i95Ballerz.com NHSI All-Star First Team

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Talent oozed in the NHSI.

April 5, 2011 – Last Saturday concluded this year’s National High School Invitational, the nationally televised high school hoop confab in which some of the best teams in the nation do battle. Georgetown Prep’s (MD) Hanley Center was jumping.

Of course a slew of talented student athletes performed, and did so well. Following are all-star teams, as developed by i95Ballerz.com staff, in conjunction with other knowledgeable observers.

MVP: Michael Carrera

Rumored to be possibly be headed to Maryland, Carrera, a junior forward, lent credence to the supposition he can play forward in high major ball, despite standing only 6’6” and weighing around 200 pounds: Carrera averaged over 17 points and close to 13 rebounds over the 3 games Montrose Christian played, on the way to a NHSI championship.

Mike Carrera was a beast.

Most of his work was done around the tin, where Carrera routinely outplayed bigger foes, including finishing in traffic. Aiding in this effort was not only a motor that didn’t quit, but strong hands and a true willingness to bang.

Going forward, Carrera must show an ability to step out to mid-range and hit open jumpshots, as that will allow him to be a three/four mix in high major hoops, not strictly a four man.

First Team

Quinn Cook, 6’0”, 165 pound senior guard, Oak Hill (VA) - Easily the NHSI’s leading scorer at 27 points a game, Cook, a senior guard headed to Duke, also contributed 3.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists each contest. As the focal point of Oak Hill’s offense, primarily in pick and roll sets, where he either shot from long distance, drove, or found open teammates.

Quinn Cook was almost unstoppable.

Cook displayed savvy and skills, both of which can be enhanced by greater physical development; Quinn must get stronger and quicker, aiding him offensively and defensively. In terms of stopping foes, Cook must apply consistent effort.

Tyrone Johnson, 6’3”, 185 pound senior guard, Montrose Christian (MD) – Contributing 18.3 points, three rebounds and four dimes per contest, Johnson was the NHSI’s best all-around guard, as he scored, dished, defended, rebound and led. Without his 21 key points and four assists in the championship game – many in the two overtime periods - Montrose surely would have lost. Finished well around the rim in those bonus stanzas.

At Villanova next season, Johnson must further develop his outside jumper. It’s not that he can’t shoot, but clearly enjoys getting into the lane and working, as opposed to pulling up and hitting that ‘J’.

Jacoby Brissett, 6’4”, 220 pound senior guard/forward, Dwyer (FL) – When his school needed something – a score, rebound, or steal, Brissett made it happen. To say he wasn’t spectacular would be ridiculous. Dropped 23 points, 5.5 rebounds and one assist over two games.

Brissett is also a gridiron star, headed to Florida next season where he will compete at the quarterback position. Jacoby plays basketball like a footballer, in that he’s fearless. If he decided to hoop full time – it was clear he wasn’t necessarily in basketball shape - the highest levels of the collegiate and possible professional realm of the sport would be attainable.

Jacoby Brissett was clearly one of the best players in attendance.

Justin Anderson, 6’6”, 220 pound junior forward, Montrose Christian (MD) – A high flyer who loves to punish rims, Anderson did just that, while also displaying the work he’s done as a spot up shooter. No longer is he simply a dunker. Anderson also rebounded well. His NHSI numbers – 14.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest. Add being the emotional hype-man for Montrose to his contributions.

That said, Anderson must continue that shooting work, likely concentrating on putting it up on the move, while also handling the ball better. That development will ensure a successful career at Maryland, where he has orally committed.

Austin Rivers, 6’4”, 185 pound senior guard, Winter Park (FL) – Pouring in 31 points, nine rebounds and three assists in Winter Park’s singular NHSI game, Rivers scored from all over the court and in just about every situation. This occurred, despite being his team’s offensive focal point. To say Rivers can put the ball in the net is an understatement.

At Duke next season, he will have to be judicious in his scoring, while also playing better defense. Aiding that will be increased strength and focus. Rivers must also learn to find teammates, though in support of him Winter Park didn’t have many options.