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  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Cardinal Hayes Cardinals

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Cardinal Hayes Cardinals

    2017-18 Seaaon at a glance: 20-7 record, reached CHSAA Intersectional semifinals

    Players to Watch: Joe Toussaint, Adam Cisse, Jaylen Murray

    On October 24th, Iowa Commit Joe Toussaint made a statement by leading the Cardinals to their second straight championship at the Tru-Ballaz Preseason Invitational. In that game, he scored 30 points and earned his second MVP honors. With his performance, there’s no question that he is the leader of this team but there is also tons of talent with him as well.

    Sophomore guard Jaylen Murray scored 16 points in that game as well and he along with Toussaint have shown that they are one of the top backcourts in the city.

    We already know that Toussaint and Murray will be running the show in the backcourt for Hayes but there is more to the team than just those two. Senior forward Adam Cisse would look to make more of an impact on this team as he has expanded his game to outside the three-point line.

    Outlook

    A strong preseason has shown that Hayes has what it takes to contend for the CHSAA title. Joe Toussaint has been there before as he led Hayes to the city title back in 2017 as a sophomore and with the extra help that he has in his senior year, it’s a sure thing that He wants to end his career the same way he did during his sophomore year. With Joe Toussaint and Jaylen Murray running the show in the backcourt and a great supporting cast, there is no question that Hayes once again will be a force in the CHSAA.

    The Cardinals have a stacked schedule that includes some non-conference games at the Apparel challenge in January, the Empire Invitational, Primetime shootout and more. Look for them to test themselves against the top teams in the area as well as the country.

  • Cali’s Own Cassius Stanley Showcasing his talents on Both Coasts

    Cali’s Own Cassius Stanley Showcasing his talents on Both Coasts

    Cassius Stanley driving past as defender during the Slam Summer Classic last month at Dyckman Park. Photo Credit: Jeffery Armstrong/Visions by Jeff

    Playing at one of the top proving grounds in basketball is a rite of passage if you consider yourself an elite basketball player. Here in NYC Dyckman Park has become a proving ground for not just basketball players in NYC but players across the nation.

    The Slam Summer Classic Vol. 1 on August 18th was the perfect opportunity for many of these players from outside the NYC area to accomplish that goal. Out of many of the top prospects that played, many of them stood out and one of them was Cassius Stanley a 6-5 guard out of Los Angeles, California. Stanley showcased his high flying skills as well as some of his outside shooting touch. Cassius Stanley’s 16-point performance capped off an eventful two days in NYC. It’s also worth noting that Stanley’s Dyckman Debut was on his 19th birthday. After the game, I had the chance to speak to him and he spoke highly about his experience at one of NYC’s hallowed grounds . “ my first experience playing here at Dyckman was great the crowd, the atmosphere and the announcer it’s crazy out here”. Says Stanley.

    Stanley’s Debut at Dyckman Park was one of many highlights of a epic summer for the rising senior guard at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. Stanley made his return to the Nike EYBL circuit to finish his AAU Career with Team Why Not? a team sponsored by 2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Stanley led Team Why Not? to their first Peach Jam Championship appearance in the program’s first year. Despite falling in the title game to Team Take over Stanley has high hopes for the program. “Playing on Team Why not was a great experience Russell Westbrook was really involved with the team and we were able to make the Peach Jam Title game in our first year which was very unprecedented. I really think the future is bright with this program”. along with a strong final AAU season, Stanley was also selected to participate in numerous camps including Pangos All-American camp and Nike Basketball Academy as well as others.

