Hoop Dreams NYC

She Got Game: Kaelynn Satterfield

May 26, 2019

Photo Credit: Catalina Fragoso Max Preps

Kaelynn Satterfield has solidified herself as one of the top high school basketball players in the city and the nation. After leading her Christ The King royals team to a city and state title. She represented NYC at the Jordan Brand Classic in Las Vegas on April 21st. Satterfield will be taking her talents to Ohio State in the Big Ten conference in the fall.

On May 15th Satterfield was one of many top local prospects who played in the Frankie Williams Classic Girls national all-star game. I had the opportunity to interview her after she helped lead the Blue Team to an 89-87 overtime win at the Frankie Williams Classic Girls national game.

HDNYC: What was going through your mind when you hit the shot at the buzzer to send it to overtime?

Kaelynn: You know, it was a regular shot, the game was on the line and I had the confidence to hit it.

Kaelynn Satterfield hits the buzzer beater to send the Frankie Williams Classic Girls national game into OT.

Kaelynn Satterfield running the point Photo Credit: Ben Berry/ Ben Shot it

HDNYC: Michelle Sidor who was on the white team won the Sportsmanship award after this game, she’s headed to Michigan and you are headed to Ohio State did it feel like a rivalry game going up against her?

Michelle Sidor and AAU teammate and close friend of Satterfield will be suiting up for Ohio State’s Rival Michigan in the fall. Photo Credit: Ben Berry/ Ben Shot it

Kae Satt: (smiling) Michelle is a close friend of mine but once we get to college and we both step on the court again that might have to stop (laughs)

HDNYC: Your father Kenny Satterfield is considered by many as a legend when it comes to NYC basketball, what is some advice that he has given you throughout your career?

Kaelynn: My father always told me to work hard and be the best player on the court, every time I step on the court.

HDNYC: If there’s any advice you will like to give to the younger generation of girls basketball players out there what would you tell them?

Kaelynn: I would tell them to never stop work hard and have fun playing the game that you love because once you stop having fun with it there’s no point in playing anymore.

When the season starts in November, Satterfield will be one of the top freshmen in the nation to watch. She is part of a top-ranked recruiting class that includes 5-star recruits Kierstan Bell, Rikki Harris, and Jacy Sheldon. With the toughness, versatility and offensive firepower she brings she will be able to make an impact right away for the Buckeyes.
Lost Files: Jahvon Quinerly is the Ultimate Student Athlete

May 25, 2019

This article was originally published January 30th, 2018

2018 has been great to Jahvon Quinerly so far.

On January 15th Quinerly was named an McDonald’s All-American along with teammate Louis King. To be selected to the game was one thing but several days later the 6-1 guard from Hackensack, NJ earned an even bigger accomplishment.

On January 24th, Quinerly was selected to the Hudson Catholic chapter of the National Honors society. It’s an accomplishment that he prides himself on to this day. “In my opinion getting selected to the National Honors society was a bigger accomplishment for me and my family. Im glad that I was able to put a smile on my families face”.

With his latest accomplishment Quinerly hopes that younger players that look up to him follow his path. “It’s an underrated accomplishment in this generation, and I want to let the youth know that it’s always books before ball”.

Jahvon is one of many all-Americans who takes basketball and academics seriously it’s almost like a job to him. In two games at the SNY Invitational, He averaged 32 points per game. In the consolation game vs Archbishop Molloy he scored 37 points and fished out 7 assists. After the game he shared how he prepared for the game. “I shot about 250 shots before the game so I came in very prepared”.

As for JQ’s recruitment, he hasn’t discussed his recruitment since he de-committed from Arizona, but it’s a sure thing that there are many top schools that have him on their radar.
Luke Traina: The Underrated Prospect

May 7, 2019

Outside of all of the players who play on major sneaker circuit teams, there are those who are killing for non sneaker circuit AAU teams. One of theses players is Luke Traina a 6-5 wing from Germantown Academy in Pennsylvania, that decision is still up in the air. Traina is one of many juniors who has earned tons of interest from Division 1 schools but after a strong performance during the Pitt Jam fest with CT Elite.

Luke hails from Doylestown, Pennsylvania which is located 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia. When it comes to hoops culture, Traina believes Doylestown has the same energy and dedication as the city of brotherly love. “In my hometown basketball is huge. Just being 45 minutes outside from one of the biggest basketball cities in the world, we eat, sleep, and breathe basketball around here. If you don’t play basketball you sure do watch basketball. There’s always a great fan base at our games whether it’s the students that attend our games, or our extensive alumni network. People love coming out to our games. My head coach just retired after 30 years and he has turned our program to an elite program.”

