2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic

The Springfield Student January 17, 2022

Est. 1910 scstudentmedia.com // @TheSpfldStudent

SPECIAL EDITION

Winners/Finalists for five Society of Professional Journalist (SPJ) awards in 2021

The 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic Presented by Eastbay

Coverage from The Springfield Student newspaper in partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame

Joe Arruda/The Student

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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Meet The Staff

The Springfield Student Hoophall Coverage Team (L to R): Front: Aimee Crawford, Collin Atwood, Irene Rotondo, Joe Arruda, Daniel Curren, Cait Kemp. Back: Carley Crain, Garrett Cote, Nico Fiscella, Chris Gionta. (Chris Evans/Springfield College Marketing and Communications)

Joe Arruda Senior @joearruda9

Irene Rotondo Senior @irenerrotondo

Aimee Crawford Advisor @AimeeJCrawford

Cait Kemp Junior @caitlinkemp09

Collin Atwood Senior @collinatwood17

Garrett Cote Junior @garrett_cote

Chris Gionta Junior @Chris_Gionta

Daniel Curren Junior @daniel_curren

Nico Fiscella Junior @Nico_Fiscella

Carley Crain Junior @carley_crain12

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Photo Courtesy of Damon Markiewicz

Another Monumental Experience __ By Joe Arruda __ @joearruda9

I had the tremendous opportunity in 2020, as a sophomore, to cover the Hoophall Classic thanks to a huge effort from former Springfield Student Co-Editor in Chief Danny Priest and advisor Marty Dobrow, who established The Springfield Student’s relationship with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. When I was invited I knew the event featured loads of future NBA talent, was televised on ESPN’s networks and drew massive crowds, but my subtle knowledge of high school basketball left me naive as to what was to come.

In addition to spending time with the high-flying IMG Academy team as they toured the Hall, and seeing Jaden Springer play virtual one-on-one with Mark Williams, I sat courtside photographing just about every one of the event’s 30 games and

produced multiple stories for the Springfield Student-Hall of Fame partnership. I can vividly remember sitting inches away from what was perhaps the greatest high school team of all time in Montverde Academy, being engulfed by the largest crowd I’d ever seen as Bronny James and Sierra Canyon took over Blake Arena — twice — and watching LeBron read our paper from his courtside seat across the floor.

The screenshot from ESPN’s broadcast that we have plastered on a wall in our newspaper office shows the NBA superstar grinning as he looks at a photo I captured of his son that covered the entire back page. Above Bronny’s head, in large capital letters, was an eye-grabbing headline that read: UNTIL NEXT YEAR. Little did anyone know, we wouldn’t be back the next year. No one would.

Our staff wasn’t blindsided by the news when Hoophall 2021 was can-

celled. We had been sent home from campus due to a rise in COVID cases to end the fall semester, and were forced to start the spring in virtual classrooms. Nonetheless, like everyone else involved in this event, we were heartbroken.

Entering this year, the delayed 20th anniversary of the event, I knew I’d be the only returner from that 2020 group. I had large shoes to fill leading the charge. Thanks to Danny’s leadership, we left Blake Arena on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020 proud. Exhausted, but proud.

Leading up to this year’s event I fully immersed myself in the extraordinary content we produced two years ago, reminiscing with a tired brain jam-packed with nostalgia and excitement for what is to come.

With help from the amazing professors in the Communications/Sports Journalism program at Springfield College,

Director of Conferences and Special Events Kathy Smith and Greg Procino, Vice President of Events for the Hall of Fame, The Student is back and ready for another monumental experience.

Our coverage will continue Danny and Marty’s vision of getting to know players beyond their ability on the court. We will tell important stories in fun and creative ways, all while using the event as an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the industry.

It is a special moment walking into Blake Arena—a gym where I’ve covered dozens of games—and seeing it completely transformed.

I remember being mesmerized by the decals plastered on the doors and by the way every inch of the building is put to use.

It is an environment that is made and designed for the fans, but also made for television.

I cannot go without special thank yous to our

advisor, Aimee Crawford, Kathy Smith at Springfield College, Greg Procino at the Hall of Fame and of course, Danny Priest and Marty Dobrow. Without all of their help and guidance, we wouldn’t be able to continue the partnership that Marty and Danny originally envisioned. And, of course, to this year’s staff: Irene Rotondo, Garrett Cote, Cait Kemp, Nico Fiscella, Dan Curren, Chris Gionta, Collin Atwood and Carley Crain.

Long hours and sometimes immense amounts of stress, balanced with extreme excitement and gratitude, have led to this moment and I am grateful for the opportunity to see it come to fruition.

I won’t jinx anything with another “until next year” headline, but this fantastic event is here to stay, and I hope our involvement continues to complement it.

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Day 1: Local Boys

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Photos by Joe Arruda

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2022 Covid Mitigation Plan The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Springfield College worked together to create a plan that would allow the event to happen safely. __ By Irene Rotondo __ @irenerrotondo

The highly-anticipated 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay and hosted at Springfield College, has returned after the 2021 event was cancelled due to COVID. Though the organizations are thrilled to welcome back their supportive fans, teams, media outlets, and staff members, the Hall of Fame and the College have analyzed the pandemic’s fluid situation and created a COVID mitigation plan, ensuring a safe - yet traditional Hoophall Classic 2022.

Vice President for Basketball Operations at the Hall of Fame, Greg Procino, stated that the Hall has had a “can-do” mentality since the beginning of the pandemic.

“We’ve operated everything from bubbles, to controlled environments, to large entertainment events in large arenas,” said Procino.

“No one is an expert in this space, but we are leaning on some of our expertise from some of these other events that we’ve accomplished successfully to devise this mitigation plan.”

Though there are no COVID vaccine or testing requirements for fans attending the event, the Hall of Fame and Springfield College are following Massachusetts state guidelines and the City of Springfield’s guidelines regarding COVID proto-

cols, including masking and capacity limits.

Masks will be required at all times indoors, except when eating or drinking.

To make certain that individuals inside Blake Arena will be masked at all times, neither food nor beverages will be permitted in Blake and will only be available for purchase and consumption at certain concession stands outside of the arena.

The venue capacity will be lowered 25% for each day of Hoophall. There will also be a no re-entry policy for 2022, and there will not be shuttles available for fans from exterior parking lots unless requested for emergency or as a specific request for accommodation.

