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  • A Look Back at the 1st annual Kyrie Invitational

    A Look Back at the 1st annual Kyrie Invitational

    The Patrick School’s Allon Johnson going up for the shot over an LuHi defender on Monday night. Photo Credit: Ben Berry/Ben Shot It

    Philanthropy is something that Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving is all about. From partnering with his God father Rod Strickland to start the Nike sponsored Kyrie Strickland youth league in the South Bronx, to paying for the tuition of a sick student who attends his alma mater, and funding a renovation of The Patrick school’s gym and weight room. Kyrie is always looking to do more for the youth.

    On Monday December 17th, Kyrie and Nike basketball held their first annual Kyrie Invitational at the Barclays Center. The purpose of the invitational was to give local high school players a chance to play on a NBA court as well as promote the Kyrie V. The event was free and open to the public which was Kyrie and Nike’s way of giving back. The event started with a game between two of the top girls programs in NYC, Bishop Loughlin out of the CHSAA and Murry Bergtraum out of the PSAL. It was a competitive game throughout, but Loughlin took the win in the end 41-34. It was a good win for a Loughlin squad who is in a bounce back season after being winless last season.

    The second game of that night was one of the most intriguing matchups as Our Savior Lutheran’s National team led by Seton Hall bound guard Dashawn Davis and 6-10 big man Bernard Kouma versus New Jersey State champion Roselle Catholic. Roselle featured players such as Kentucky bound forward Khalil Whitney and UNLV commit Josh Pierre Louis. The Falcons came into Barclays on a two game winning streak.

    The Falcons dominated from the jump as they took advantage of The Lions slow start and got out to a double digit lead. Dashawn Davis got everyone involved on offense especially Bernard Kouma who was a force inside throughout the game. Kouma used his size advantage by scoring over defenders with put backs and short range shots. Freshman guard Jaquan Sanders picked up from where he left off from the previous game with his hot three point shooting.

    The Falcons built up a 12 point lead at the half and at that point many people felt that they could easily run away with the game. Kahlil Whitney had a rough first half as he was shooting 1/13 from the field. The Lions continued to be out of sync well into the second half as OSL’s lead grew to 19. The bigger the lead the more trash talk between fans on both sides. If you never been to a game between an NYC and New Jersey team just know the trash talking gets different.

    Khalil Whitney shoots over an defender on Monday night’s 75-74 win over Our Savior Lutheran. Photo Credit: Ben Berry

    The second half proven to be big for senior guard Colby Rogers. The 6-4 guard was unstoppable for the Lions as they fought back hard to erase OSL’s lead. Rogers was dominant second half inspired Khalil Whitney and Josh Pierre-Louis to step their games up. Along with Rogers hot shooting, the Lions played very hard on the defensive end and forced turnovers which led to fast break dunks and layups by Whitney, and Pierre-Louis. OSL fought back hard to stop their run, but with just a few seconds remaining and the Falcons clinging to a one point lead, the Falcons were called for an offensive foul which set up the game winning tip in by Kahlil Whitney at the buzzer. The Lions won 75-74 and Khalil Whitney who finished with 25 points. Battled hard in front of his future coach John Calipari who sat courtside. Whitney who suffered a minor injury in the 2nd half, shot 7/9 from the field. Rogers who may have had one of the biggest games of his career also scored 25 points for the Lions. Josh Pierre Louis scored 15.

    Despite the loss, there were some big positives for OSL in that game. Dashawn Davis continues to look a lot more comfortable playing the Point Guard position in the absence of Posh Alexander who is out for the season with a broken arm. Davis scored 15 points and dished out eight assists. Big man Bernard Kouma May have earned more offers as well as interest from colleges after his 29 point and 17 rebound performance.

    In the last contest of the night Long Island Lutheran dominated The Patrick School regional team 74-52. The game was televised on the YES Network which was helpful to many people who weren’t able to attend the event. In that game the Crusaders had a balanced attack with five players scoring in double figures. Andre Curbelo led LuHi with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists. Zed Key scored 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

    Andre Curbelo dribbling past a defender during LuHi’s 74-52 win over The Patrick School regional team. Photo credit: Ben Berry

    The Kyrie Invitational was a great experience for those players who participated as well as the fans who attended. Kyrie Irving along with his dad Dedrick and god father Ron Strickland were in attendance throughout the event as well as D’Angelo Russel and Rondae Hollis Jefferson of the Brooklyn Nets were in attendance for the event. Coaches from Illinois, Rutgers, StonyBrook and others were also at the arena for the event.

    https://youtu.be/6ei61C1xkF8
    Replay of Roselle Catholic-OSL courtesy of Ball is Life
  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: Immaculate Conception Lions

    25 Teams In 25 Days: Immaculate Conception Lions

    2017-18 Season at a glance: 18-7 overall record, 3-5 league record

    Players to Watch: Amare Marshall, Elijah Hutchins-Everett, Zion Bethea

    The Immaculate Conception Lions boys basketball team made major strides in the NJ state playoffs when they defeated The Patrick School and Hudson Catholic. This year the Lions return a team with some of the top sophomores and juniors in the area as well as the country.

    6-10 big man Elijah Hutchins-Everett will be a major force in the paint for the Lions this season. The junior who has a plethora of offers from Rutgers, Villanova, Seton Hall, Penn State and others. With his ability to step out and hit mid-range jumpers, it’s known that he will be a matchup nightmare for other big men on a nightly basis. As for the guards, Bethea and Marshall will look to have another big year after playing aside Jalen Carey who is currently a freshman at Syracuse.

