Paul Pintella Jr. Memorial Classic Top Performers Part 1
Hunter Johnson
Basketball Spotlight hosted the 2nd Annual Paul Pintella Jr. Memorial Classic took place this past weekend in Hamilton, NJ this event had some of the top middle school basketball teams in the region. Here is Part 1 of our top performers.
Paul Pintella Jr. Memorial Classic Top Performers Part 1
MVP- Hunter Johnson Guard (St. Peters)- Before scoring 17 points in the chip Johnson was magnificent in the semifinal matchup with Rahway Academy where he punched in 24 markers. Johnson spent the weekend punishing defenders in transition and finishing at the tin through contact. His body control allowed to convert several 3 points plays the old-fashioned way. On defense he was a ball hawk at the top of the zone or press.
Justin Lawrence Guard (St. Peters)- The lanky point guard has tons of potential. When he wasn’t scoring himself he was dropping dimes to Johnson and big man Xavier Fulton. His size allows him to see over defenders and his court vision is something to watch. On defense he can play the passing while also being able get it and go after rebounding the rock. He was placed on the All-Tournament Team.
Xavier Fulton Forward (St. Peters)- The mountain inside was a huge problem on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end his rebounding prowess gave his squad numerous second chance opportunities and cleared lanes when he decided to set picks. On defense he clogged the lane while altering and blocking a few shots. He scored 11 points in the finals.
Julius Wright Guard (St. Peters)- The kid with the money jumper lit up the semifinals game with 19 points including a pair of treys then he dropped another 13 markers in the finals. I like his fluid motion on his shot while also putting it on the deck and scoring in traffic.
Kabrien Goss Guard (Foundation)- Goss is a “Wanted Man” in Plainfield after clipping Hubbard for 32 points in the quarterfinals and another 30 markers versus Maxson in the semi-finals. He’s an opposing coach’s nightmare. His quickness his hard to prepare and he plays with a relentless style. He not only scores the rock in bunches but he also delivers the rock like the postal man. He’s also a pest on the defense end collecting several steals each game. “The Boss” was in full throttle. He made the All-Tournament Team.
Isaiah Barthold Guard (Foundation)- Barthold has a mean stroke from the perimeter and the confidence to pull it. He had to handle some of the rebounding responsibilities for Foundation and also score in the paint. He battled foul trouble in the semifinals but returned with a team high 17 markers in the championship loss. He took home the Sportsmanship Award.
Edwin Hall Guard (Foundation)- Hall was the third guard of this mean trio. He helped out with the ball handling and scoring. His big game was in the semi-finals where he tallied 13 points. I also like how hard he went after it on defense.