Ticket holders have been encouraged to use paperless transaction when purchasing Hoophall Classic tickets, and staff working in the box office will have Plexiglass barriers.

President of Springfield College, Mary-Beth Cooper, stated she is confident in the Hall of Fame’s knowledge in hosting large-scale events during the pandemic, and that she has worked closely with the organization to coordinate mitigation efforts with those the College currently holds.

“We worked closely with Greg Procino and John Doleva, CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame,

to design the safest way to hold this signature event for Springfield College and our guests,” said Cooper.

“The Hall of Fame has held a number of events in the past few months and has experience managing an environment in these difficult times.

I am confident that our team, consisting of Hall of Fame staff, Springfield College faculty, students and staff, will produce an outstanding platform for the nation’s best high school basketball players.”

Finally, to keep with social distancing protocols, the Hall of Fame and the College made the decision to block off the first row of bleacher seating on both sides of the floor to allow for space between the scorer’s table and teams, along with the announcers and media members on the other side of the floor. Fan seating will begin in the second row of the bleachers.

Additionally, rows two and three directly behind the team benches will be blocked for friends and family of each team for each game, with wristbands required for seating access.

The Hall of Fame and the College do recognize that despite their efforts, there is still an assumption of risk that those attending the event are choosing to take. This “assumption of risk” has

been stated on the back of the event credentials and posted on the Hoophall Classic website.

“We want to make sure that this event operates in the most normal way possible, in the safest conditions possible, knowing that this is not going to be perfect and nothing is right now,” Procino said.

All staff hired to work are required to be fully vaccinated, save for religious or medical exemptions. To avoid “locker room hallway congestion,” all post-game media has been given a single designated location.

If a working staff member or participating team member begins to show symptoms of COVID, PCR testing with a 12-14 hour return time for that individual will be available via BioReference, a lab partner the NBA and NFL often utilize. Any person with symptoms will not be allowed in the venue until results are received.

Participating teams are to arrive game ready to ensure they are only in the Arena during designated practice and game times.

They will not be permitted to attend scheduled games other than their own, and there will be no team overflow seating sections. Locker rooms and team benches will also be disinfected between team usage by a cleaning crew.

With the extensive, yet subtle, COVID mitigation plans in place, the Hall of Fame and the College expect an event filled with high energy and excitement like those celebrated in the past, but do recognize that the situation is fluid.

Procino stated, “Some of this protocol and plan we’re going to play out our policies have the ability to be intentionally fluid, sometimes that hasn’t been done in previous versions of it. Something that happens Thursday might not look the same

by Saturday.

“There’s enough experience inside our two groups, based on 20 years of hosting this event, that we’ll figure it out. And I think that’s what people are looking for, for people like us to figure it out and show people that this can be done,” he said.

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A Family Affair Baystate Academy’s Dion Byrd Jr. and father Dion Byrd Sr. have a player-coach relationship that adds layers to their life at home. __ By Cait Kemp __ @caitlinkemp09

Dion Byrd Jr. looks over at the bench, frustrated after an unsuccessful play his team attempted to run against the fast-paced Springfield International Charter’s defense. His coach yells something quick back to him, and he shakes it off and gets his head back into the game.

After the game, rather than the two going their separate ways and chatting about the tough play at practice later in the week, they will be going back home to air out the tensions -- together.

Dion Byrd Jr.’s head coach is Dion Byrd Sr. Byrd Sr. and Byrd Jr. are a classic father-son coach and player duo. Byrd Jr., a senior at Baystate Academy in Springfield, Mass., has grown up being coached by his father on the court.

Ever since youth leagues, Byrd Sr. has been along for his son’s journey in the game of basketball, and together they will finish their stint at Baystate Academy after Byrd Jr.

graduates and Byrd Sr. steps down as coach.

“I started coaching Dion when he was in, what, bitty basketball. Obviously being father and son we’ve had our challenges, basketball-wise, but he’s always been a good kid,” said Byrd Sr. Although it’s bittersweet for the pair to be parting ways on the court, the father and son are both excited for a new chapter of basketball within their relationship.

“I am actually looking forward to being just his father, and going out to wherever he plays in college if he decides to play, just go be dad,” said Byrd Sr. “I think it will be great for us, our bond is strong, I’m with Dion every day…I think once this is over, I think we will get even closer. Now I can just be Dad.” After graduating, Byrd Jr. is looking to play at the collegiate level. It will be the first time he hasn’t played for his dad,

Coach Dion Byrd Sr. (left) and Dion Byrd Jr. (11) during Baystate Academy’s game against SICS on day one of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay.

(Joe Arruda/The Student)

and he will have to find a new motivational factor for basketball in his life.

He is looking forward to a change, though, and a chance to discover his new identity playing the sport that he loves.

“Sometimes it’s hard for him to be my coach… sometimes [after] bad practices or bad games, I hate waking up and looking at him. No one wants to talk to their coach after that bad game,” said Byrd Jr. After tough losses or hard practices, it could be difficult to put their strong opinions aside. Yet, the bond they were able to build over the course of Byrd Jr. ‘s basketball career has been priceless.

They’ve both been able to cultivate a unique appreciation for the game, as well as a perspective on a coach and player dynamic.

“Growing up, it was just figuring out when he was being a coach and when he was being a father… I

understand when [to and when] not to talk,” said Byrd Jr. After a tough, 44-32 loss at the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay against Springfield International Charter School, the tension was most definitely present.

Byrd Sr. said, “Tonight, we won’t even talk about this game at home. We let it go, so we get to move on.”

Despite the difficult moments, the pair remain focused and are working toward the ultimate goal this season -- a state championship.

Back in 2020, the Baystate Bulls came just shy of making the state championship game and lost much of their season due to COVID last year. Vying for that top achievement is the end goal and they are on track to have a successful season.

Coming off two big wins against Easthampton and

Hoosac Valley at the end of December, the Bulls rolled into a solid 3-1 record to start the season.

Due to COVID outbreaks and cancellations their schedule was halted for a couple weeks, and Hoophall was their first game back after the hiatus.

Byrd Jr. scored a season high of 22 in his team’s first loss of the season against Wahconah. His ability to control the ball, create opportunities and see the floor has made him a threat on the court.

With his dad by his side, the pair are able to motivate each other to be better each day, both on the court and at home. In their closing season, eyes will be on the Byrd duo to see what they can do.

Regardless of disagreements that may sprout in tense situations, they do have one thing in common -- the drive to win.

