Dynasty
Kory Bergh (Amsterdam)
– The most consistent player on his team. Crafty with a good jumper and slick
ballhandling & passing ability. Pass-first point guard, but willing to turn
into attack mode when necessary. Just 5’9”, but makes up for it with his
quickness and good decision making. He averaged 11.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8
assists, and 2 steals per game. Kory was also dependable, being one of very few
players in the league that attended every game. All-1st team
selection here, and just a rising junior.
Foster Clark (Horseheads)
– He showed that he could fill multiple roles in this league. He plays point
guard for his high school team, but lack of height forced him to the middle of
the zone and working in the post often. His attitude and demeanor made him a
coach’s favorite. Picks his spots and rebounds well against bigger players.
Evan Dourdas (Jamesville-Dewitt)
– True point guard. He can score, but looks for others first. Played in just
one game.
Connor Evans (Cicero-North
Syracuse) – One of the best players in Syracuse area. Made All-CNY team this
past season as a junior. 5’9”, but very explosive. Struggled in his one
appearance here.
Ross Gerber (Cazenovia/Kimball
Union Academy) – A solid 6’4” and is comfortable at the wing or as a stretch 4.
Ross is athletic and can finish above the rim. Becoming more confident with his
perimeter jumper, and continued improvement will take his game to the next
level. Averaged 8.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 50%.
Reclassifying as a junior for prep school, which will improve his stock.
Dylan Klock (Oppenheim-Ephratah/St.
Johnsville) – Improved over the course of the season and was a solid
contributor for his team. One of the top players in his league, and showed that
he was more than a good Class D player. He’s most potent as a perimeter jump
shooter, but he showed he can put it on the floor and finish through contact.
High motor at both ends, and just a rising junior. Averaged 6 points and 3.8
rebounds.
Bobby Leslie (Skaneateles)
– Pure scorer. He has a big body for his age (going to prep and reclassifying
as a sophomore), at 6’2” and around 200 pounds as a guard. Good handle and very
refined perimeter skill set, especially going 1 on 1. Only knock – he may have
done that a little too much at times. Still a very good player and will only
get better. Light Division I interest, with Wright State in the mix. All-2nd
team selection here, leading his team in scoring at 13.2 points per game in the
regular season along with 4.6 rebounds.
JJ O’Connor (Weedsport)
– Looks the part of Boy Wonder. He’s a rising junior, but his muscular 6’1”
frame gives him the appearance of someone who’s been in the weight room all his
life. Naturally a guard, but can mix it up because of that strength. He was the
player of the year in his league this past year at Class C Weedsport. Averaged
4 points and 3.5 rebounds in 2 appearances, all 8 of his points in his first
game.
Ramel Poole (Utica
Proctor) – Performed better in this league than many expected. Athletic with a
high motor, but very raw. Needs to work on refining skill and catching passes,
but finishes well when he catches them. Got a lot of points off of second
chance opportunities. He’s a junior that has potential with work. Honorable
mention selection this summer, averaging 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game
while shooting 50% from the field.
Anfernee Reed (Utica
Proctor) – Quick hands defensively, he was a nuisance on defense when fully
invested. He can make the highlight reel pass, but perhaps tried to do it too
much at times. Averaged 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
Johnny Vicciarelli
(Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville) – Another quick and scrappy guard that
isn’t afraid of contact. Played in just one early season game.
Anthony Warcup (Oriskany)
– Late season pickup for this team and filled a role well. Knows his game and
doesn’t try to do too much. He’s a very good spot-up shooter that can put it on
the floor for one or two dribbles. Another youngster on this team, he’s a
rising junior that loves basketball and will only get better. At this point,
he’s a good specialist that can spread the floor.
Team 518
Will Avis (Red
Hook) – Tireless worker underneath. He was very dependable – you knew what you
were going to get from him, and his consistent production was a big reason for
their late-season turnaround. Lacks pure athleticism, but makes up for it with
intelligence in getting good positioning along with his size (a strong 6’5”).