Basketball is something that runs very deep and as Traina describes it has helped many people in his family reach great places. “My Grandfather played basketball at Santa Clara and then moved on to become president of Clark University in Massachusetts from 1984-2000.” Luke’s Dad Michael played at Brown University and then went on to become a CEO of several companies. The pedigree has been passed down to the young Luke who is looking to carry the the Traina tradition.

Like many athletes there are many circumstances that they face daily while trying to accomplish their goals for Luke it’s helping his mother raise his siblings since his dad had a stroke six year’s ago. The stroke left his father extremely disabled. Seeing his dad fall victim to a stroke encouraged him to go even harder on and off the court every single day. His workout and pregame regimen says it all. “My pregame routine starts off with some prayer first, whether it’s with my coaches and teammates or alone. I ask the lord to watch over both teams and hope we have a healthy competition. Following this I do some static stretching, right into form shooting and then the Mikan drill. From there I work on some corner threes, cuts to the basketball, out of horns set then get into some transition layups along with some other things”. Traina averaged 13 points, six rebounds and 4 assists per game this past season.

With the next level on his mind, Luke has many attributes he wants to work on. “I think for the next level I have to put some weight on, I’m at 6-5 185 and currently growing, hopefully I can put on 10-15 pounds before my freshman hoops season. I’m going to continue to work on my ball handling as well as shoot 350 threes per day to ensure that I can play shooting guard at the next level.

With a great work ethic Luke Traina is one player who can make any coach happy on the next level. Schools such as Virginia, Elon, Murray State, Boston College and others have shown interest.

Highlights courtesy of Jay Doe Films

https://youtu.be/APcr2oBP0a4
TBT: Hoops Showdown Raises The Bar in Year Three

May 2, 2019

Photo Credit: Johnnie Photography

Article Originally published on May 12th, 2018

One of the most anticipated events in the city this is what Hoops Showdown founder and CEO Johnny “Swoosh” Rodriguez envisioned when he debuted Hoops Showdown high school in 2016. What separates this year’s Hoops Showdown from the past events is the level of competition. Each team had elite talent from top to bottom and most importantly there were no blowouts. Each game was highly competitive and well coached, in the end, FKB Online/Road To Riches took home the hardware by defeating Johnnie Photography/Road To Riches 74-67 here are a few takeaways from this event

1. An unsung Hero Joins the MVP list

Last year’s MVP was Jellyfam’s own Jordan Walker who hit a game-winner to lead FKB Online to the victory in the championship game. This year’s MVP was James Monroe guard Stephen Tayki. Stephen Takyi is a 6-5 senior guard who led Monroe in scoring with 21 points per game this past season. Tayki came up huge in the championship game vs Johnnie Photography/Northeast basketball club with some timely buckets down the stretch. The senior guard was ecstatic when he received his award. “ I feel great, I feel like I accomplished something great in life by winning this award”. Takyi is still uncommitted at this point so if any college coaches are looking Takyi should be on your radar.

2. One more time for the Hometeam

Not only this was the second championship for FKB Online but it was also the second championship for coach Christopher Salgado Aka “Glasses” who won the inaugural Hoops Showdown High school showcase in 2016. Salgado definitely had the home crowd behind him as well as some of his home players who stepped up big such as Stephen Tayki and Gardner Webb bound wing Jose Perez.

3. Impressive Debuts all around

There were a plethora of new players who suited up last weekend for Hoops Showdown and many of them showed didn’t disappoint. Seton Hall-bound guard Anthony Nelson and Rhode Island-bound Forward Dana Tate showed out for Team NJ HoopRecruit while Ja’Quaye James and George Mason Commit Jason Douglas-Stanley were tough to cover for Team Johnnie Photography. FKB online’s backcourt duo of Cardinal Hayes PG Jaylen Murray and Our Savior Lutheran’s Dashawn Davis didn’t back down from anyone. It’s also worth noting that nationally ranked 8th grader

Dior Johnson who may be the youngest player who has ever played in the event introduced himself to the crowd at Bronx River gym with his one on one battle with Murray.

4. Chaching Never disappoints

You know hoops Showdown is not complete with the host Dave “Chaching” Teele who kept the crowd energized throughout the event. Chaching also introduced his newest “friend” the Hitman Bret Chaching as he dressed up as world renown wrestler Bret Hart. It’s no doubt that with the summer hoops season coming soon, Chaching will be introducing us to more new friends.

Dave “ChaChing” Teele Introduces Bret “ChaChing” Hart to the crowd. Photo Credit: Johnnie The Shooter

5. Hoops Showdown continues to Prove that High School is the new unlimited

There’s something about the excitement and energy that High school players have brought to streetball in the past two years, and this year’s Hoops Showdown High school proved just that. More fans have become more interested in seeing the future college basketball and pro players of tomorrow.

