2018-19 season: 20-7 Record, CHSAA Quarterfinalist
Key players to Watch: Malachi Smith, Luis Kortright, Gary Grant
St. Raymond’s Ravens have been preparing all summer to build off an impressive 2018-19 campaign. From early morning workouts to performing well in summer tournaments and preseason events, the Ravens have their eyes on making a deep post season run.
Many of their top returning players have improved their stock when it comes to recruiting.
One of the biggest risers on the team was Malachi Smith the junior who picked up tons of offers and interest after some decent showings at the CHSAA team camp, NCAA Basketball Academy. Smith also put the city on notice after his performance throughout various summer leagues throughout the five boroughs.
From earning Co-MVP honors of Dyckman’s High School division, to leading Team Dyckman to Nike’s NY vs NY championship. Malachi Smith continues to solidify himself as one of the top guards in the nation.
The 6-1 guard added offers from Quinnipiac, St. Peter’s, Dayton and Fairfield to go along with his current offers from UMass and Manhattan. Smith’s stellar play has also caught the attention of many high major schools such as Rutgers, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and more as these schools have shown a lot of interest. Penn State out of the Big Ten has been actively recruiting Smitb as well.
Smith’s offensive game continues to grow as he has shown to shoot the ball much better from the time we have seen him in the summer to the preseason. Smith’s progression and maturity will pay off huge for the Ravens this season as the Bronx native will look to take his game to another level.
Seniors Luis Kortright and Gary Grant will have big seasons for the Ravens. Coming off of where both made the third and first team All-CHSAA respectively, the senior duo will be key to this ravens squad.
Grant a 6-6 guard / forward was one of the top five scorers in the city last season. With his ability to score from the perimeter as well as slash to the rim. Grant definitely has an advantage over many players his size.
Luis Kortright a bouncy and athletic 6-3 guard will look to build off an impressive senior year. Kortright’s scoring ability and athleticism gives the Ravens extra fire power on offense.
The Ravens have been preparing well for this season by participating in Various preseason tournaments such as the Playaz Fall Ball invitational in New Jersey, Tru Ballaz invitational and the Test The Waters showcase in their home gym. We got a chance to see the Ravens on October 14th when they blew past Canarsie HS. From that game, we seen a squad that prides themselves on trap defense and forcing turnovers. On offense, the ravens have shown that they can flourish in transition.
In addition to the Ravens core group, there are some additions that could also contribute to this ravens squad. These key additions include 6-6 sophomore forward Kedar Davis, guards Eli Castillo and freshman forward Jireej Cole. Junior Dallis Dillard and senior guard Reggie Hudson are other contributors on this St. Rays team that more people should know more about.
Schedule Breakdown
The Ravens 2019-20 season includes many non-conference stops against some of the top teams in the tri-State area and in the nation along with some Key league games. All games are good but here are a few games that are a must watch this season.
December 6th vs Cardinal Hayes
The first month of the season for the Ravens will be big and it will start with a big Friday night home game vs Cardinal Hayes a team that dominated them in last years Archdiocesean championship.
December 15th vs Archbishop Stepinac at the PSA Cardinals Prep Showcase.
The Ravens have yet another test on December 15th as they will go up against conference foe and Nationally ranked Archbishop Stepinac. Major opportunity for St. Raymond’s as they will go up against UNC commit RJ Davis and Duke Commit Adrian Griffin jr.
December 27-29th Slam Dunk to the Beach invitational in Lewes, DE
The Ravens make their return to this tournament since playing in it during the 2016-17 season. It all starts when The Ravens face Cape Henelopen HS on December 27th. On December 29th The Ravens will face New Jersey Power Gill St. Bernard.
January 1st vs Bergen Catholic at the Playaz New Years Jumpoff
The Ravens will kick off 2020 with another Matchup against Jersey powerhouse In Bergen Catholic. This non-league game will be big for the Ravens as they will go up against a team that features Sophomore Point guard Will Richardson and Notre Dame commit Matt Zona.
January 4th vs Long Island Lutheran
The Ravens vs defending state federation champion LuHi is has a very intriguing matchup at the PG position between Malachi Smith and Illinois commit Andre Curbelo.
January 18th at Monsignor Scanlan
One of two meetings between two schools that are about 15 minutes away from each other. It’s always a big game when Rays and Scanlan go up against each other
February 11th vs Xaverian
If you seen Shawn Fulcher and Malachi Smith play over the summer then you know that this game will be one of the best of the season. This game has potential to be a future playoff matchup as well.
Outlook
This St. Raymond’s squad returns about the majority of their team from last season, and they have the potential to make a deep run in the post season.
Hoop Dreams NYC 
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