SLAM Scouts: The Hoganz Classic


by Sammy Newman-Beck

This past weekend in Lynn, MA (also known as the east coast’s Sin City) was the 17th Annual Hoganz Basketball Classic. This year’s tournament yet again featured some of the best talent in New England. With new adidas-sponsored uniforms and a SLAM sponsorship to boot, it was only fit that we checked out the talent on hand.

While many teams were eliminated after the first day, some serious hoopers were in the building, including former NBA journeyman Rick Brunson along with former high school All-American Scott Hazleton (UConn/URI).

The following day’s games provided a basketball lover’s dream with players like recent Memphis grad Antonio Anderson and his brother, former UMass PG Anthony Anderson. Also on hand was Will Blalock (Iowa State/NBA/NBDL) and Dwight Brewington (Providence/NBDL) along with a bunch of former D1 stars like Tony Lee (Robert Morris), Dorien Brown (Jacksonville), Damien Battles (Central Connecticut), Tyrese Gibbs (UNH), Ridley Johnson (Toledo), Derek Coleman (Robert Morris), Corey Bingham (Toledo), Alex Owumi and Tony Searcy (Alcorn State).

Hoganz Classic provides the players and fans a chance to reconnect. The tournament’s high school section provides a chance for the younger kids to watch older players. Most importantly, though, is the competitiveness. You can still see in these players, who for one weekend venture onto the asphalt to maintain their rep and put on for their city.

*Sidenote—On the high school side keep your eyes and ears peeled for Lawrence Academy rising junior Shabazz Napier, who most recently tore up the AAU Nationals in Orlando besting Texas star Phil Pressey.