Year four of Hoops Showdown will be even bigger as they have expanded by adding another event. On Saturday May 4th, Hoops Showdown underclassmen showcase will feature some of the top ninth and tenth graders in the area and will also feature an 8th grade all-star game showcasing the future high school players of tomorrow.

High School Hoops Showdown will go down on May 18th and that event will feature the top upperclassmen in the tri-state area.
Riverside Hawks Rising to New Levels

April 24, 2019

AAU season is underway and for the Riverside Hawks, a new year means a new level for the program. After being a part of Adidas silver gauntlet league last season, the Hawks are new members of the Gold circuit for the 2019 season. They Join the NY Jayhawks as the second NY area team on the gold circuit.

Riverside Church has been back on the rise to prominence over the past few years. So many countless alums that have played for this program from NBA and college players such as Lamar Odom, Elton Brand, and Ron Artest, Donovan Mitchell and many more. NCAA champions such as Eric Paschall (Villanova) and Ty Jerome (Virginia) have started or played with their program during their AAU career.

The 17U squad features some of the best rising seniors from the tri-state area. The team features many notable prospects such as the duo of Cardinal Hayes guard Julien Soumaoro and Forward Shemani Fuller, CHSAA All-City second-team selection Louis Kortright and PSAL champions Dwight Davis Jr, Anthony Latty and Philip Joseph of South Shore High School. The Riverside Hawks also feature 6-7 guard Daniel Braster and 6-3 guard Miles Brewster.

https://twitter.com/coachstevencruz/status/1120691195875856384?s=21

Transitioning from the silver circuit to the Gold circuit will be very beneficial to the Hawks which will have the chance to play against some of the top prospects and the nation as well as potentially be seen by numerous Division 1 coaches. When it comes to goals for the upcoming season, having a strong season enough to make the playoffs as a goal.

“ Going from silver to Gold is a big transition, so we wanted to make sure we got enough adequate pieces necessary, and we have been working hard just to make sure we can be successful on this level”. says assistant coach and director of player development John Hawthorne”. From the looks of the workouts and drills, this riverside team plays an uptempo style and have versatility at all positions. With their style they have the tools to compete with many teams on the circuit.

L-R Miles Brewster, Daniel Braster, Louis Kortright, Julien Soumaoro, Shemani Fuller

The goal of winning a championship is always on the minds of many but for the Riverside Hawks 17U team they want to focus on getting to the playoffs first. “ Well, the goal is one by one is win and get a good record so we can qualify for the playoffs. We have to win as many games as possible” Hawthorne added.

The Riverside Hawks are off to a solid start. During their first session in Massachusetts, the Hawks went 2-2 with wins against KLow Elite and New World. Davis Jr averaged 17 points, three rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 60% from the field. Soumaoro proved to be the team’s top three point shooter in the first Session. The junior guard averaged nine points and three assists per game while shooting 56% from three-point range. As the Hawks head to Dallas this upcoming weekend, they will look to build on what they did Boston and finish with a winning record.

The slow rise of the Riverside Hawks is some encouraging news when it comes to NY area teams in the AAU landscape.
#LostFiles Dre Got Next: LuHi’s Andre Curbelo is on the Rise

April 18, 2019

Photo Credit: Ben Berry/ Ben Shot it

This Article was originally published on July 25th, 2018

The Class of 2020 have some special guards that have made a lot of noise from the jump. One thing that separates these guards from others is their ability to flourish while playing above their level. It’s an arduous task that not many could attempt but for LuHi rising junior guard Andre Curbelo, he has handled the task of playing up with ease.

During the adidas gauntlet finale in NYC during first live period, Curbelo was called up from the NY Jayhawks 16U team to play up on the 17U team. The Jayhawks were currently 1-1 on Saturday and in a heated game vs Mass Rivals (2016 adidas gauntlet champions). Down five points with four minutes remaining Andre Curbelo fakes a defender from the right corner and drives to the rim for an easy finish. By the look of that move ,you would think that Andre is a senior, but he just finished his sophomore year at Long Island Lutheran.

Playing with older players is something he is used to and as he explained back in July 14th, the high school basketball season has prepared for him for it.

“I’ve been playing varsity since I arrived at this school and even though the players are bigger than stronger than me I have been able to adapt because I play very hard and the coaches believe in me”. Curbelo plays with unshakable confidence and high basketball IQ which makes him one of the best Point guards in the nation. Curbelo finished the Adidas Gantlet finale with a 25 point, 9 rebound and 5 assists performance in the championship game vs Brookwood Elite.