    When Cassius Stanley wasn’t at a camp or AAU tournament he was back home in LA playing at another well-known proving ground in his own hometown, the Drew league out in South Central with Team Hometown Favorites. Cassius played along side with several of his Team Why Not ? teammates and local ballers from the area and USC incoming freshman Kevin Porter Jr. Cassius Stanley described the differences between playing at both courts. “At Dyckman, it’s a lot more one on one and its about your skill set. there isn’t any help defense being played so you got to guard your man. At the Drew league, it’s more pro basketball than street ball you have to call plays, help defense, and ball screens. I would say its more of well coached professional game”. Not many players in the nation can say they had the chance to play in Dyckman and at the Drew League and Cassius is one of a few players that said he did.

    Impressed with his first time experience at Dyckman, Stanley definitely sees himself returning in the near future. ” Oh I definitely see myself coming back to Dyckman in the future I had a great experience here and it was really fun”.

    Slam Summer Classic Vol. 1 Highlights courtesy of SLAM on You Tube

    Stanley’s big summer has come to a close, and he already has his mind set on his last season at Sierra Canyon school in Chatsworth, California with many goals on his mind. “My goals for this upcoming season is to win a state championship, become a McDonald’s All-American, get all of the accolades and continue to improve as a player and prepare for the next level”. With Kansas, UCLA and Oregon as his final three schools, It’s a sure thing that what ever school lands him will get an ultra-athletic wing who will make a huge impact.

  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Canarsie Chiefs

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Canarsie Chiefs

    Photo Credit: Jon Lopez

    2017-18 Season at a glance: 12-12 overall record reached the psal 2nd round of playoffs


    Key additions: Chad Duke (Xaverian Transfer)


    Players to Watch: Adisa Issac, Wilkerson Clerville, Chris Collis


    The Canarsie Chiefs boys basketball team is one of the newest additions to our High school basketball preview series. The chiefs made it back to the playoffs in Jake Edwards’s first season last year, and they will look to improve on that this year.
    The Canarsie Chiefs will be led by their senior group of players Wilkerson Clerville, Chris Collis and Adisa Issac.


    Issac a 6-6 forward excels on the gridiron as he has earned tons of major Division one offers from schools such as Penn State, Texas A&M, Rutgers, Tennessee, Florida and many more, but he is also a great player on the hardwood as well. Issac averaged 19 points and 12 boards per game for the Chiefs, and he will look to be the inside force for them again this year.


    The backcourt of Chris Collis and Wilkerson Clerville are out to prove that they are one of the best backcourts in the A division. “Both will be a tough cover,” says assistant coach Kyleek Alford. Chad Duke, a transfer from Xaverian who is known as a scoring machine, will give the Chiefs an additional offensive weapon.


    Key Games to Watch
    12/14/18 at Brooklyn Law and Tech
    If the Chiefs want to show and prove that they can compete with the best “A” teams in the city, this is one game where they need to prove themselves. This game against defending PSAL city champion and fellow Adidas school Law & Tech will be one of their biggest games of the season.


    12/27-12/29 Roundball classic in Leesburg, GA
    The Chiefs will be closing out 2019 down south at the roundball classic in Leesburg, Georgia. This is a perfect time for the team to get some exposure, bond as a team and compete against the best from other regions in the country.


    1/4/19 vs. Bedford Academy
    The Chiefs lost big to Bedford Academy last year in the playoffs, and they will have another shot at them to start off the new year.


    January 19th vs. LaSalle at the South Shore HS MLK classic
    It’s only right that the Chiefs go up against one of the best teams In the CHSAA A division. This is one game worth watching because both squads are well-coached and who doesn’t like a CHSAA vs. PSAL matchup?

    Outlook for 2018-19 season
    Canarsie is ranked in the top 10 of best A division teams in the city according to NYCbasketball.com. The chiefs have high expectations of being a contender in the PSAL, and with the experience Coach, Jake Edwards has had they can get there. If the Chiefs can get a big season from their core group of players, they are more likely to make a deep playoff run in the PsAl A division.

