NEPSAC Tourney Preview and Notes on NH Kids

I know we have a small crowd of NEPSAC fans on the forum - but - there are some former NHIAA kids who are not only playing in this tourney, but leading their teams at their respective positions.

Here's my preview: http://nhsportspage.com/display_full_story.php?story_id=1088

Kaleb Joseph from Nashua is being courted by the likes of Providence, Pitt, Duke and many others. Between him and Jalen Adams they have been called one of the best backcourts in the country. Joseph is a 4 or 5 star recruit who'll be playing big time college ball...

Dmitri Floras of Merrimack has been getting high praise from his coach at Vermont Academy all year. He's really flourished in their system and is one of their top scorers night in and night out and also leader in assists. Really having a nice season and VA has a chance to do some damage in the Class AA tourney.

Devin Gilligan from Amherst has also been a leader for Kimball Union who has pulled some of the bigger upsets this season. When he went down with an injury halfway through the season they weren't the same. He's back now and is providing a punch with their stud big man Abdul-Malik Abu. KUA is a real threat to win this tournament.

New Hampton has a few homegrown players including reserves Mike LeBlanc (Dover) and Trevor Glassman (Bedford). Mike Auger from Hopkington is a regular contributor and does work on the glass for the Huskies.

Duncan Robertson is a NH kid who's played private ball his entire career. He's really blossomed at Phillips Exeter and one of their most dangerous players. They are the favorite to win it all and are undefeated in Class A play.

Ian Sistare (Manchester) runs the show for Northfield Mount Hermon, the #2 seed in Class AAA. While he doesn't put up huge stats every night, as a reclassified Freshman he's been a huge part of their success according to Brett Sellingham at BST. NMH also has Colin McManus from Bedford who hasn't seen a ton of court time but his time will come.

I'm sure there are a few others, but those are the guys that have made the most noise for their respective clubs this year. The NH Prep Teams are once again some of the best in the country and Brewster will be back at the National Prep Championship tournament in March to defend their crown. Between Brewster, Kimball Union, New Hampton and Phillips Exeter, there is a good chance NH teams could sweep the NEPSAC tourneys.

Jalen Adams, a 4/5 star recruit from MA hit this game winner for Cushing yesterday afternoon. I was there and it was probably one of most exciting plays I've ever witnessed live. A great game that Cushing trailed by 5 in the final minute of. Jalen is the tandem to Kaleb Joseph in Cushings vaunted back court.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL20JLQlfW8&feature=youtu.be

Another note from the tourney (we'll have full game recaps w/player interview vids on NHSportsPage later today) - Duncan Robinson from Newcastle, NH was perfect from the field for Phillips Exeter yesterday. I believe he was 5/5 from 3 (all from NBA range) and scored over 20 points to get the MVP of the game. PEA had a fantastic season winning the Class A championship in convincing fashion, and even beat Class AA Champ Cushing in the regular season.