Made it to every game this summer, despite their early season lack of success
and long travel to Utica. He averaged 6.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game,
earning honorable mention honors.
Kaden Baugh (Seton
Catholic – Plattsburgh) – One of the most fundamentally sound players in the
league. He is an old-school point guard with old-school moves, but he can use
some flash with the handle when he wants. Came back after a few weeks away in
late July and made a big difference for his team, getting them their only win
of the season. They lost by 10 in the playoff quarterfinal, but he scored 23 in
that game. He averaged 11 points and 4.7 rebounds in the regular season, and the
playoff game pushes his total scoring average to 14.5. Honorable mention here
this summer, but could easily have been 2nd team – or maybe even 1st
team – if he didn’t miss 3 regular season games.
Derek Beers (Franklin)
– Derek is another hard worker. A rising junior at Class D Franklin Academy,
his growth from opening night to their quarterfinal loss was noted. He averaged
21 points per game as a sophomore this past year, but didn’t shoot much before
late in the season here. It looked like his confidence greatly improved in the
playoff quarterfinal – his 11 point output matched his scoring output the
entire regular season. Averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in the regular
season. Look for Derek to shine this coming winter and to come back next summer
in attack mode.
Cormac Bettinger (Fayetteville-Manlius)
– Big. Not the most skilled, but size alone at a thick 6’8” is intriguing. Sprained
his MCL early in the summer at a football event and missed most of the summer.
Averaged 6 rebounds per game in his 2 appearances.
Isiah Dobere (Green
Tech) – Talent is undeniable. He was initially drawing Division I interest, and
he’s one of the top guards in the Capital district. He showed it at the BCANY
Hoops Festival this August. He would much prefer to get to the basket than pull
up and shoot a jumper – defenses know it, but he still is effective getting to
the hoop. Struggled in a season-opening loss and never came back.
Liam Floyd (Broadalbin-Perth)
– Another big body, in the 6’5” or 6’6” range. He’s more of a rebounder and
defender, and can get you some points here and there. Averaged 1.3 points and
2.3 rebounds per game in generally limited minutes.
Brandon Hathaway (Owego)
– One of the best players in the Southern Tier region. He’s a wiry 6’6”
shooting guard that has the ability to be a real threat when fully invested,
with his perimeter shooting ability and above the rim athleticism – the problem
this summer was getting him there. He wasn’t as assertive offensively or
actively involved as he could have been. He has drawn interest from many
Division III schools and a few Division IIs because of the talent and
college-ready body. He averaged 5 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Max Lang (Milford)
– Max added to the size of this team at 6’5”, and he was a contributor that
made every regular season game. Consistently struggled with his shot here (25%
from the field, 10% from beyond the arc, 20% from the free throw line) but
worked hard at both ends and challenged shots defensively. He averaged 5 points
and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Jordan Mair (Green
Tech) – The general of this team. He carried Team 518 at times, especially in
the doldrums of the middle of the regular season when they were struggling
mightily. He felt like he needed to take over in large portions of those games
– due to that, he led the league in shot attempts, the only one shooting over
100 times in the regular season. That number could also be slightly inflated
compared to others because he played in every game, and he was the only guard
on his team at times. He does need to work on his shot selection, but he also
needed to be aggressive. Skinny, but explosive. Great mid-range game. Averaged
14.2 points and 4 rebounds in the regular season, earning All-2nd
team honors.
Jake Peterson (Skaneateles)
– A favorite on his team amongst college coaches that attended. Smart kid, on
and off the court. He has the height to be successful at the next level at
6’7”. Good at positioning himself, anticipating the play, and he can knock down
a jump hook in the post with consistency. His range extends to the 3 point
line. Another dependable youngster, making every game this year. Making
improvements in quickness and footwork will raise his stock. He averaged 7.2
points and 6.2 rebounds per game, earning honorable mention here.