  • 25 Teams in 25 Days: archbishop Stepinac Crusaders

    25 Teams in 25 Days: archbishop Stepinac Crusaders

    The 2017-18 season at a Glance: 27-5 overall record, CHSAA “AA” city champions, NY State Federation champions

    Key additions: Malcolm Chimeze, Justin Morety

    Players to Watch: Adrian Griffin jr., Ed Sanchez, RJ Davis

    The Archbishop Stepinac Crusaders shocked a lot of people last season by taking the CHSAA city championship and NYS federation championship, and they look to repeat as champions once again at 2018-19. The Crusaders will enter the season ranked No.39 on Prep Circut’s top 50 national rankings. The Crusaders are also ranked No 42 on Max Preps Top 100 National rankings.

    Among the returning players on this team are RJ Davis a 5-10 guard who plays beyond his years. Davis was injured for most of the preseason, but all signs are pointing to him being ready for the start of the season. Adrian Griffin Jr. a 6-5 Sophmore wing looks to pick up from where he left off last season. Ed Sanchez will continue to make an impact on this crusaders squad as a senior. The 6-2 guard has come up big in clutch situations with his three-point shooting.

    The Crusaders have some new faces on the team to look out for as well. Justin Morety a 6-3 junior guard, and Malcolm Chimeze a 6-8 forward gives the Crusaders an inside presence they need now that Joel Soriano and Xavier Wilson have both graduated. Morety will have a big year for the Crusaders as he adds some depth to a guard-heavy team.

    Key games to Watch

    December 14th at Christ the King

    A rematch of the CHSAA city championship in Queens? Why not? Road games in the CHSAA are a w true test for teams every season, but the Crusaders will come prepared.

    December 21st and 22nd Westchester County Slam Dunk tournament

    The Crusaders will face CHSAA rival st. Raymond’s on the 21st then play the winner of Curtis vs. LuHi on the 22nd.

    December 26-31st Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

    The Crusaders are one of many NYC area teams that will be playing in this tournament. It will be interesting to see who they will face.

    January 4th Crusader Classic at Westchester county center vs. Iona Prep.

    If you were at the crusader classic last year, you witnessed a classic between the crusaders and their crosstown rival Iona Prep. The game on January 4th could be the same, and it’s the perfect game to start in 2019.

    January 13th vs. Roselle Catholic at the Empire Invitational.

    The Crusaders will have a big nonleague game against the defending Essex County and New Jersey Group B- Non-public State champion Roselle Catholic. The Lions feature UNLV Commit Nate Pierre-Louis and Kentucky Commit and 5-star Forward Khalil Whitney. This game will take place at the third annual Empire Invitational which will take place at Mount St. Michael Academy in the Bronx.

    Outlook and prediction

    another deep postseason run is on the horizon for this Stepinac team, The crusaders have great coaching, two of the top players in the tri-state area along with a great supporting cast of players which make them a very tough team to beat.

  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Brooklyn Collegiate Lions

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Brooklyn Collegiate Lions

    The 2017-18 season at a Glance: 17-10 overall record, reached 2nd round of playoffs.

    Key additions: Amahrie Simpkins, Jaylin Anderson

    We continue In the Brooklyn AA with the Brooklyn Collegiate Lions, a team that remains to be on the rise in the PSAL. The Lions return a majority of their starters from last year but also have some young pieces that could make an impact right away this season.

    Senior guard Glen Anderson and junior Majesty Johnson have already put the city on notice as one of the top backcourts in the city. Anderson and Johnson both can push the tempo, score, pass, and defend. Charles Brown, a 6-3 senior, is looking to finish his high school career strong at the Brownsville school. During the preseason Brown has shown how much of a perimeter threat he can be by shooting 50% from beyond the arc.
    6-7 Forward Erlyn Ramirez will be a force in the paint for BC.
    Along with the seniors the Lions have a great supporting cast that will contribute in a big way this season. The Lions have junior wings Jaylin Anderson and Amahrie Simpkins who will look to make a massive contribution to the team this year. Anderson is playing his first year of varsity after helping lead the JV team to a 9-5 record last year. Simpkins didn’t play due to academics previous year, but he has made a quick transition to varsity so far. The 6-5 Simpkins could be one of the most athletic players on the team

    The Lions have an excellent non-conference schedule which include the city legends Classic, governors challenge in Maryland vs. nationally ranked Lincoln Academy (GA), the big north shootout in Brooklyn vs. DC powerhouse Woodrow Wilson and many more. Their non-conference schedule will give the Lions a chance to get more national exposure as well as prepare them for the psal City Playoffs.

