WELLESLEY, Mass. — In today’s recruiting landscape, it’s never been harder for high school players to find landing spots in college basketball. That includes MIAA players, who are feeling the trickle-down effect as they pursue Division 3 opportunities.
That’s why the annual Northeast Senior Showcase has become such an important event on the summer calendar. Since 2021, it’s been a critical exposure opportunity for MIAA players, whose chances to play in front of college coaches are limited.
The sixth edition of the event was held Monday night at Babson College, where more than two dozen Division 3 coaches lined the practice courts to watch 38 rising seniors in the Class of 2027 compete and hope to make a lasting impression. This year’s roster may have been the most talented yet. It included a handful of the MIAA’s best players and most recognizable names.
The 38 players were split into four teams, each playing three 25-minute games simultaneously across two courts. Here are eight of the best performers from the night.
Thomas Denton, Masconomet
6-6 forward
Denton has established himself as one of the best players in the state over the last two years, and it’s easy to see why. Few players in the MIAA can match his size and skill at 6-foot-6. I was most impressed by his motor on Monday as he continuously fought for offensive rebounds, second-chance opportunities and even diving on the floor to retrieve a 50-50 ball. He also hit multiple 3-pointers and had an easy time getting to the rim against opposing bigs. He’s a matchup nightmare in the frontcourt.
Griffin Fudge, Arlington
6-4 guard
I don’t think I saw a better pure bucket-getter on Monday than Fudge, who has a smooth, repeatable stroke from 3-point range and got into driving lanes for strong finishes, including one impressive athletic up-and-under three-point play. I had him for at least five 3-pointers (he might have had more that I missed), including a confident jab step pull-up from deep. I also noted a hustle dive on the floor for a loose ball that led to a score, and strong, physical defense on the perimeter. His combination of size and scoring ability should certainly get him some D3 looks.
Zade Garron Ciberay, Plymouth South
6-4 forward
The best rebounder of the night? It had to be Garron Ciberay, who was straight-up swallowing boards on both ends with great positioning, effort and purpose. It included one stretch where he gobbled up two offensive putbacks in the span of three possessions, with one coming on a three-point play finish. I also noticed that Garron Ciberay was consistently loud and communicative with his teammates throughout every game, providing instruction and positive support. He also sprinted to a teammate to help them off after they spilled to the court. Those positive teammate intangibles are important.
Ian McGrath, Melrose
6-2 guard
McGrath, a Middlesex League All-Star last season, was one of the best shooters in the gym, and though he didn’t light the nets on fire, you could see the strong mechanics, the footwork and high, quick release on several of his makes that make him a constant threat. He wasn’t afraid to launch and he made a couple of difficult ones off movement. He also showcased a high motor, which included him laying out to save a ball rolling out of bounds.
Liam O’Brien, Melrose
6-2 guard
O’Brien was the perfect example of impacting winning at a high level without needing to put up big scoring numbers. He was everywhere – offensive rebounds, making the right passes and constant hustle plays. There was one stretch in the last game set where his effort to not give up on a play was rewarded twice, once in grabbing a steal in the backcourt and another where he tracked down his own miss for a bucket. He’s also a capable shooter from 3, which included an impressive one when he squared a catch-and-shoot make off some movement.
Jake Lyons, Newton North
6-0 guard
Lyons has long been one of my favorite guards to watch in MIAA with a lightning quick first step, speed with the ball and crafty left-handed finishing ability. He was consistently beating defenders off the dribble with his combination of jabs and quick moves, getting paint touches and spraying out to open teammates. He’s in complete control at his high pace and has an ability to make difficult finishes at the rim, which included one lefty layup that looked like almost a mini-hook over his head.
Tanner Manning, Ipswich
6-2 guard
The heart and hustle for the night goes to Manning, who never seemed to take a play off. I noted several times in which he found himself on the ground trying to make a play defensively, which included an incredibly athletic chasedown block and one offensive rebound where he came flying in out of nowhere. He was still playing with a high motor in the final game set. Manning was also capable in lead guard opportunities with his ability to get into the paint and make plays, including one where he impressively played off of two feet for a finish over a defender.
Elian Rodriguez, Salem
6-0 guard
Rodriguez was the star of the night, which should come as no surprise to those who saw him lead Salem to the Div. 3 state championship in March. He had the full package of his abilities working, from explosive drives to the rim, to elite shotmaking and high-IQ playmaking. Choose your poison as a defender against Rodriguez, who will kill you with speed and dribbling ability to get by you if you play him too close or drain a 3-pointer if you give him too much space – or he may create room for a pull-up himself anyway. Rodriguez can score any time he wants but I was really impressed with his playmaking and the way he shared the ball. He was constantly getting paint touches and finding open teammates with quick decision-making and perfectly placed passes. He had the ball on a string all night.
Quick shouts: Woburn guard Ethan Samuel was making impact plays throughout the night, including several athletic and difficult finishes and 3-point makes. … Oliver Ames guard Josiah Marshall is a high-level 3-point shooter, and he made several, but he was also crashing for offensive rebounds and making smart reads as a ball-handler. … I’m keeping an eye on Woburn’s Aiden Brown, a 5-foot-11 guard who was a confident 3-point shooter.