#HHClassic

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A Vertical Ride A look behind the scenes with Mikey Williams and Vertical Academy ahead of their day two matchup against Westtown. __ By Garrett Cote __ @garrett_cote

As Abdul Beyah Sr., assistant coach of Vertical Academy’s basketball team, glanced down at his iPhone in the locker room in advance of their Friday night primetime game at the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay, he was overcome with a flurry of emotions. A full circle moment was unraveling before his very eyes. Shown on the screen of his phone was a picture from 2012.

A picture that depicted him after a game where he coached his son, Abdul Beyah Jr., and Mikey Williams when they were just eight years old.

Fast forward 10 years, and the skills that Beyah Sr. instilled in his son and Williams led them to a spot in the prestigious Hoophall Classic.

Not only did they have a chance to showcase to the country their remarkable basketball talent, they were also rewarded with an all-exclusive tour of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – each member of Vertical Academy’s roster and staff ’s first trip to the sport’s landmark.

“I was always with them when they were growing up, right by

their side coaching them,” Beyah Sr. said as he peered up from his phone. Following a short pause, perhaps reminiscing about those memories, he continued, “Now seeing them as young men doing as well as they are, it’s unbelievable.

“After everything I did, having them take me to see the Hall of Fame for the first time in my life is special. This game means so much to me. And they’re the reasons we’re here. These kids. They worked hard and earned a spot in this tournament.”

Now, Williams is potentially the most popular high school athlete of all-time, and he certainly knows and acknowledges that. Prior to tip-off of Vertical Academy’s game against Westtown School (PA), recognizing the pent up energy of the Blake Arena crowd, Williams gave way to his teammates to take the court first – leaving the sold-out 2,000 person audience practically begging for his entrance.

“This is how I do it, sold out dates everywhere,” he said before he jolted out of the tunnel to a deafening screech, a screech of relief cou-

pled with thrill from the long-awaiting fans.

Despite all of the national attention Williams garners – rightfully so – his calm demeanor is undisputedly evident.

Whether he’s nonchalantly walking onto his team bus mumbling the lyrics to Lil Baby’s “Freestyle”, a team favorite, as if it’s any other ride to a regular season game and not one to the birthplace of basketball, or strutting through the back door of Blake Arena belching another song while passing by security, he always remains calm, cool and collected, unfazed by the stardom.

Although Williams may attract the majority of the media’s surveillance, each member of the Vertical Academy team has an important role.

The 6-foot-9 sophomore Josh Hill is the team comedian, always recognizing when the camera is pointed in his direction, almost acting as a cue for him to say or do something funny. Junior guard Luke Strickland is by far the best ping pong player on the team, running the table in the SLAM lounge located at the Hall of Fame, confidently asking, “who wants to play me for

Mikey Williams warms up ahead of Vertical Academy’s game on day two of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented

by Eastbay. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

money?” An offer in which nobody would accept.

Uncle Pat or “Unc” as the players call him, is an assistant coach/volunteer for Vertical Academy’s squad. One thing about Uncle Pat: if he asks for something, he gets it. Always. After examining the bowl of fruit in the locker room when first walking in, he noticed something was wrong. There were no bananas. So, Uncle Pat did what Uncle Pat does, and went and told someone to get a bowl of just bananas. Not even five minutes later, there were enough bananas for the entire Vertical Academy team.

“That didn’t take very long,” Uncle Pat said. “I guess they don’t mess around over here.”

Regardless of “Showtime” Trey Parker being listed as the second shortest player on Vertical Academy’s roster, he stood the tallest in the locker room leading up to

their game Friday night.

Parker propped himself up on the bench, looking high above everyone as he listened intently to the pregame gameplan.

Roughly 30 minutes later, he once again stood the tallest – even above Westtown’s 7-foot-2 forward and Duke-commit Dereck Lively – as he soared above the rim to corral an alley-oop pass from Williams and flushed it with authority using two hands.

Following Vertical’s thrilling 67-65 win over Westtown, head coach Chandler Scott had one simple message for his boys. On a weekend dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., a man who dedicated so much of his life to giving, Scott preached that that’s exactly what fueled their victory over Westtown. Their ability to give.

“We did what King did.

We helped one another,” Scott said to his team

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postgame. “We have never had 14 assists before, and we had that in the first half alone! It’s the King!

He looked out for his people, and they looked out for him in return. We are looking out for one another right now, and we’re all eating good because of it. We need to keep that up moving forward.”

Once the team was finished collecting their belongings, free ESPN

merchandise and food, it was time to board the bus to head back to the team’s hotel. Considering they beat the No. 1 ranked player in the country, the aforementioned Lively, and Westtown, a loud, jubilating ride to the hotel was a given, right?

Wrong. Not a peep.

The exhaustion from playing 32 minutes of hard-fought basketball settled in. So, it was time

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for everybody to sleep in and rest, right?

Wrong again. A trip to Memphis awaited them in the morning.

“Set your clocks for tomorrow and be in the lobby at 7,” an assistant shouted before they exited the bus. “And you best not be late.”

The Vertical Academy locker room before its game on day two of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay.

(Garrett Cote/The Student)

Meet UConn Commit Donovan Clingan Donovan Clingan soars to the rim before Bristol Central’s game against Springfield Central. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

Standing at 7’1” and 265 lbs., UConn commit Donovan Clingan is an obvious powerhouse player for Bristol Central. At his school’s game on Friday at the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay, Clingan controlled the paint with blocks and rebounds despite constant, aggressive pressure from Springfield Central’s defense. Following the intense matchup, Clingan sat down with The Springfield Student to talk about life in and out of the sport.

How does it feel for your high school career to be coming to an end?

“It’s hard, I mean everyone looks forward to their high school career. This

is where I feel like it all started; I played basketball my whole life, but I was never good or never got the attention until high school. It’s only been a mile down the road from my house, too, which is nice, so that’s going to be different, but I’m ready for the next level.”

If basketball wasn’t on the table for you at all, what would be your dream career?

“Professional fisherman.

In the summertime, I fish maybe six or seven times a week. I love it, so…”

Who’s been your most influential coach in your life?

__ By Irene Rotondo __ @irenerrotondo

“Definitely Coach Barrett. He just pushed me to the level I want to play at; he was always there for me, off the court, if I need someone to talk to, it’s Coach Barrett. Don’t get me wrong; all the coaches that coached me throughout my career have helped me, like crazy, but Coach B has helped me a lot because of all he does for me off the court too.”