    Outlook

    It’s no question that the Brooklyn Collegiate Lions will be at the top of the Brooklyn AA league with Jefferson and south shore, but this is also going to be the year they make a deeper run in the PSAL city playoffs. The key however for the Lions is to finish at the top 3 of the division for better seeding. Last year Brooklyn collegiate finished at 7-7 in league play and fifth in the division. This team had a few winnable games that got away from them, but there’s a strong chance that they have grown from that. One thing we don’t expect from The Lions is a second-round exit from the playoffs with the maturity and depth that they have they should be a tough out in the Brooklyn AA division.

  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Long Island Lutheran Crusaders

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Long Island Lutheran Crusaders

    2017-18 season at a glance: 22-3 record (reached the 2018 NY state federation semifinals)

    New Additions: Zed Key, Yoro Sidibe, Drissa Traore , Jalen Celestine

    Players to Watch: Zed Key, Andre Curbelo, Essam Mostafa

    The 2017-18 season came to an abrupt end for the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders in the state federation semifinals, but they enter the 2018-19 season with some new faces and some unfinished business to handle.

    The Long Island Lutheran Crusaders May have lost many players from last years team due to graduation and transfers, but they enter the 2018-19 season with some new faces, some familiar faces ready to step up and

    Some of the newest additions to this year’s LuHi squad are Drissa Traore a 6-7 Forward who transferred from Success Academy in Harlem along with 6-5 shooting guard Jalen Celestine from Canada and 6-8 power forward Zed Key a local transfer from Brentwood High school.

    One of the most intriguing things about this year’s LuHi Team is the duo of Junior Point guard Andre Curbelo and power forward Zed Key. Both players have shown that they play well together and make a major impact on their team. Essam Mostafa a 6-9 senior gives LuHi another big man who can help with inside scoring and defense. Mostafa will definitely step up in his senior year.

    It’s a sure thing that Zed Key will give Opposing front courts issues on a nightly basis with his size, strength and scoring ability and Andre Curbelo will continue to prove that he is one of the best point guards not only in the Tri-state area, but in the nation. Those two along with a great supporting cast will make LuHi a force to be reckoned with this season. The crusaders made a huge statement in the preseason when they won the Hype City League preseason invitational earlier this month. They found themselves in tough battles against Wings Academy and St. Raymond’s, but they managed to be resilient when it mattered most.

    Schedule & Outlook
    The Crusaders have a big schedule that includes some major tournaments such as The Slam Dunk Classic in Westchester (December 20th-22nd), The Kyrie Irving Invitational at Barclays arena (December 17th) and many more. This year’s LuHi’s team may be younger than last year, but the talent and coaching is there to get them back to upstate in March.

  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Wings Academy Wings

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Wings Academy Wings

    2017-18 Season at a glance: 16-8 overall record, reached second round of PSAL City Playoffs

    Players to Watch: Tommy Thomas, Jose Cuello, Mahamadou Nimaga.

    Last season Wings Season ended early in the second round with a blowout loss to Abraham Lincoln. If you have been following this program for over the past couple of years, you know Wings Losing in the second round is something that barely happens.

    Wings Academy has proven throughout the whole preseason that they can play with anybody and they have a nucleus of guards and wings that can provide a lot of offense. Wings has a trio of players who might have the offense ran through them throughout the season. Junior guard Jose Cuello and senior guard Mahamadou Nimaga and senior wing Tommy Thomas. Cuello is one player who has shown many times throughout the preseason that he is improving his game especially when it comes to his outside shooting. Nimaga is due for a big senior year as the team’s lead guard.

