Rec Ball Awards Preview
February 25, 2020
Tyler Nagi ’21 Cam Erickson ’21
MVP:
Jackson Barry- The reigning MVP has proved again that he is unstoppable. Jackson has not lost a rec ball game since his sophomore championship game. He is easily the best player in transition, being able to get down the court in the blink of an eye. He averages around 20 points a game, but his rebounds and assists further the argument that he is the best player in the league.
Arya Mistry- With Arya averaging at least 30 ppg it is no doubt that he is one of the most explosive scorers in the league. His lethal shot combined with his strong drives and smooth finishes makes for a player that you do not want to face. Arya’s ability to get down the court and score in transition is another element to his game that is key in the success of Team Ramz.
Brendan McCaferty- Brendan is no doubt the strongest player in the league. When he drives nobody wants to get in front of him. Another player who can make the consistent three, he is a player who can score with ease, not to mention his strong defensive presence. Brendan has earned is spot in the race for MVP along with Jackson and Arya.
HM: Cam Erikson, Pete Bersani, Eli Richman
DPOY:
Aiden Hirsch- When Aidan Hirsch isn’t in foul trouble he is the best defensive player in the league. He mixes size and effort with uncanny speed and aggression for his size as a big man. Aiden has been averaging 5 blocks and 10 defensive rebounds a game throughout the season which has been a huge help for team Meyer.
Andrew Philbrook- Andrews ability to get up and block anything coming his way is unprecedented. He is averaging at least a couple blocks per game along with a good amount of steals. Andrews defense allows him to score easily on fast breaks, and get his teammate, Arya the ball easy in transition. Andrew has proved that he is one of the best defenders in the league through his ability to reject almost anyone coming to the basket.
Nick Choate- Standing at 6 foot and a couple inches, Nick Choate is one of the tallest players in rec ball. His size has proven to be destructive towards players driving through the paint. Another player who averages a few blocks per game, anything coming Choates way has the potential to be blocked. Another key part to Choates defensive play is his awareness on the court, being able to pick up guys in the infamous 2-3 zone defense that defines rec ball.
HM: Jackson Barry, Brenden McCafferty
Underclassman of the Year:
Chase Crandall-What Chase lacks in skill he makes up for in effort and size. Ever since Chase got cut from the Freshman basketball team he has been steadily improving putting time in on his own game. Chase has been averaging a whopping 9 points per game and 7 boards. Putting him on pace to be a valuable player, in the coming years.
Basim Majid- According to teammate Owen Primeau, Basims specialty is shooting. His ability to make the open three has helped push Team Townsand to a 6-1 record. The ability to make an open shot in rec ball is something that is heavily important in bringing your team on a playoff run. If Basim continues to score like he has been his future as a Rec Baller is bright.
Kevin Xu- On a Sophmore heavy team, Kevin leads other notable sophomores, such as big man Brenden McDermmot, and guard Jacob Bilinsky. Kevin’s ability to bring the ball up and shoot the ball has helped bring his team to the top of the rec ball power rankings. If Kevin continues his breakout season, he will prove he is a top underclassman.
HM: Elliot Seymor, Jacob Bilinsky
Newcomer of the year:
Syam Buradagunta- Getting drafted in the 6th round was the beginning to senior Syam Burguntas career as a rec baller. Now, Syam is one of the key players for the team Barry’s monster attack and there pursuit of a second perfect season in a row. Syam, since joining the rec league has averaged 14 points per game and 4 assists which has been key to adding support for Jackson Barry and Tyler Nagi.
Macy Joseph- Highly touted prospect Macy Joesph VI has made his long awaited debut as rec baller after a 2 year career playing as a school baller. Macy this year has been making his teammates better through having one of the best handles in the league and also making some of the passes in the league. While Team Last may not be the best in the league, Macy has certainly proved he can transfer his school ball skills to the rec league.
Best Duo:
Nagi and Barry- In their third year together these two players have once again proven their dominance. After going undefeated last year, and still undefeated through the later weeks of this season this duo is dangerous. With Jackson’s speed and Nagi’s big man play this pair of players will look to lead their team to back-to-back championships. Even when scoring their below average points this tandems presence is still felt largely on the court. (Written by Sam Schiffman to reduce bias)
Pete and Brenden- This is arguably the most unguardable duo in all of Rec Ball. When Pete and Brended are on the court together it is a nightmare for defenses. Brenden alone takes at least two people to stop, leaving Pete open in the corner where he can consistently drain his shots. With both players consistently scoring at least 20 or more points they are a force to be reckon with, leading their team to an impressive 4-2 record.
Cam and Aiden- This duo is the Shaq and Kobe of rec ball. With Cams ability to get to the basket and score, combined with Aidens ability to rebound along with his stellar defensive play make for a deadly duo. These two have taken their team from a bottom ranked rec ball squad to a team that puts up a fight every week, even if their 3-3 record does not reflect this. This is a duo that could potentially be dangerous in the playoffs and lead their team into the further rounds.
HM: Pat Kelly and Eli Richman