What’s the thing you’re looking forward to the most at UConn?

“Hopefully winning a national championship. Just running the game, knowing what I know now and getting better. I’m looking for a national championship, but to be playing

with Coach Hurley and all of the guys there that he’s bringing in and that are already there, I just can’t wait.”

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve gone without touching a basketball?

“I mean, COVID… I tried to go outside a lot, I’m always trying to be in the gym, but with COVID it was probably a week and a half, two weeks since I touched it. When I first came back, I was like, ‘Woah,’ you know what I mean? Just COVID, COVID ruined a lot.”

Have you ever had anything custom-made for

you because of your height? Bed, shoes…

“My bed, yeah. I got a California queen, so it’s extra long. Get a good night’s sleep on that bed.”

Who would you compare your game to?

“Oh, I don’t know about “compare to me…” I watch a lot of Jokic, Jokic and Embiid, I can shoot the ball pretty well like Jokic, I can pass the ball like Jokic, but back to the basket and stuff, I feel like I do a lot like Embiid.”

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Best Shots From Day 2

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Photos by Joe Arruda

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Ice, Ice Brady Isuneh “Ice” Brady made the life-changing decision to commit to UConn at just 15 years old. The now17-year-old is excited to finally begin her college career at the school of her dreams across the country. ___ By Irene Rotondo ___ @irenerrotondo

Like many children, becoming a professional basketball player was always Isuneh “Ice” Brady’s answer to the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

And still, like most children, she started off in a YMCA gymnasium at 7 years old, practicing how to run and throw a ball at the ground simultaneously.

But where Brady differed from the others was her immediate dive into the serious groundwork to make her dream a reality. She moved quickly through the ranks of youth basketball, beginning her club career at 9 years old and the EYBL at 13. From there, she earned playing time with Team USA, and college coaches started looking at her when she began

high school.

“Anyone that’s really in love with basketball, you find it at a young age -- that little girl -- and I definitely had that click, that spark when I was young,” said Brady.

“I just kept going with it, I just kept working hard. It’s all I knew, to put basketball first,” she added.

Brady recalls being 10 years old when she decided she wanted to play for UConn, and having already met one of her lifelong support system members and current Cathedral Catholic High School assistant coach Sophia Knight two years prior, she had all she needed to make that happen.

Knight has been there every step of the way during Brady’s career, on and off the court, and

the pair are extremely close-knit. For Knight, watching Brady grow in her sport has been a fullblown experience.

“For her, for me, for the two of us together, it was mind-blowing, because it’s something she said she wanted at such a young age -- you know, like, 10, and it was something that… every kid dreams to go to UConn, but to be with her on the couch when it happened, we both sobbed, like babies. It was super, super special,” said Knight.

Aa a high school sophomore, Brady committed to play for UConn.

Committing to college for a sport at 15 is a major decision for most high school students, especially when that commitment is quite literally across the country.

But for Brady, it was an

Isuneh Brady (25) drives to the rim for Cathedral Catholic on day two of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

emphasis on the hard work she had already done to get there, and a motivation for her to be even better.

“Instead of being like, ‘Oh, cool, I know where I’m going,’ I was so young that I wanted to keep working so my coaches wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, nevermind,’” said Brady.

“Once I signed and went on my official visit, I did get sophomore year senioritis just a little bit, because I knew it was so close… my coaches and support system do a great job of keeping

me focused though,” she laughed.

Brady, who is ranked as the No. 5 overall recruit and No. 2 post player in the nation by ESPN, looks forward to playing at the D1 level alongside women she’s looked up to over the years, but she’s also excited to be furthering her education at UConn. She hopes to either study psychology or journalism. They are quite different academic fields, but she has a passion for both.

“Being a basketball player, and also being African-American, I’m super

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January 17, 2022 into mental health, especially for athletes,” said Brady. “I want to look into that; when I started high school, I struggled with [mental health], especially after I committed, just all the pressure and the other stuff that comes with playing at a high level. Overcoming that, I definitely want to help other athletes that struggle.

“But on top of journalism and communications, maybe being a reporter -- I still want to be in the sport after the ball stops bouncing,” she added.

And “passionate” is just the word to describe Ice, said Knight. She’s always the one to bring together the “sisterhood” of her team, as Brady calls them, and Knight recognizes the morale Brady brings to her team.

“On the court, she’s always the first to hype her teammates up, she loves

it when her teammates hit a big three, or get an end one, loves picking them up so she’s there on the court as their #1 hype man,” said Knight.

“Off the court, she’s always one that wants to do the team bonding activities, and if the sisterhood and the bonding isn’t there, she’s the one to almost force it. ‘Let’s be together, let’s do this and this,’” she continued.

Brady is thrilled for her fellow seniors in their amazing college commitments. She’s been with the same girls for years, and couldn’t be happier for her “sisters” after watching them flourish.

“We’ve known each other since before high school, probably since fifth grade, so just seeing each other grow, and the main three of us… we’re all going D1, so just seeing each other from little kids, growing together

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Isuneh Brady (right) and teammate Julia Carquitan (30) before player introductions on day two of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

to all be D1, that’s super special,” said Brady.

Geno Auriemma, Brady’s future coach,

“

When I started high school, I struggled with [mental health], especially after I committed, just all the pressure and the other stuff that comes with playing at a high level. Overcoming that, I definitely want to help other athletes that struggle.

- Isuneh Brady -

attended her 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic game against Springfield Central High School, and watched his prized recruit rack up 22 points on the way to being named MVP in her team’s 72-31 victory.

Auriemma said that the 6-foot-3 forward has the talent his team is always looking for. “She’s a big kid, she can shoot, she’s smart, she knows how to play,” he said.

Brady noticed Auriemma on the sidelines, and it was just an extra layer of elation for her to be at Hoophall Classic.

“When I tell you I was really into it… it was really cool. It’s insane; when I was young, middle school or maybe elementary school, just watching other high

school kids performing at this level, and the fact that I’m that now is like, literally out of this world,” said Brady.

“It meant everything, and I do get a little nervous when [Auriemma] comes to games, so I was glad that we played well and got the dub. It was really awesome, and something special,” she said.

Brady is an amazing individual and athlete, loved by her teammates and coaches, and she will continue to shine in her athletic career --- even on the East Coast.