Chris Pfeiffer (Taconic
– Pittsfield, MA) – Made every game despite travelling from Massachusetts to
get here. Learning experience for him, getting him in the mix against better
players. He has a long way to go, but made strides from opening night to the
end of the season. His size is intriguing – 6’5” and 220 pounds entering his
sophomore year, and he will probably grow a few inches before all is said and
done. Had 2.8 rebounds per game in limited minutes. He is the type of player
who may explode on the scene in a couple years if he gets in better shape and
works on his game consistently.
Naeem Prior (Green
Tech) – Explosive guard. Struggled in opening night loss, and never returned.
Will Ward (Milford)
– Shorter (5’10”) but scrappy. Doesn’t look to score too much and isn’t the
most effective scorer, but will play defense, make heady plays on offense and
battle. Didn’t score in either appearance – averaged 3.5 rebounds and 2.5
assists.
Rising Stars
Ryan Bielawa (La
Salle) – 6’4”, strong, and athletic. Tends to settle for jumpers a little too
much instead of using his strengths. That being said, Ryan played very well in
his one late-season appearance after being picked up midway through. Had 17
points and 9 rebounds in that game. More consistent attendance from him would
have gone a long way for his team, the most talented on paper.
Justin Carruthers (Greenwich)
– One of two true big men for this team, but he can also extend to the
perimeter. Good in a pick and pop scenario, spotting up and hitting perimeter
jumpers. He is a physically cut 6’7”, but given his size, could use his
physicality a bit more than he does. He averaged 3.3 points and 4.7 rebounds
per game this summer.
Brandon Fischer (Shenendehowa)
– The other true big man on Rising Stars. He is 6’6” and has improved
drastically over the last 18-24 months. Fischer’s a gym rat, always in one
place or another for tournaments. That occasionally cut into his availability
for this summer, but he was important to his team when there. He averaged 5.3
points, a league-leading 10.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Raiquis Harris (Catholic
Central – Troy) – Electric point guard and dependable. He was the only one on
his team to make every regular season game. A dominating performance in the
final regular season game gave them a win, despite the team being very
undermanned. He makes the big play – from a 3 point play to tie a game and the
coast-to-coast drive and assist to win it a few seconds later, to a steal in an
isolation set to preserve the final regular season win, he isn’t afraid of the
moment. Raiquis averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals
per game in the regular season. He also received the nod for an All-2nd
team selection.
Andrew Hoag (Hoosick
Falls) – 5’10” on a good day, but doesn’t let it stop him. His game has a
fundamental, old-school feel, and he rarely makes a bad decision. His impact on
the game can go well beyond the box score. Rarely shot in this league, looked
to set up others instead. One of his three made field goals on the season was a
game-winner in an early July game. He averaged 1.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 3
assists per game.
Ray Jerome (Albany
Academy/Cheshire Academy) – Ray earned an honorable mention spot, even though
he only could play in two games. That alone shows you his impact on the court.
MVP potential if he was around for the whole season. The freaky athletic 6’3”
guard is reclassifying as a junior, which will increase his already-high stock.
He’s drawn serious interest from a staggering number of Division I programs,
Temple being the most notable. He took a late July game over on both ends of
the floor, hitting threes from NBA range and supplying us with a monster dunk
after shaking a defender which may have been the highlight play of the summer.
He averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game – all 4 of the
blocks on the season came in that late July game.
Myles Joyce (Averill
Park) – Myles proved his worth over the course of the summer. He’s a shooting
guard by nature, but will get more rebounds than most post players. At 6’4”, he
can get his shot over most defenders and has a quick release. He struggled in
their semifinal loss, but being one of only three usual players from his team
there for that game, the defense was giving him extra attention. He averaged 10
points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting slightly under 50% from the
field and 100% from the line in the regular season. Myles also earned an
honorable mention selection.
