quaran McPherson  (2020) 6’5 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) – McPherson came to WA bringing his Brooklyn toughness. He is a big guard who just makes winning play after winning play. He is a solid shooter who can turn 2 points into And-1 opportunities as he seeks contact like no other. 


Bryce Mitchell (2020) wing, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Mitchell is a knockdown 3PT shooter. He is super long, and with athleticism to match. A high level, two-way player. SCA Blue Game 1 stats. SCA Blue Game 2 stats

 

Jordan Mitchell (2020) 6’8 wing, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Mitchell played for Montverde Prep’s National Championship team before suffering an injury that has kept him sidelined for a bit. He has returned with his strong shooting ability and his slender build that allows him to be a match up nightmare for slower forwards and smaller wings.


Joe Moon (2020) guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Moon is a Bryant University Commit. He is a lead guard with great ball handling skills and can score at all 3 levels.

 

Devin Morales (2020) 5’8 point guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Morales is the typical high level 5’8 point guard. He has quicks, spins, stops and starts. He uses those gifts to create for himself and his teammates. Will knock down the open three when the defense back-pedals to survive his drives.

 

Femi Odukale 6’5 guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Odukale is a long, rangy athlete. He possess great anticipation on the defensive end of the floor. An elite level ball handler, passer and decision maker. Holds offers from a number of schools including, UMASS Amherst and St. Bonnaventure.  Oakdale named the Outstanding Player of Day One. The Hoop Hustle Day 1 Video Highlights.


Jaylin Palmer 6’2 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) - Palmer is a very good passer, who also loves to defend.


Justin Radford (2020) 6’7 forward, Notre Dame-West Haven Post Grad (CT). Home Town: Hamden, CT – An athletic forward with soft hands and explosive ability to finish in the paint, a solid college prospect.


Jaden Ratliff (2020) 6’2 small forward, Amistad High (CT) - Ratliff is a prospect for high academic D3 coaches to follow this winter. He possesses exceptional help defense skills, vision and instincts.  Ratliff used his length, motor, athleticism and IQ to anchor the defense for Amistad’s state finalist team last year. A four-year Honor Roll student with eight AP courses on his transcript, but looks like a player who could make a lot of high academic D3 coaches happy with his defensive prowess and smarts. The kind of player who does not always show up on traditional box scores, but fills the modern advanced analytics stat sheets.  When he is on the court, the opponent always scores less.

 

Jordan Riley (2020) 6’3 guard, Notre Dame-West Haven Post Grad (CT). Home Town: Windsor, CT - An explosive lead guard with a very quick first step, Riley has an all-around game that can take over any game he is in.  He has an ability to make shots off the bounce or catch, finish in traffic, and elevate to rebound with his explosiveness.

 

Valentin Romero (2020) 6’2 guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Romero is a bouncy, athletic, lefty guard, who is difficult to stay in front of and gifted in attacking the rim.


Cam Rowland (2020) 5’11 guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Rowland is an assassin from the perimeter, whether from the spot-up or off of the bounce. He has NCAA range right now and the play making skills to be a lead guard.  SCA Day 2 stats


Noel Scott (2020) 6’3 guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) – Scott is a lead guard who is TOUGH on both sides of the ball. He defends 94 feet and is a hawk when it comes to steals. Offensively, he is shifty with a number of moves to get past his defender and is a willing passer and who can make 3’s.

 

Shea Sheffield (2020) 5’11 shooting guard, West Haven High (CT) - Sheffield is a knockdown 3 point specialist, and turned head’s with a 25 point performance on Day 1 at PJN: Sheffield Scores 25 in a Close Loss vs MacDuffie  The Hoop Hustle Day 1 Video Highlights.


Amir “Primo” Spears (2020) 6’1 point guard, Windsor High (CT) - Spears averaged 27pts 8 assists last year as a junior.  He was selected as an All Conference and New Haven Register All State and CIAC All State player. He is a point guard who loves to lead, and has received interest from Providence college, Central Connecticut State, Buffalo, Bryant College and others. He attacks the rim like a New York City guard and makes other players better. Spears is a two sport athlete (football) who plays with passion.

 

Brian Stevens (2020) 6’4 guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) -  Stevens is a combo guard who can shoot the seems off the ball. He plays with pace, and turnovers are few and far between. High IQ, to match the Ivy League grades off the court. Brown, Princeton and Holy Cross all have eyes on Brian. SCA Blue Game 1 Stats.  SCA Blue Game 2 stats


Mondo Watkins (2020) 6’0 point guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Known more for his ESPN Top 10 highlight dunks (https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/mondo-watkins/NLJ_YGsFEea-8KA2nzwbTA/videos.htm), Watkins has begun to bud into a true point. Shifty and nearly impossible to stay in front of with the ball in his hands. He will need two continue to work on knocking down outside shots, but for now his court vision and ability to get to the basket at will, will do. High level instinct on the defensive end, true ballhawk. SCA Blue Game 1 Stats.