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Setback To Stardom Dereck Lively, the No. 2 ranked player in the ESPN 100 for the Class of 2022 and a Duke commit, put on a show at the Hoophall Classic.

Dereck Lively (1) flies towards the rim for a dunk against Vertical Academy on Friday night. (Collin Atwood/The Student) ___ By Collin Atwood ___ @collinatwood17

The Class of 2022 is full of players who have all-star potential, but Dereck Lively II towers over every one of them with his height and extraordinary talent on the hardwood. As Duke’s top recruit, Lively will bring his athleticism and his dominant paint presence to the Blue Devils next fall.

Lively (No. 2) will be joined by Dariq Whitehead (No. 5), Kyle Filipowski (No. 10), Mark Mitchell (No. 30) and Jaden Schutt (No. 47) , who are all ranked in the top 50 of ESPN’s Top 100 list.

The decision to choose to play for Duke was not a hard one for Lively. “My relationship with coach Jon Scheyer was just something I couldn’t turn away from,”

Lively said.

Jon Scheyer will take over as the head coach of the Blue Devils following the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski at the end of the season. Although this year’s recruits will miss out on playing for one the best basketball coaches in the game, they seem more ready than ever to start Scheyer’s legacy off on a positive note.

“When we get there, my whole class, we’re preparing the whole summer. We’re trying to take down the whole NCAA,” Lively said.

Getting to this level of stardom was not easy for the seven-foot-two center. His first two years at Westtown School in West Chester, Penn., were tainted

by a season-ending foot injury his freshman year and a season of COVID-style basketball his sophomore year. All Lively could do was work on his game.

“Being able to take that where no one was doing anything and work on myself, it just made me take strides,” Lively said. “As long as you stay in the gym and keep working on your game, it’s all you need to do.”

The hard work that Lively put in when no one was watching is exactly what elevated his game and the rankings prove it.

In January of 2021, Lively was ranked No. 45, according to Rivals 2022 Prospect Rankings. Five months later, Lively found himself

ranked at No. 14 and today he is ESPN’s No. 2 prospect in the country.

Lively did have to wait his turn, however. He played with some top-tier talent when he was an underclassman at Westtown. Franck Kepnang and John Bol Ajak were both seniors being recruited when Lively was a sophomore. Kepnang now plays for Oregon and Ajak is a redshirt sophomore for Syracuse.

“I knew that I was going to take my time and I had to play my role. I had to stay on my journey and not try to rush it,” Lively said.

He also played with Team Final, an AAU team, where he was teammates with Jalen Duren and Emoni Bates. Both now play at the University of Memphis.

Sharing the court with other gifted athletes was a blessing for Lively.

“Being able to be on a team with other stars just makes it easier for you.

You’re not able to get double-teamed, you’re not able to get triple-teamed, you’re able to play basketball,” he said, “Being able to find space and be open with other players that you know are going to make the right play, that’s the best team to play on.”

Playing with other stars isn’t the only advantage that Lively has had in his basketball career. Kathy Drysdale, Lively’s mother, played for the women’s basketball team at Penn State from 1988-1992.

During her time as a Nittany Lion, Drysdale scored over 1,000 points and helped lead the team to a No. 1 ranking during her junior year.

“Having my mom to be able to fall back on is something that I’m grateful for. Being able to have someone that I can go to turn to about stuff on the court and off the court is something I’m grateful

PAGE 14 for because really, not that many people have that.”

Lively said.

Lively had the talent, an at-home mentor and star players around him. The only other thing he needed was a program that would set him up for success – and that is exactly what he has at Westtown. Seth Berger, head coach of the boy’s basketball team, has had three former players reach the NBA. Georgios Papagiannis was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2016, Mo Bamba was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2018 and Cameron Reddish was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2019.

Each player was a lottery pick.

The NBA may also be in Lively’s future, but the next stop in his basketball journey will be at Duke.

After recording 22 points, 20 rebounds and six blocks during Westtown’s 67-65 loss to Vertical Academy on Friday night at the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic, it may seem like Lively doesn’t have much to work on. He would tell you otherwise.

“I need to slow down more in my game because when I get sped up, that’s when I make the wrong reads, the wrong passes,” Lively said. “Aalso, focusing on the inside and making sure I make that game as polished as possible.”

The Blue Devils know that they are getting a hard worker who is constantly perfecting his craft, but they are also getting a fierce competitor who won’t turn his back when faced with a challenge, much like the one he faced on Friday in fellow top recruit Mikey Williams.

“It’s also good to compete…being able to compete is something I’m always looking for. I’m not shying away from competition.”

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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Oak Hill coach Steve Smith during his team’s game against La Lumiere on day three of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

Changing Landscape A look into how some of the top high school basketball coaches think about high schoolers earning money to play through NIL and G League contracts. ___ By Irene Rotondo ___ @irenerrotondo

Since James Naismith hung the first peach basket in 1891, the landscape of basketball has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of unpaid athletics; many of the star athletes that carried the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic event on their backs could have the opportunity to be paid for their efforts -- without having to join the NBA G-League, and potentially while still in high school.

The states of Alaska, California, Nebraska, New Jersey, and New York all allow for full profit for high school basketball players from their NIL activities.

The drive for full access across all states is coming, and coaches are excited for their players to have the opportunity.

“I think it’s great, honestly -- these guys are what promotes the game, just like in college, these guys deserve to make money and it’s good for the game,” said Steve Smith, head coach of Oak Hill Academy.

“In Virginia, they can’t do that right now, but I think it’s going to happen because they have to let it happen. So we’re going to have a guy speak to our guys about it, going to come into campus and speak to them, let them know the rules and what

they can and can’t do,” he added.

The real issue before name, image and likeness (NIL) rules were changed was the pressure the G-League put on colleges to make competitive offers to athletes.

Colleges were only able to offer free rides and nothing more -- which is enticing to some, but the draw of having an affiliation with the NBA, and to make money right out of high school by joining the G-League, was more compelling to young athletes.

Kevin Boyle, head coach at Montverde Academy, stated that he thought most high school players

aren’t actually ready for the G-League right out of high school and would benefit from playing in college.

“The last 151 players that have played in the NBA -- Americans -- that were not drafted, 135 of them went to college for three or four years,” said Boyle.

“It might be a quick little money, but could cost yourself a career, or an education [by skipping out on college.] Very few 19-year-olds are ready to play in the G-League; you could ruin yourself being in that world too early.

