Beantownhoops.com Fall Invitational Shootout Schedule

The inaugural Beantownhoops.com Fall Invitational Shootout is set for Saturday September 18th at Medford H.S.  Here is the schedule of games:

Pool A                                                                   Pool B

Acton-Boxborough                                                Malden

Medford                                                                Methuen              

Whitinsville Christian                                           New Mission

Time     Court #1                                              Court #2

3:00     A-B vs. Medford                                        Malden vs. Methuen

3:45     Medford vs. WC                                        Methuen vs. New Mission

4:30     A-B vs. WC                                               Malden vs. New Mission

5:15     Three-point contest (one participant from each team)

*15 shots per contestant, top three advance

*Top score in the finals will be crowned champion

5:30    Playoff A#1 vs. B#2                                    Playoff B#1 vs. A#2

6:15    Championship Game                                 Consolation A#3 vs. B#3

Gaetano Iacovone of Worcester North taking his game to Quinsigamond Community College

Iacovone was one of the top scorers and shooters in the area over the course of his career and will be taking the court this upcoming season at Quinsigamond Community College with his eyes on a college scholarship. He was deadly from behind the 3-point arc over his time at Worcester North High School, but also proved to be one of the best post presences in Central Mass as he was always one of the leading rebounders and defensive stoppers for North. Gaetano’s North High Polar Bears were one of the most talented teams in Central Mass the past two years, as he led them in scoring both seasons on their way to two consecutive Central Mass Division 1 finals appearances. He also won the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association award, an award that is only given to five Central Mass. seniors each year. In addition to this award, Iacovone was also a 1000 point scorer for North, dropping in his 1000th point on his way to 21 points on 5 three-pointers in a mid-season victory over defending Division 1 state champion St. John’s. The progress of the 6’4, 210 pound guard/forward forward from Worcester will be worth taking note of for college coaches and basketball fans alike as the former Worcester Telegram & Gazette Super Teamer will look to expand his already glowing reputation as a lights out shooter to go along with his excellent presence as a rebounder and defensive stopper.

Interview with 2011 Brookline star Amber Dillon

2011 Brookline guard Amber Dillon is a special talent.  Last Saturday at our Showcase at the Cape, Amber was driving to the basket, crossing-up defenders, and knocking down jump shots from all over.  It is no wonder why she is considered one of the premier girls high school players in Massachusetts and a high DI recruit.  We recently caught up with Amber in some rare time away from the court this summer and asked her a few questions:

Beantownhoops (BH):  Amber how would you describe your game.
"I feel as though my game is explosive, quick like lighting on the court with the ball, weaving in and out of opponents exploding to the hoop. I think I'm a pretty good jump shooter too. Not to mention I'm like a magnet to a player with my defense. I try to smother whoever I'm playing to stop them from scoring. So with that being said, I think I'm a solid all around ball player."

BH:   What have you been the most proud of in your basketball career to this point?
"Playing for Team USA in the Junior Olympics in Europe, with the People to People Sports Ambassador Program. Even though my team won a bronze medal, it was the best experience ever to play against so many different countries from all over the world.  I was recently inaugurated for one of the top elite AAU Players for 2010 for the United States and will also be appearing in the inaugural edition of "The Best Basketball Players of AAU". "

BH:   What players have you watched that inspire your play?
"Michael Jordan - I didn't really watch his games, but I've watched some of his old DVD's. After watching them, I said to myself that I want to play just like him. Not only does his game inspire me, but his attitude of wanting to be better is what really inspires me.
Rajon Rondo - Rondo is a general on the court and always gets his way, defensively and offensively. He has turned into a special point guard whom I've learned from. I pull certain things from his game down to my game to have the upper advantage amongst my opponents. I'm just one of his many fans, but I'm also a student of his game, learning any and everything from him.
Diana Turasi - She is one talented female basketball player, she's like the Michael Jordan of the WNBA. Her game inspires mine because she's a soldier out on the court. She does not let a hand in her face throw her shot off. To me she's a special player who some day I would love to play against.
Candice Parker - The way she dominates games always inspires me to dominate."

BH:   What people have been the most influential in your life?
"My family are the people who have been the most influential in my life. They always have my best interest, and/or back me up in what ever decision I make. They have never givien up on me and have always told me that I can do it, and continue to encourage me to do better for myself. I really thank them for everything, because they have impacted my life by keeping me humbled and disciplined. Being humble and disciplined are one of the two attributes needed in life and my parents have also taught me not to be a selfish person and not to take advantage of no one. The influence that they have brought to my life has made me who I am today and for that I love and thank them dearly for that. "

BH:  Tell the readers of Beantownhoops.com something that people might not know about you.
"What many people may not know about me is I have a silent passion for writing and producing music. Just this year I decided to pursue my passion and take a course to enhance what I already know and have loved it ever since. Who knows what the future will take with this but I am enjoying it now."

At this point Amber is still deciding on which college to attend, but in the meantime, you can be sure she will be working hard on her game and looks to take Brookline to greater heights this season.