Biggest takeaways from local high schools competing in the Hoophall Classic tournament

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Fans filled the stands and eventually overflowed into the walkways, college coaches, chatting with each other, were sectioned off behind the home team’s net, and media members searched for the best view at Blake Arena. Everyone was there for one reason — to see the top high school basketball players and teams from around the country.

For some high schoolers competing in the Hoophall Classic, “it’s nothing new,” like Roselle Catholic’s Mackenzie Mgbako, a top recruit in the class of 2023, said. Others view it as chance to show who they are to college and NBA scouts.

“Like my coach always says, “It’s OK to be nervous,’” Westtown School senior Seyphon Triplett said. “But you can’t coach effort, so I just give my best effort, and I don’t worry about everything that’s around me.”

At Springfield College, the birthplace of basketball, nationally ranked high school programs from 17 states and Washington, D.C., competed in the annual tournament from Thursday through Monday. Of those teams, Philly and South Jersey had four schools take part — Neumann Goretti, Westtown School, Imhotep Charter, and Camden High School.

Philly and South Jersey have three top prospects in the class of 2023, namely Camden’s D.J. Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw and Imhotep’s Justin Edwards. But besides the glimpses of premier talent showcased on those teams, other locals thrived on the big stage. Here are key takeaways from those local players and teams in the tournament.

John Calipari will have the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class in 2023, and it features three locals.

The Kentucky coach recruited two of the most talented point guards in the country in Wagner and Robert Dillingham, who plays for Overtime Elite in Atlanta, as well as top wing Edwards, center Bradshaw, and Reed Sheppard of North Laurel High School in Kentucky, who is considered one of the best combo guards.

“It feels great; I’m definitely excited to play with that group of guys,” Wagner said Monday.

Wagner signed with Kentucky on Nov. 14, joining the five-player superclass.

“Mr. D.J. Wagner — he’s great, can’t complain. He can shoot, dribble,” teammate Bradshaw said. “He’s just all around a great person, grateful and humble. I really enjoy that from him.”

The 7-foot Bradshaw, who had offers from LSU and Oklahoma State, said Edwards would heckle him about making his college commitment while the two were playing at the Top 100 camp.

“He was like, ‘Man, just commit,’” Bradshaw said. “He was just telling me all this stuff about [Big Blue Nation] and what we could do and I thought it sounded really good. That’s my guy.”

» READ MORE: Imhotep basketball players Justin Edwards and Rahmir Barno sign national letters of intent

In less than two weeks, the top teams in Pennsylvania and New Jersey will go head-to-head on Jan. 28 at Hagan Arena.

And so will three future teammates.

Edwards said that Wagner had been “throwing little slick shots,” at him about the upcoming game, and while Wagner admitted to initiating the smack talk, both agreed all jokes will be set aside when they step on the court.

“We’re definitely competitors; we’re going to compete regardless,” Wagner said. “Once you step between those lines, there is no such thing as friends or nothing like that.”

Imhotep, which is ranked 11th in the nation by ESPN, is powered offensively by 6-foot-7 forward Edwards. But guards Rahmir Barno, a Florida Gulf Coast recruit, and Ahmad Nowell, one of the top recruits in the class of 2024, can build off Edwards’ creating floor space whenever he is doubled in the post.

Similarly, with starting newcomer Billy Richmond (a junior from Memphis with an offer from Kentucky) and Cornelius Robinson (a senior forward who’s committed to Albany), it’s no surprise that 13th-ranked Camden is averaging more than 75 points, even when Wagner and Bradshaw have had off games.

“I’m playing against my brother; it’s going be a really good game,” Bradshaw said. “We’re all really competitive. There’s a lot of matchups, so it’s going to be a really interesting and fun game.”

After No. 1 prospect Dereck Lively went to Duke this season, Westtown had some holes to fill in its lineup.

Two senior returnees — Triplett, who’s committed to Stonehill College, and sharpshooter Matt Mayock — have filled that gap while leading a younger group.

» READ MORE: Matt Mayock raises his game at Westtown, on his way to American U.

Triplett, who was honored as player of the game against undefeated Prolific Prep of California on Sunday night, is playing his best basketball this season. He credits his development over the last two seasons, after transferring in from Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, to head coach Seth Berger.

“I got the opportunity he was giving me, and I just didn’t want to ruin it,” Triplett said. “It was either switch or go the same route I was going and just not be where I’m at right now.”

Added Berger: “I don’t think I’ve had a kid do a quicker turnaround.”

Although Westtown fell, 71-33, to the No. 3 basketball program in the nation, Triplett, a dynamic 6-foot point guard, held his own, driving into the paint and creating shot opportunities for teammates.

“It’s really early in his journey,” Berger said. “He’s going to do great things on and off the court. Stonehill College is really lucky to get this kid. I think he’s going to impact their program right away.”

Neumann Goretti’s Robert Wright III also had a standout game as the Saints beat Vashon (St. Louis), 55-45, on Sunday afternoon. He finished with 17 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals.

The 6-foot point guard, who helped Neumann Goretti win district and Catholic League titles last season, is committed to Baylor as a member of the class of 2024.