“You’re not ready for it maturity-wise, you’re not

ready for it skill-wise, and your confidence will get eaten up. A lot of guys need to progress at the right pace, and if you skip steps, you often fall down the steps,” he concluded.

Now that athletes can benefit from NIL, it levels the playing field for colleges. By affording those colleges stronger teams, the NBA and the sport of basketball itself will continue to grow and evolve as it’s done throughout history.

January 17, 2022

#HHClassic

Day 3 Through The Lens

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January 17, 2022

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Photos by Joe Arruda and Collin Atwood

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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They’re Just Kids

The Sunrise Christian Academy basketball team in the SLAM lounge as they toured the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame during the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay. (Nico Fiscella/The Student) __ By Cait Kemp __ @caitlinkemp09

As the team walked in, all hovering at over 6 feet, they each held out their phone filming and taking pictures of what they were seeing. It was the holy ground, where all the best players of the game were enshrined. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Earlier in the day, Sunrise Christian Academy of Bel Aire, Kansas, competed in an overtime battle against Combine Academy on Day Three of the 2022 Spalding HoopHall Classic presented by Eastbay.

After securing the victory, it was evident why they are ranked as the number one high school team in the nation.

The cameras, reporters and fans were all over them. They were famous, even though they were 17 and 18-year old kids.

Later at the Hall of Fame, after their hard-

fought win, it was time to let loose. It was night and day seeing their focused, dialed-in personas during game-time turn into laughing, joyful faces while having fun at the Hall.

Despite being some of the most talented and watched players in the nation, they are still just kids.

As they toured through the exhibits, they took the time to size themselves up next to Steph Curry’s hand, scoffing at how small it was compared to their own, and Shaquille O’Neal’s shoe size – one that had them all beat.

They took pictures of themselves towering over the mere 5’3” cutout of Muggsy Bogues, resting their elbows on top of his head.

After looking at different displays and taking in all of history, the fun really

began. Representatives from the Hall quickly shuffled the team into the SLAM Magazine Lounge to unwind and prepare for an interview the magazine conducted with several players.

Magazine covers from over the years, donning the most impressive and decorated professional basketball players of the modern era, lined the walls. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James all looked down as the next generation of greats stood right below them in the room.

It felt too fantastical, knowing that some of the Sunrise Christian players would probably end up on that wall themselves.

The players did not seem to have those big-pressure thoughts in their minds, though.

A ping pong table, foosball table, and dual television screen set filled up the room, the dream set up for a teen boy.

Immediately they took

Sunrise Christian Academy, the No. 1 ranked team in the country, took in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame following their game against Combine Academy. over the lounge, partaking in every activity they could.

“We didn’t have social media growing up so this is all we did,” said one player as he served up the ping pong ball.

It was a relaxing change of scenery for the team, who had been traveling, practicing and playing for the past few days.

“Obviously, on the court it’s a different story, we’re getting ready for games and everything so it’s just season-wise, but off the court, I feel like this is even more special in a way because we’ve seen guys who have created this game so its huge,” said Sunrise Christian player, Gradey Dick.

After being the number two ranked team last season and making it to the national championship, they came just shy of achieving that ultimate title after a loss to Montverde Academy. Most of their roster graduated and moved on to the next lev-

el, and an almost entirely new team stepped onto the court for the 2021-22 season.

“This year, a lot of people counted us out because we lost almost our entire team, but we’ve come together and we’re playing well at the right time. I feel like we’re becoming a unit each and every day,” said Coach E. “The rankings, you know a lot of people have different opinions about it but we’re just trying to get better everyday, we really don’t pay attention to it that much.”

The fun at the Hall had to come to an end at some point, though. The team headed back to their hotel to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for another game at the Hoophall Classic tomorrow. Sunrise Christian knows how to turn on the switch. They will be back to their determined and focused mindsets as soon as they step on the court.

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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Hands-On Approach The Student sat in on a Montverde Academy practice and detailed what it was like from behind the scenes. __ By Collin Atwood __ @collinatwood17

Throughout the entirety of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay, Dana Gymnasium at Springfield College is used as a practice facility for some of the top high school teams and players in the country.

High school hoopers pour in and out of the gym as they prepare to step into the spotlight.

Immediately after Simeon Career Academy left the gym on Saturday morning, a sea of purple and gold made its way into Dana. Before heading over to Blake Arena, the Montverde Academy Eagles (FL) worked on their game plan for their upcoming matchups.

The Eagles go up against DeMatha Catholic High School (MD) today at 4:30 p.m. and face off against IMG Academy (FL) on Monday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m.

With their game just hours away, the Eagles held a practice to mostly get warm and perfect their plan for DeMatha Catholic. They started off with a mid-range shooting drill

while having each shot contested by a teammate.

Each player counted off as a shot was made; “One, two, three” and so on.

The gym was fairly calm until Drayvn Gibbs Lawhorn, a junior guard for the Eagles, attempted a windmill dunk that barely missed after it slammed off of the back of the rim.

Although that attempt gave the gym some energy, most of the intensity and sweat came from the man wearing a hoodie, jeans and casual sneakers: head coach Kevin Boyle.

Boyle was flying around the gym. Pointing and telling is not how he makes his players better.

He helps them by showing them what he wants done -- and he does it at full speed.

During a defensive drill, Boyle wasn’t pleased with how Dillon Mitchell was following his opponent around the court and stepped in to do it for him.

Later on in the practice, Boyle showed Derik Queen how he wanted him to set a screen.

Coach Kevin Boyle during Montverde’s first game of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

As Boyle set the screen on Queen himself he yelled, “Get big,” to the six-foot-eight sophomore forward. Coaching young teens with a superstar talent and a unique athletic build is not uncommon for Boyle.

Montverde Academy is full of highly ranked basketball players who all have bright futures. Dariq Whitehead (No. 5), Vincent Iwuchukwu (No. 11), Skyy Clark (no. 16), Dillon Mitchell (No. 18), Malik Reneau (No. 23) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (No. 24) are all ranked in ESPN’s top 25 prospects.

All of that talent in one room led to lots of encouragement to one another. Throughout the practice, players would applaud for their teammates and yell “Good shot,” or “Let’s get it!”

As Clark faded away and took a shot during a drill, Whitehead voiced a loud “BING-BONG” that echoed through the gym.

The shot went in, avoiding the rim, and the two Division I commits shared a laugh.

