Hoop Dreams NYC

January Showcases are a pivotal time during the High school season because they’re one of the last few chances teams have to play some big non-conference games and get a chance to be seen by many college coaches in attendance. Longtime grassroots coach and mentor to many athletes Karriem Memminger had his shooting stars showcase this past weekend at St. Francis Prep in Queens. I was able to catch some of the action lets take a look back at it.

Blair Academy 67, Northfield Mount Hermon 47

Upon Arrival for the Shooting Stars Showcase, Blair Academy headlined by Duke Commit Deron Rippey Jr. and Rhode Island Commit Jaen Chatman were up double digits against Northfield Mount Hermon. Blair Academy used its defense and size to hold off a hot-shooting performance from Blake Bastani, winning 67-47 over NMH. 

Chatman the MVP scored 16 points to lead Blair while Rippey Jr. scored 11 points.

Blair Academy was up 33-22 in the first half and was able to outscore NMH 34-25 in the second half

St. Francis Prep 79, Rutgers Prep (NJ) 64 

In Game 5 the host school St. Francis Prep went up against Rutgers Prep out of New Jersey.  The matchup in this game was Farefield commit OseoSemana Sacko against 5-star sophomore William Brunson. The terriers dominated this game going up by as much as 26 points in the first half. Brunson who heated up offensively in the third was able to close the gap at times for RPS but behind a dominant performance from Sacko who scored 27 points, grabbed 21 boards dished out 6 assists, and 5 Blocks the Terriers were able to hold off Rutgers Prep 79-64. 

In defeat, Brunson scored 30 points and earned sportsmanship honors. 

St. Joes Metuchen 77, Wings Academy 36 

To close out the Shooting Stars showcase, Andrew Kretowsky a 6-10 junior forward scored 17 points and grabbed 10 boards against Wings to continue their undefeated Streak. St. Joe’s Metuchen had a huge advantage with their depth and frontcourt size which had overwhelmed Wings Academy at times. 

Senior guard JJ Addison led Wings Academy with 18 points. 

Other Scores 

Roselle Catholic 67, Forest Hills 65 (OT)

Sophomore guard Chase Bray led Roselle with 17 points and earned MVP honors. Bronx Native Trevon Lewis added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Lions

Millie Titi Led Forest Hills with 19 points in defeat 

Knox School 66, Hotchkiss (CT) 61 

Kamryn Salters scored 20 points to lead The Knox School to the win over Hotchkiss. 

Malik Gasper added 17 while Brandon Varlack added 13. 

Jordan Ghee Scored 17 for Hotchkiss while Preston Merrick added 18.

Thomas Edison 56, Far Rockaway 48