 

Timmond Williams (2020) 6’4 wing, Notre Dame-West Haven Post Grad (CT). Home Town: Trumbull, CT – Williams is long and athletic, and uses that to take big strides to get to the basket with ease.  He has been shooting at an improved clip, as well, and make plays off ball screens to get his teammates involved.

 

Chad Venning (2020) 6’10 center, Woodstock Academy (CT) – This 280 lb big man played his high school ball at the MacDuffie School (MA) which gave him the opportunity him to shine in his match-ups versus a number of high profile NEPSAC bigs. Accordingly, his impressive run of D1 offers started there. He is light on his feet and has great hands, and is a great defender with good post presence with his back-to-the-basket game.

 

Tyrone Victor (2020) 6’9 center, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Victor has a D1 body and the scholarship offers to prove it. He has been on a constant improvement curve, playing in high level NEPSAC games in the winter and high level AAU games for the past two years. The trend is his friend toward a very successful college career.  SCA Day 2 stats


Omari Webb (2020) 6’6 wing, Macduffie School (MA) - Webb is a long wing player from Medford, NY with a 6’11 wingspan. He shoots it decent, can drive it, has good bounce and is going to be good. His coach feels that he is under the radar now, but won’t be for long.  He is a team player, with a great attitude and makes others around him better. He is getting D1/D2 interest already. He is a senior now and his plan is to do a PG year unless he gets a suitable offer for the fall of 2020.

 

Hakan West (2020) guard, Woodstock Academy (CT) - West is a quick guard who defends 94 feet and has great shooting ability.

 


2021s

 

Eli Blackwell (2021) 5’8 point guard, Amistad High (CT)  - Blackwell is as tough, tenacious and competitive as they come these days.  High IQ PG who won the team’s leadership award as a sophomore when he helped lead Amistad to the CT State Championship game.  He was one of only three underclassmen in CT named All-State Honorable Mention last year.  Blackwell has a nice shot from behind the arc and a strong mid-range pull-up game to complement it.  He uses a nice combination of speed, strength, and skill to attack the paint to setup teammates with good vision in tight spaces.  He consistently demonstrates the “craftiness” needed for smaller guards to succeed at the next level.  Honor Roll student with 4 AP classes already in only his junior year. Press Break Video

 

Seidina Doukoure (2021) 6’4 swing, MacDuffie School (MA) - Doukoure is a reclassed junior from Bronx, New York. He is a long, strong and athletic guard/wing. He has a much improved shot with 3 pt range, can drive it as a slasher. He plays both ends. His coach says he is an awesome young man, who exudes positive energy and is a team guy. D2 interest for now and has academic flexibilty in being able to graduate as a 2020 or 2021.

 

Trevaughn Duncan (2021) 6’1 guard, Sacred Heart High (CT) - Duncan is a relentless worker who has added size to his frame since his sophomore season. He is a terrific catch and shoot guy who has added range past 20’ on his jumper. He is showing a much improved overall game, and will continue to work on the dribble drive with the left to elevate his game further.

 

Malcolm Duncanson (2021) 5’11 guard, West Haven High (CT) - Duncanson is a power guard whose strength is attacking the basket on offense and the basketball on defense.


Dashon Gittens (2021) 6’3 point guard, Weaver High - Gittens is a long, athletic scoring point guard with tons of natural ability. He’s a 40% shooter from three, and can also rebound and defend at an elite level. Last year as a sophomore he led Weaver in blocks and charges-drawn. Played AAU with Expressions, already receiving interest from D1 schools.

 

Kairon Hooks (2020) 6’4 guard, Notre Dame-West Haven High (CT) - Hooks is a long and athletic wing. He can score from the perimeter and is very explosive in transition.

 

Tuscan Onuoha (2021) 6’10 power forward/center, MacDuffie School (MA) - This 16 year old is from Sydney, Australia. He has a strong upper and lower body, works extremely hard, great attitude and is a competitor. He is new to basketball and in the past year he has made tremendous progress and will keep rising. As a post player he has back-to-the-basket skills and can power-dunk off of one step. He is developing a face-up game, needs to develop a more consistent shot with more range. Handle has improved a ton. Spent all off season in NYC with the Gauchos program. Strong student. D1 Interest.