Boyle wasn’t the only coach who brought life to

the practice. The Eagles have another Boyle on the staff in Kevin Boyle Jr. who serves as the assistant varsity coach to his father.

Boyle Jr. attended St. Patrick High School in New Jersey and played point guard for his father.

After graduating, Boyle Jr. played basketball at Florida Gulf Coast University before coming to Montverde to help his father coach the Eagles.

At the start of practice, Boyle Jr. was dribbling up and down the court with a basketball in each hand as if he was warming up for a game himself.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree with Boyle Jr. running all over the court during practice, but instead of wearing casual shoes, he laced up with his custom Montverde Nike’s.

Before practice came to an end, the team took part in a light shoot around.

On the right side of the court, Clark and Kwame Evans practiced their three point shots together.

Evans is a six-foot-nine junior ranked at No. 3 on ESPN’s Top 60 list for the class of 2023.

Boyle called for a huddle at the end of the practice, and each player clapped as they rallied towards the middle of the court.

Each coach had something to say to the Eagles before they handed off Dana to the next team.

For the coaching duo of Boyle and Boyle Jr., their thoughts were consumed with the upcoming matchups.

“Listen with your eyes,” Boyle said, “make sure to stay focused.”

The most anticipated matchup of the two for Montverde comes on Monday when they play IMG Academy, but Boyle Jr. wants the team to be just as prepared for the game today.

“It comes down to who wants it…set the tone today,” Boyle Jr. said.

When it comes to assistant coach Rae Miller, he just wants to make sure that his Florida ball players are prepared for the New England weather. He wants the team to bundle up because “this weather isn’t good for anyone,” Miller said.

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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Fan Favorite: Mikey Williams Mikey Williams, a junior who has 3.5 million Instagram followers (including LeBron James), is one of the most popular high school stars since James himself. Williams put on a show on day two of the Hoophall Classic.

__ By Joe Arruda __ @joearruda9

Most of the Vertical Academy players took the court ahead of their Friday night primetime game against Westtown School at the 2022 Hoophall Classic.

Nearly every one of the 2,000 fans in attendance rose, phones out, ready to record the show.

Mikey Williams waited in the depths of Blake Arena.

Then, to the elation of fans young and old, Mikey made his theatrical entrance. He ran out to center court, and it wasn’t long before he was throwing up self-alleys and finishing windmill dunks in front of the capacity crowd.

The reaction was almost identical to when LeBron James arrived at the 2020 HoopHall event to watch his son Bronny play for Sierra Canyon.

Williams, a junior who has 3.3 million Instagram followers (including LeBron James), is

Mikey Williams dunks in Vertical Academy’s warmup before playing against Westtown on day two of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

one of the most popular high school stars since James himself. LeBron,

who was featured in a Sports Illustrated cover story with the headline

“The Chosen One,” was selected No. 1 overall in the 2003 NBA draft

straight out of high school.

Because of the crowds Williams and his high-flying teammates bring in, the Vertical Academy schedule is more like a band going on tour. The team played in NBA arenas earlier in the season – the Birthplace of Basketball was just the latest stop.

“No other team in the country is doing this,” Williams told The Springfield Student after his team’s win over Westtown School on Friday night, recognizing the comparisons to the current NBA superstar. “It almost reminds me of LeBron when he was in high school, so this is a dope experience – it’s history, really.”

“I’m blessed to be able to touch a lot of people like that in a positive way,” Mikey said about his millions of fans and the consistently-packed arenas.

Mikey is an entertainer until the moment the ball is tipped. Then, he

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

PAGE 21

“

If they’re not hating, you’re not really doing anything, right?”

- Mikey Williams -

locks in.

He’s ranked No. 11 in the ESPN 60 for the Class of 2023, but in his head that number is 10 spots too low. After the game, he said he was playing with a chip on his shoulder.

“I feel like personally I’m getting disrespected with these rankings.

There are not 11, 12 kids in my class better than me, so I feel like I got a point to prove,” he said.

“I really didn’t care, to be honest, a few months ago, but I feel like now it’s just getting disrespectful. I really gotta put a chip on my shoulder. You can see it when I’m on the court.”

He quickly took over in Vertical’s 67-65 win over Westtown, which featured Duke commit Dereck Lively II, ESPN’s No. 2 recruit for

the 2022 class. The two prospects with everyone’s attention fed into the moment and ended up tying each other for a game-high 22 points.

Mikey’s clutch play down the stretch helped Vertical hold on to a lead that continued to get slimmer.

“I feel like I’m the best in my class, without a doubt,” he said after the game.

Puma definitely recognized the attraction and hype surrounding Mikey when they offered him a footwear and apparel deal in October 2021, making him the first American high school basketball player to sign a sneaker deal, according to ESPN. While his competitive spirit -- the “dog mentality,” he called it -- makes the rankings feel like disrespect, his

popular social media is an avenue for a different type of hate. With every post, whether it be a highlight tape or a flex in designer clothes, comes hundreds of negative messages.

“I’m not gonna lie, the whole everything else, social media and all of that – that really affects your mental (health) and I kind of forgot it for a minute so I had to find myself again. I had to remember who I was and the work that I put in, because at the end of the day the work is what’s gonna get me there,” he said. “So I tend not to care about what people have got to say anymore. I try to stay out of conversations on social media, but I see the comments.

“If they’re not hating, you’re not really doing anything, right? I

Mikey Williams before Vertical Academy played against Westtown on day two of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

feel like if people have opinions on me and I’m being talked about, I feel like I’m doing something right.”

A reporter followed up with a question: “Do you ever wish you were normal?”

Mikey responded, “I mean, I do sometimes.

But at the end of the day, this is normal to me. This is a reality.”

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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The Livingstwins Chris and Cordell Livingston have an inseperable bond as twin brothers, and both of them are enjoying their senior year together at Oak Hill Academy.

Chris (left) and Cordell (right) Livingston during Oak Hill’s game on day three of the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic. (Joe Arruda/The Student)

__ By Garrett Cote __ @garrett_cote

Through all of the inconsistencies in Oak Hill’s twin brother standouts Chris and Cordell Livingston’s high school lives (attending three different schools in their four years), the one thing that remained solid – remained consistent – was their relationship with one another.