One major highlight for Curbelo this summer is playing for his native island Puerto Rico in the FIBA U17 World championships. During the tournament Curbelo averaged 14 points 6 rebounds and six assists per game, leading Puerto Rico to the Bronze Medal. Curbelo also made the FIBA all-star five which included top prospects Jalen Green and Vernon Carey. Playing for his native island is something he prides himself on and making it far in the tournament was a major accomplishment. “I love my island and I love playing for it I don’t think anyone expected us to get the bronze medal. It was tough knowing that we were the second smallest team in the tournament.

The 6-0 guard currently holds offers from tons of schools such as Florida, Wichita State, VCU, UMass and St. John’s just to name a few. As curbelo’s career progresses it’s a sure thing that the offers will grow. As Curbelo enters his junior season, his strength remains one of the main things he needs to improve on going forward. “ I think that one thing I need to improve on is my strength, a lot of the players I play against are more stronger and faster and I need to be prepared to compete against them every single night”.

Fast forward to now, Andre Curbelo had a big junior season. The 6-0 guard help led the Crusaders to a 25-2 overall record which included a 18-0 record in New York State and a State federation title. The Crusaders finished the season as the No. 9 ranked team in the nation. Curbelo’s accomplishments throughout the season earned him a spot on the World team at the Nike Hoop Summit where he represented Puerto Rico.
Life Coming in Full Circle for Matt Coleman III

April 14, 2019

Photo Credit: Texas Basketball

Texas was one of many bubble teams that missed the Big Dance, but this has influenced them to go on a deep run in the Postseason NIT. For sophomore guard Matt Coleman III a deep postseason NIT run meant a trip back to the place where he led his his high school to a national championship three years ago.

In 2016, Coleman led Oak Hill Academy to the Dicks nationals(now called Geico Nationals) championship at Madison Square Garden. Being back at Madison Square Garden brought back memories for him. “It was my junior year when we won Dick’s nationals championship it was a great experience. As a matter of fact, we were in this same locker. Like you said it’s crazy how life comes in full circle”.

Even though It’s not the NCAA tournament, Coleman seen winning the NIT championship as something to build on for next season.

“It feels great, playing for the championship you get to play for something, we get to live another day. So it’s great to hopefully end our season with a win”. On Thursday April 4th, Coleman did just that, Coleman was one of four players in double figures as Texas blew past Lipscomb 81-66 to win the 2019 Postseason NIT championship. It was the perfect ending to a season that had many ups and downs.

“ With this imperfect season we had, its great to get something good out of it. The seniors , they can end their last game of their career with a win, for coach after everything he’s been through and everything he has been taking the fault for just to win a championship will be great, a championship is a championship and even though its not March Madness the NIT is just as big. For us winning this championship will be a stepping stone for our program especially with the freshman class we have coming in” Coleman Added

With his sophomore season behind him the next step is improving for a pivotal junior year. Coleman already has some things in mind. “One thing I can improve on for next season is to just be consistent, on the offensive end. Making better shots, making the right plays, improving my decision making just being a better point guard”. Next season Texas could possibly be one of the top teams in the nation and Matt Coleman will be one of the players leading them.
NYC Unsigned: Jordan Agyemang

March 30, 2019

Photo Credit: PSAL Stories

Its no question that the PSAL B division has some hidden gems when it comes to talented basketball players in NYC. One of these hidden gems played a key role in helping South Bronx Prep win their first ever city championship in the schools’ history. His name is Jordan Agyemang, a 6-6 200-pound Forward who may be one of the most versatile and athletic players in the city. His ability to play inside and outside gives him an advantage over many players at his size.

Agyemang has embraced the role of being an underdog his whole career at SBP. He started his career at the school on the Junior Varsity team as a freshman, and joined the varsity team his sophomore year. Despite the size he brought to the team, he didn’t start right away. Agyemang had to learn from the upperclassmen on his team as well as go through the development process under head coach Paul Campbell.

In his first year of varsity, he averaged eight points and 11 rebounds per game. Those numbers grew to 19 points and 17 rebounds per game last season. This season Agyemang has career-high averages of 28 points, 15 rebounds and four assists per game. On March 5th, Agyemang reached 1000 career points at the school.

Jordan is not only putting up big numbers on the court on a nightly basis, he is also the ideal student athlete at South Bronx Prep. With a 1000 SAT score and an 85 average he has the grades to qualify academically. Jordan hopes to Major in computer technology when he goes to college.

