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PROVIDENCE, R.I. –– Suffield Academy’s Miye Oni set the National Prep School Invitational scoring record on the first day of action at Rhode Island College.
The 6-foot-7 Yale commit, an obvious recruiting steal, scored 52 points breaking Shabazz Napier’s previous record of 41 points set in 2010 for Lawrence Academy. Oni scored 34 points in the second half and connected on 12 three-pointers in the contest, another event record.
Oni’s team, Suffield topped Wilbraham & Monson 88-65 despite 30 points from Kentucky signee, 6-9 Wenyen Gabriel. Gabriel displayed his varied skills in the loss, scoring from all three levels, and on one play ran full speed and chased down and blocked a lay-up at the rim. The NBA scouts in attendance were impressed.
Micah Potter, a 6-9 forward, was impressive in Montverde Prep’s 68-65 win over the Masters School. The Ohio State commit scored 20 points, was solid rebounding on both ends and displayed strong passing skills. Jonathan Isaac, the 6-10 Florida State recruit and top-rate 2016 recruit at the event (#13 ESPN), showcased his length and athleticism in IMG’s 78-67 win over Spire Institute. Isaac scored 25 points, mostly inside and in transition. He’ll contribute immediately for the Seminoles. 6-3 Tyrell Gumbs-Frater, who has interest from Kansas State, was impressive in defeat with 28 points.
Villianova-bound 6-10 Omari Spellman was the MOP of last year’s NPSI after he outplayed Orangeville Prep’s Thon Maker. This year Spellman once again led his team, this time St. Thomas More, to a 71-67 victory over Orangeville Prep. Spellman, who scored 20 points, showed a greater skill variety than Orangeville’s 6-9 Khalif Young. Young, who sports offers from USC, Texas, Providence and other high majors scored 16 points, all inside, while Spellman showcased an improved step-out game.
The NPSI, due to its association with NetScouts Basketball, has been in the forefront in bringing international teams to the event. This year is no different with four Canadian teams, GB Academy from Prague, Czech Republic and the Helsinki Basketball Academy of Finland participating. The Helsinki club, run by ex-NBA player and Utah Ute Hanno Mottola, feature 7-foot Lauri Markkanen. Markannen, headed to Arizona and viewed by Wildcat Associate Head Coach Joe Pasternak, scored 19 points in a 85-76 loss to St. Andrew’s, Markkanen needs to get stronger but showed a variety of skills including ball skills, shooting with range and passing. 6-10 uncommitted 2016 recruit Terrell Brown showed an improved game in leading the winners with 20 points.
Prague’s GB Academy earned a 64-56 win over St. John’s NW Military Academy (WI) behind 22 points from 6-4 Milos Jovic, a 2016 recruit from Serbia.
The NPSI continues on today, with ten games, and is on schedule despite the snow.
Carl Berman is Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball.