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Chris and Cordell were quite literally inseparable at birth. The two began and completed their freshman year at Buchtel High School in their home city before transferring to Western Reserve Academy about 30 minutes down the road in Hudson, Ohio. Following that season, the two made the move back to Buchtel before the final stop for their senior season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia.

“It was super tough leaving Ohio behind,” Chris said. “But having Cordell by my side made it much easier. We made it better for each other because in a way it still felt like home, having each other around.

“When you get to the next level, you’ve got to make hard decisions. It was kind of like commit-

ting to a college, going away and moving in with new people. Having Cordell was definitely nice.”

The connection between the Livingston twins is impossible to ignore. Even though Cordell doesn’t play a substantial amount of minutes for Oak Hill game-in and game-out, he is constantly the first one off the bench to greet his teammates during a timeout. And the first one he shows love to? His twin brother, Chris.

“We were always close, and we did everything together growing up and still do now,” Cordell said.

“Whether it was going to new schools together or playing on teams together, we were always with each other.”

Chris added of Cordell, “I mean that’s my twin brother, man, that’s my brother. We’re always going to be close. We’ve been around each other since the beginning. He’s a guard and I’m a wing, so we work together perfectly.”

After the 2021-22 basketball season comes to a close, however, Chris and Cordell will be split apart for the first time. Chris

announced his commitment to Kentucky in September, while Cordell is uncommitted but continues to field offers from high profile programs like Memphis.

“Just to stay focused and keep working,” Chris said when asked what advice he would give to Cordell as he embarks on his own journey. “We’ve always been able to keep each other in check, and just because we’re on our own doesn’t mean it won’t still be that way. I would just tell him to be confident in who he is and he’ll be just fine.”

Similarly, Cordell delivered a matching memo.

“Just to give everything his all. I know that if he does that, he’ll be able to accomplish anything he wants to,” Cordell said.

Chris’ talents were on full display at the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic presented by Eastbay, as the soon-to-be John Calipari-coached forward showed exactly why he is one of the more athletic wings in the 2022 class.

Late in the first quarter of Oak Hill’s game against LaLumiere School (IN), Chris skied high over the

defense to finish a layup off an alley-oop pass coming from a baseline out-of-bounds play.

A few possessions later, he took flight once again, this time on the defensive end to implant a LaLumiere layup attempt directly into the backboard.

After taking a hard fall, he bounced up and sprinted to the other end of the floor as if it never happened. Moments like these are exactly why Chris didn’t hesitate to make the jump to Oak Hill.

“I feel like I’ve been a highly-touted player since I was young, so I feel that people can really see me perform out here since I’m playing against the best,” he said. “Playing at events like Hoophall on TV, it puts you in a position to be the best version of yourself.”

The hustle Chris portrayed Saturday night was striking, and is something he knew would earn him playing time at Kentucky.

“If I play hard all the time I know I’ll play,” he said. “And Kentucky is one of those schools that everyone watches. The fan base and support is incredible, and Coach Cal

has done an incredible job to put his players in a position to have success.”

Because the two twins are both Division I basketball-bound, a one-on-one game could make for an intense, competitive battle.

Although Chris is ranked in the top 15 of the ESPN 100, he wasn’t too confident he would be the one to come out victorious if they were to duke it out on the court.

“He knows all about me on the court and I know all about him,” Chris said.

“We know each other’s tendencies out there from playing a lot of one-onone.”

Despite Chris towering seven inches over Cordell, Cordell was actually born a minute before Chris – giving him the coveted oldest brother bragging rights.

“I came out first,” Cordell said. “So technically, he’s my little brother.”

Just as they have been since the womb, Chris and Cordell Livingston will remain inseparable – even through their first long-distance parting they will soon endure.

#HHClassic

January 17, 2022

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Remembering a High School Scouting Legend Tom Konchalski, a well-known high school basketball scout passed away recently from prostate cancer. __ By Carley Crain __ @carley_crain12

Yellow notepad in hand, no computer, cell phone, or license, but he was always scribbling down detailed notes about high school basketball stars.

His calm and reserved demeanor brought a different type of energy to the game of basketball - one that will never be forgotten. Known as the “glider”, his effortlessness to ease in and out of gyms while simultaneously being able to tell you everything about a player was his trademark.

An empty chair will be at the scouting table this year during the 2022 Spalding Hoophall Classic. Legendary high school basketball scout Tom Konchalski recently passed away at the age of 74 from prostate cancer.

For the past 43 years, Konchalski’s presence has been adamant within all levels of the sport. His combination of knowledge, passion and empathy for players made his approach to recruiting special.

For a high school player, scouts and recruiters can be intimidating. Usually, a lot of pressure comes when playing at the elite

Photos courtesy of Adam Zagoria, NYDailyNews and Sports Buzz.

level, but Konchalski was known for his gentle and calming attitude when working with players, no matter what level of basketball they were playing at.

College coaches greatly appreciated his notorious HSBI Report that highlighted stats, players and rankings of hundreds of prospects. Many coaches, like Springfield College men’s basketball head coach Charlie Brock found his work to be extremely helpful.

“He recruited from the best players to one’s that could play at all levels, which is interesting in itself because sometimes people get in that realm where they just want to focus on the big time guys,because sometimes that involves more glamor or glitz,” said Brock. “But Tom wasn’t like that at all.

He just evaluated players and was very accurate.”

His eye for talent and detail was extremely unique as well as his unmatched sense of spotting skills on

the court. LeBron James, for example, was one of many athletes he scouted, dating back to his earlier days of playing basketball.

Konchalski made the trip to Springfield College for the Hoophall Classic many times, knowing the significance of the tournament and its impact on the sport for young, promising athletes. With no car or license, Konchalski would make the trip to Blake Arena either on bus or train despite being offered rides and transportation

by others. His old-fashioned, independent work routine was what helped make him such a great high school scout.

“He was always everywhere and went to all the games,” Brock said. “One game in particular that I remember was in Brooklyn to see a kid we were chasing. The place was packed as it was a playoff game and he was there. He saw me and came up into the stands to say hello.

He was just such a good, great guy.”

His absence this year feels eerie and strange, especially for Brock, who had a close, professional relationship with Konchalski.

“Tom was very much a big time player in the world of basketball recruiting, but never acted that way,” said Brock.

“He was always a very humble man. He would spend the same time with a small college coach as he did with a major college coach. He was always respected for his humility, integrity and his honesty.”

His persona will never be forgotten, especially at the premiere high school basketball showcase over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

(Joe Arruda/The Student)