When it comes to what he can bring to college program, aside from his athletic talents Agyemang is a player who brings a high level of intensity and he’s proved to be very coachable. “I know how it feels to be an underdog so it inspires me to bring a high level of intensity to the game and I’m also willing to learn”. Agyemang told us in a recent interview

At the moment, Agyemang is one of the top unsigned seniors in the city. If any coaches are looking for a wing around this time, Agyemang should be at the top of the list.

Video Highlights

Jordan Agyemang Positive Influence league mix Courtesy of Ceasy the Shooter
TBT: The Weekend Emmitt Williams took over Brooklyn

March 21, 2019

This article was written and published on April 15th, 2018

photo Credit: Nicole Sweet

Coming into last weekend’s Jordan Brand Classic there wasn’t any player more motivated than LSU-bound Forward Emmitt Williams. The 6-7 Forward from Fort Myers, FL, came to NYC as himself, a highly energetic and passionate player with the motor that goes unmatched. During practice, he was communicating on defense, hitting outside shots, cheering on teammates. He showed that same passion when he reflected on playing with his teammates after winning MVP Honors by breaking LeBron James record with 44 points.

Williams is part of a top-ranked recruiting class that includes Javonte Smart, and Nazi Reid. When I asked about how excited he was to be teammates with Reid and others he replied “Not just Nazi Reid I’m excited to play with, it’s a lot of other great players in our recruiting class and to see Nazi come out and support me that’s love”.

Willams was very appreciative of his teammates on the court helping him surpass LeBron James to become the leader in points scored in Jordan Brand Classic history. “I really got love for the guys in my class those boys supported me, they saw that I needed four more points and they helped me reach that goal. I always tell them, don’t let social media break us apart because I got love for those guys and they got love for me.

This is the 2nd time Williams played in A high school basketball event here in NYC. Back in August 2018, Emmitt teamed up with Duke Bound Forward Cam Reddish and Wings Academy senior Forward Mohammed Fofana as Team USA in the inaugural NYC Jam. Playing in NYC is one thing that brings the best out in Williams. “I love coming out here to the city because I had a lot of fans out there and I love them and I never thought that as a little kid I would have had someone look up to me other than my family members so it’s a blessing at the same time so if I can give back I’m always going to give back.

With his competitiveness, toughness, and passion for the game. There was no doubt back then that Emmitt would be an impact player. This year at LSU, Emmitt is averaging seven points and five rebounds per game for an LSU team that went 26-6 in the regular season won the SEC regular season title with a conference record of 16-2. The tigers got a three seed in the NCAA tournament and will play 14 seeded Yale in the east region 1st round in Jacksonville,FL on Thursday afternoon.

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2019 Big East Tournament: Eric Paschall and Phil Booth’s Impact on The Villanova Wildcats

March 17, 2019

Photo Credit: Noah K. Murray/USA Today Sports

From February 17th to March 9th, The Villanova Wildcats went 3-3 to finish the regular season. Given how dominant they have been in the conference since the league’s reconfiguration in 2014, most people would have thought that the Wildcats were not capable of repeating as tournament champs. This week they proved other wise. Through four days of this tournament, each opponent pushed them to the brink of defeat but they always answered back. The Wildcats senior duo of Dobbs Ferry, NY native Eric Paschall, and Phil Booth were instrumental in the Wildcats run.

Seniors Eric Paschall and Phil Booth address the press after yesterday’s championship game.

Not to long ago both players were under the wings of seniors such as Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and others this year they have become the leaders that have led a young group. As head coach Jay Wright explained in the press conference, the impact Paschall and Booth had on the team is what made this years run special compared to the past. “There’s more to this one, just watching these two what they did we lost our two top assistants. We had young coaches who did a great job, and these two were like coaches”.

This tournament run was special for the Wildcats because it came at a time where the conference was wide open and more than one team was the favorite by many to possibly win the whole thing. To Eric Paschall, winning their third Big East championship wasn’t the only goal it was to be the best team they can be. “ I mean it’s pretty cool to know that even though we never really talked about it. We just talked about each year, I mean coming from the first one of this streak , we just talked about being the greatest team we could be, greatest Villanova Basketball team we could be. There’s nothing like in our plan. We just tried to become the best Villanova basketball team and see where that takes us.”

In a couple of years when we look back at the 2018-19 Villanova team, one thing we know for sure is that they were a young but resilient team led by two dedicated seniors In Booth and Paschall who brought out the best in all of the players. For now the defending national champions will get prepared for another run as they will be the 6th seed in the NCAA tournament and they will play 11th Seeded Saint Mary’s on Thursday night in the First round of the NCAA tournament. Based on what we experienced last week at the Garden Phil Booth and Eric Paschall will have the Wildcats ready.

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