    Key games to watch

    12/18-12/22: City Of Palms Tournament (Fort Myers, FL)

    The Lions will be making the trip down to the sunshine state to go up against some of the top high school teams in the nation at the prestigious City of Palms tournament in Fort Myers, Florida. The Lions first opponent is Paul VI high school out of Fairfax, Virginia. Paul VI came into this season ranked No.15 in the country according to USA Today’s national preseason rankings. One intriguing matchup in this game will be between the guards Zion Bethea and top 2020 guard Jeremy Roach. The Lions will face a big test early, but they are one team that will accept any challenges.

    1/1/19 vs Roselle Catholic @ the Tim Thomas New Year’s Jumpoff

    The Lions will start off the new year going up against defending state champions Roselle Catholic, the same team that ended their season in dominant fashion. This will be a revenge game for the Lions who are already known for beating nationally ranked teams at this event. At the last New Year’s Jumpoff, the Lions upset The Ranney School a team led by Florida commit Scottie Lewis and Villanova commit Bryan Antoine.

    1/6/19 vs St. Benedict’s

    Five days after the game vs Roselle Catholic, the Lions will be playing St. Benedict’s at Kean University. This game will be part of an event called the Scholarship Festival.

    1/26/19 vs Imhotep Charter at the Philly vs NJ Collision

    The Lions will face another test as they go up against Philadelphia powerhouse Imhotep Charter at the Philly vs NJ Collision on January 26th. The Lions will be going up against a tough Imhotep team that features Xavier commit Dahmir Bishop.

    Outlook and prediction for 2018-19

    With a strong schedule the Lions will be prepared for another run towards the TOC in New Jersey in 2019. The team’s core might be sophomores and juniors but with the experience they have under their belts they should be considered favorites to win the SEC league as well as a state title contender.

  • 25 Teams In 25 Days: St. Raymond’s Ravens

    25 Teams In 25 Days: St. Raymond’s Ravens

    Photo Credit: Zalo Castillo Photography

    The 2018-19 St. Raymond’s ravens are one of the youngest teams in the CHSAA, they definitely have some players that are ready to make the jump into bigger roles this season. The ravens used summer tournaments and the preseason to prepare for the upcoming season and at times the ravens looked dangerous where at other times we easily seen that the team has a lot of growing up to do.
    One new addition to this year’s Ravens squad is Malachi Smith a 5-10 sophomore guard who made a huge leap to the varsity team after leading the freshman team to an undefeated season and city championship. One of many games where he proved that he was ready for varsity is the Dyckman Basketball 19U championship game. Smith Shined in that game against Team Skull gang which featured high major division 1 players, some of them who are older than him and some of his teammates. Smith making the jump to varsity from the Freshman team is something you don’t hear often but if you see how well he has played at times throughout the preseason, i’t s a sure thing that he fits in very well. Tahron Allen a 6-4 shooting guard got minutes a freshman last year but he is another sophomore to look out for on this St. Raymond’s squad.
    Two players on this St Raymond’s team that will definitely make an impact are juniors Louis Kortright and Gary Grant. Kortright a 6-4 athletic guard from the Lower East Side is a great competitor that can score, pass and jump out of the gym. Grant at 6-6 is one of the most versatile players at his size. Giving his ability to handle the ball and score from outside the paint he will create many matchup problems for opposing front courts on a nightly basis. A year after playing behind Dallas Watson and Darius Lee, Grant will take on a bigger role in 2018-19. Jalen Reneau one of three seniors on this team will continue to lead the way at the point guard position. Reneau is a very good on-ball defender and in a league where the ravens will be playing top guards night in and out, Reneau’s defense and leadership will be needed .

    Key Games to Watch:

    12/15/18 vs Wings Academy @ The City Legendz Classic
    St. Rays will be hosting this year’s City Legendz classic and they will face Wings academy in a PSAL vs CHSAA battle. Both teams are guard and wing heavy but a key matchup in this game we will like to see is one between Gary Grant and Wings Academy senior Tommy Thomas.

    12/16/18 vs Brooklyn Collegiate
    The Ravens will have a test when they go up against one of the top teams in the PSAL Brooklyn AA division in Brooklyn Collegiate. One potential matchup to look out for will be in the backcourt.

    12/21/18 vs Archbishop Stepinac at The Slam Dunk challenge
    The Ravens will get a chance to play defending city and state federation champion Archbishop Stepinac Crusaders. this will be the 1st of two meetings between the two teams.

    1/04/19 vs Cardinal Hayes
    The Ravens will start off 2019 with their second meeting of the season against rival Cardinal Hayes. This game will be a sell out so if you are in the area and need a ticket, start planning asap.

    Outlook for 2018-19
    Throughout the preseason this St. Raymond’s squad has proven they can compete with just about anyone despite being a young team and not having a lot of size but those are no excuses. The Ravens will make it back to the city playoffs but this seeding will depend on how well they do during the season and in the archdiocesan tournament. The 2018-19 archdiocesan tournament will be key because in the past two seasons the Ravens haven’t been able to get out of the quarterfinal round. If the ravens can do that they can most likely find themselves in a great position to go further in the playoffs. Regardless of how far they go this season one thing we know for sure is that the future is bright with their sophomore and junior class.

  • 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.