 

Sammy Pinder (2021) 6’4 wing, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Pinder is a disruptor on defense with is 6’10 wingspan. He has the ability to bury the open 3. Elite level rebounder and a knack for always being around the ball. Already drawing MM looks, after less than a month in the states. The Bahamian products motor is a skillset in itself. He is averaging 12ppg, 6 rpg with good shot selection and a 56% shooting percentage in the 2019 pre-season. SCA Blue Game 2 stats

 

Caleb Sampson (2021) 6’1 guard, Sacred Heart High (CT) - A strong and athletic guard, Sampson does a little bit of everything well. Rebounds in and out of his area and can guard larger players because of his strength. Finishes well in traffic.

 

Connor Tierney (2021) 7’0 center, Sacred Heart High (CT) - Tierney has the NBA-sized frame and is vocal on defense. He has extended his shooting range and has developed good rotation on his jumper. He will look to add more post moves to his offensive repertoire during this junior season.

 

Lorenzo Washington (2021) 5’9 point guard, Sacred Heart High (CT) - Washington is a high level on the ball defender, a crafty point who controls an offense in the half court and pushes relentlessly in transition. He is also a capable shot maker who will look to become even more consistent with his perimeter jump shots over the courcse of his high school career.

 

 

2022s

 

Emmanuel Belcher (2022) 6’1 guard, West Haven High (CT) - Belcher is a heady guard who as a sophomore should only get better with more experience.

 

Javaughn Calhoun (2022) 6’5 forward, West Haven High (CT) – Calhoun is long and slinky forward with great upside and shot blocking ability.

 

Jeremiah Dorsey  5’9 guard, MacDuffie School (MA) - Dorsey is a highly skilled guard from Queeens , NY. He shoots it extremely well with deep range. He has great ball handling and decision making. He is a very smart player, who plays very hard and is an extremely hard working gym rat. His coach thinks that resembles current Boston Celtics rookie, Tremont Waters when he was a sophomore. He plays for the NYC Gauchos. Good student.

 

Matt Gibbs (2022) 6’0 guard Hillhouse High - Gibbs is a guard who can score at all three levels with a high IQ. After a summer slowed down by injuries, Gibbs is looking for a breakout sophomore campaign.

 

Eddie Langs (2022) 6’0 guard, Hillhouse High (CT) - Langs is a sophomore who can get to the basket, and is showing an improved 3pt shot. Langs will need to exploit both in order to increase his college-prospect stock this season.


Prince Samuels (2022) 6’4 wing, MacDuffie School (MA) - Samuels is from Windsor, CT. He is strong on his finishes and can extend to 3 pt range, but will use the next two years on building consistency in his shot. Good handle, defends well and rebounds both ends. If he becomes a consistent 3 point threat he will be a lock as a scholarship player.

 

Saliou Seye (2022) 6’9 forward, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Seye has high major talent. A smooth athlete out of the NBA Academy in Africa. A shot blocker, who can step out and knockdown the 3. Has the chance to develop into a guy who can play, and guard, 2-5.

 


2023s

 

Walt Andrews (2023) 6’4 guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Andrews has already begun to make a name for himself as an elite athlete, with great court vision. A slasher, who uses his size and athleticism to finish at the rim or draw and kick. With an improving outside shot, and developing IQ on the defensive end. Andrews is showing HM potential already as a frosh. SCA Blue Game 2 stats


Jaiden Bethea (2023) 6’5” Forward, Weaver High - Beathea is a skillful freshman big with huge upside. A lefty, he has a knack for finishing around the basket even in traffic and through contact. Already with good size, it’s fair to assume he isn’t finished growing. And as his coordination and skill continue to grow along with his body, so will his recruitment.

 

Devon Clark-Harrington (2023) 6’0 guard, West Haven High (CT) – Per his coach, Ty Sullivan, Clark-Harrington is arguably the best freshman in the CIAC. He is a strong lefty, who can play 1-3 and can get to the basket at will against older players. He will use his high school years to develop a jump shot game to complement his physical gifts.

 

Johnathan George (2023) 6’3 foward, Windsor High (CT) - Georgeous is one of three Windsor freshmen that varsity Coach Smith has optimism about. It will come down whether their skill development work ethic complements their physical gifts.

 

Martinie Kamga (2023) 6’7 forward, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA) - Per his coach Nick Couluris, Kamga is a young man with huge upside. He has only been in the States from his native Congo for a month. With great length and athleticism, once polished, Kamga has a chance to be a high level forward. He already has the ability to rebound, guard multiple positions and the feel when posted on the block. SCA Day 2 stats

 

Troy Mckoy Jr (2023) 6’5 swing, Windsor High (CT) - See Johnathan Georgeous (2023) comments above.


Anthony Solis (2023) 6’4 swing, Windsor High (CT) - See Johnathan Georgeous (2023) comments above.