    Tommy Thomas has emerged quickly from not mentioned at all to one of the best seniors in the city. It’s a sure thing that he can end up being the teams top scorer. Not only does Thomas can shoot from outside he can also attack the rim with ease. His offensive arsenal has given defenders tons of problems in the many times we have seen him play.

    Outlook

    Wings Academy may not have the size but they have shown that they have offensive firepower and toughness to compete with anybody. Wings is looking to take back the Bronx AA division as well as the Borough title which they lost for the first time last year to Eagle Academy. When it comes to winning the division and the borough championship it will definitely come down to them and Eagle Academy. As for a city playoff run They can definitely go farther than they did last season, but they have to handle business during the regular season so they can get a better seed.

  • 25 Teams in 25 Days: South shore Vikings

    25 Teams in 25 Days: South shore Vikings

    2017-18 Season at a Glance: 18-9 overall Record Brooklyn Borough champions, PSAL City champions, Reached NY state federation championship

    The buzz surrounding the South Shore Vikings has only gotten better as we approach the 2018-19 season. The Vikings enter the season as the No. 44 ranked team in the country according to Ballislife.com’s fab 50 rankings. This is a team where most of the players have played together for many years.

    The Vikings return just about everyone from their psal championship team including Last year’s championship MVP Femi Odukale. The 6-4 guard is looking to finish his career strong and he is off to a strong start. Odukale earned 2nd Team honors at the Is8 Nike fall tip off classic as well as third team honors at the Hoop group fall showcase. Along with Odukale Kadary Richmond a 6-6 shooting guard earned all team honors at is8 and hoop group as well. The Vikings earned a big victory over nationally ranked Roselle Catholic over Jersey. We know it’s only preseason but when a psal team plays well and beats nationally ranked teams it means a lot not only to the team but the league as well.

    In the front court FIU Commit Isaiah Richards has shown much progression over the years at the Canarsie, Brooklyn school the 6-8 big man will be a force in the paint for the Vikings but will also have help from Christ the King transfer Phillips Joseph and Anthony Latty.

    South shore also has a strong supporting cast with guards such as Kareem May and Dwight Davis jr and others that make the Vikings one of the deepest teams in the city.

    When you are the defending City champions one thing you must do is improve your schedule and with the amount of talent and experience that South Shore has it’s only right.

    Aside from a tough Brooklyn AA league schedule, the Vikings may have the toughest non-league schedule in the city. The Vikings will be starting their season in the south as they will be playing in the Adidas Hoopsgiving tournament in Atlanta. The next big tournament will be the Battle in the Apple tournament at Barclays arena on December 9th against Christ The King. On December 19th-23rd the Vikings will be participate in the King of Bluegrass tournament in Kentucky followed by the apparel challenge in January then the BIG Apple Invitational vs Luhi and in February they will play the Patrick school in the Primetime Shootout.

    The challenging Non-league schedule will prepare the Vikings for another postseason run. There could be many challenges ahead for the Vikings but there’s no question that will stop them from a run back to the city championship.

  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Monsignor Scanlan Crusaders

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Monsignor Scanlan Crusaders

    2017-18 Season at a Glance: 6-19 record, reached 1st round of playoffs

    Players to Watch: Joe Munden, Koby Brea, Matt Mayers

    The past two seasons Monsignor Scanlan has been adjusting to playing in the AA division of the CHSAA, and 2018-19 might finally be the year that they get over the hump and start making noise. The Crusaders have some talented players who will surprise many people this season.

    The Crusaders return many players including 6-8 Forward Matt Mayers, DJ Bailey and David DaCosta, but they have some new additions that are looking to make an impact immediately. One of the newest additions are 6-5 junior combo guard Koby Brea. Brea making the move up to varsity after playing JV last year is bring size and a high level scoring ability to the backcourt. Joe Munden a 6-4 junior is due for a big year after a great summer with the Castle Athletics aau team where he played well in front of many coaches picked up offers from Howard, Stonybrook and other D1 schools. Munden is athletic and can finish with the best of them. with him and Brea in the backcourt, they can give some teams issues this season.

    Key Games to Watch

    Monsignor Scanlan is one of many teams who have very strong Non-league schedule. The Crusaders will be starting off their season in Dallas, Texas on November 23rd where they will be playing in the Robert Hughes Classic. On November 24th the Crusaders make their return to Chicago for the Like Mike Invitational where they will play against other Jordan Brand sponsored schools.

    Friday December 7th vs Stepinac

    The Crusaders will be starting league play against the defending city and state federation champions.

    December 26th-30th Hoodies House National Hoops Classic in Charlotte, North Carolina

    Their opponent hasn’t been announced yet, but the Crusaders will get another chance to go up against the top teams in the nation. North Carolina is a hot bed when it comes to high school basketball so it will be interesting to see who the Crusaders will go up against.

    January 8th at Cardinal Hayes

    Every game in the CHSAA is a test, but for the Crusaders in order to prove to the naysayers that they are for real, they have to beat teams that are the best of the league. When the Crusaders travel over to Hayes to face the cardinals a team that has the one of the top backcourts in the city in Joe Toussaint and Jaylen Murray. Hayes is also a contender for the city title. This is a game where Scanlan will have to make a statement.

    It’s no question that the Crusaders will win more games this season, but one thing that could make or break them is how they close games. During the preseason, they played at the Hype City preseason Invitational against Thomas Jefferson where they squandered a 20 point lead. In that game they proved that they could hang with one of the top PSAL teams in the city, but at the same time they learned what they need to improve on. It’s a sure thing that the Crusaders have grown from that and it will show as the season begins.

  • 25 Teams in 25 Days: Bishop Loughlin Lions

    25 Teams in 25 Days: Bishop Loughlin Lions

    2017-18 season at a glance: 10-17 record reached CHSAA city quarterfinals

    Players to watch: Julian Champangie, Justin Champangie, Taj Chiles, Jahiem young

    The Bishop Loughlin Lions May have lost some players but they are still one of many teams in the CHSAA to look out for.

    One of the reasons why Loughlin is a team to look out for is the duo of the champangie Twins Justin and Julian. Both players had a big summer with the new heights program and they are set to have a big year. Outside of the Champangie Twins, the lions also have guards Jahiem Young and Taj Chiles in the backcourt. The Loughlin Lions had a great run in the summer at the Smartball Classic where they reached the championship game. Despite losing in that game to South Shore, the Lions run at Smartball proved that they are a much improved team.

    During the preseason, the Champangie Twins both shined at the IS8/Nike Fall tip off classic. Justin made Is8 all tournament 1st team while Julian made the 2nd team. Julian Champangie got MVP honors at the Philly vs NY 2020 game.

    Key Games to Watch

    December 9th. Vs Stepinac

    On December 9th, the Loughlin Lions will have their shot at going up against the defending City and state federation champions in their house. Expect this game to be a sellout.

    December 16th vs Thomas Jefferson

    This game will be a reunion between AAU teammates Justin and Julian Champangie and top Sophomore guard Jaquan Carlos. It’s also the last home game before the Lions travel to Delaware and New Orleans to compete in the Slam Dunk to the Beach tournament and the AllState sugar bowl tournament .

    January 13th vs Christ The King

    In order to prove that they are the best in the Brooklyn-Queens division they have to beat the best. Many people believe early this season that CTK will run away with the Brooklyn-Queens diocesan championship, it will be up to the lions to prove people wrong. This will be one of two meetings between both teams.