Brandon LaForest (Cohoes)
– Brandon is an explosive scorer. Though not any taller than 6’0”, he gets off
the ground better than nearly everyone in the league and can/will dunk in
traffic. He showed decent range as well, and can play either guard spot. He
averaged 7.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
Isaiah Moak (Averill
Park) – If we had a Most Improved Player award, Moak would garner serious
consideration. The rising junior went from not playing much to being one of his
team’s leading contributors. He has the body of a running back, and he used his
strength to finish through bigger players. He averaged 6.8 points, 2.2
rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the regular season – add his 17 point
game in the semifinals, and he finished the entire season averaging 8.5 points
while shooting over 50%. Moak is someone who could be a 1st or 2nd
team player here if he returns next summer.
Jahlil Nails (Columbia)
– League MVP. The 6’5” shooting guard has received interest from around twenty
Division I schools, and he showed why this summer. Nails can fill it up,
leading the league in scoring by a long shot with 20.8 per game in the regular
season. He exploded at times, keeping his team in the game in their only
regular season loss, with 21 points coming in the 2nd half of that
game while missing only two shots. He equaled that total in the 1st
half of a July 24 win, where he finished with a prospect league season high 31
points. A little bit more intensity on the defensive end will get him
scholarship offers, because his offensive game is already there.
Derek Newman (Herkimer)
– Good experience for Derek, an alternate entering his sophomore year who came
through for Rising Stars’ last three games. He showed how much he improved from
his first appearance to the last, scoring 16 points in the semifinal loss,
shooting 7/10. He averaged 3.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in his two
regular season appearances. Look for him to be a full-time player next summer
and jump in as a solid contributor.
Zach Radz (Troy)
– One of the best offensive players in King of Kings. He truly enjoys
basketball, and it looks like you can’t wipe the smile off his face when he
plays most of the time. Played in the first four games, but missed the final
two and semifinals. He averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per
game, pouring in 25 early in the season. He earned an honorable mention
selection, which would’ve been a 2nd or even 1st team
selection if he didn’t miss those three games.
Mitchell Scherer (Herkimer)
– Another Magician alternate, this one entering his sophomore year, and he
looks to be a solid contributor next year as well. Scherer is a 6’1” guard that
is as scrappy as they come and prefers physicality. His toughness mixed with a
lanky frame is a benefit for him, making him a good rebounding guard. He
averaged 3.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game in the regular season.
Takeover
Bryce Belanger (Hamilton)
– As smart as they come, on and off the court. Anticipates the play and makes
smart decisions. You want him on your team in a 5 on 5 game. Bryce isn’t afraid
to guard the other team’s best player – he can also get a little chippy. Solid
role player for his team. He averaged 2.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists
in the regular season.
Jake English (Waterville)
– Good shooter and lanky, which helped in their zone press. He always looks for
the open man with the extra pass, but started to look for his own as the season
went on. More of a shooting guard than a point guard, but can fill point guard
duties in a half-court set. He averaged 5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists
in the regular season.
Jelani Fontanez (Ithaca)
– He’s a true point guard. His presence made a huge difference for this team,
as he was the primary ballhandler. He has some of the best handles in the
league, and he has the quickness to match. Great passer – sometimes he uses
that too much. Would like to see him look to score more often. There is budding
interest from a few schools that watched him play here this summer. He averaged
5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in the regular
season. Honorable mention selection. He sprained his knee before the playoff
quarterfinal – his team sorely missed him in the semifinal loss a couple days
later.
Todd Hubbell (Little
Falls) – His biggest strength is passing. He can thread the needle through
defenses with the pass to hit the target. He occasionally dribbles himself into
trouble and has problems with decision making, but as a rising sophomore, he
has time to work on that. He has a high ceiling and with work, Todd can turn
into one of the best to come through the Mohawk Valley in a long time. He
averaged 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds on the season.
Kinnon LaRose (Ogdensburg)
– One of the most solid players in the league. Kinnon has a bigtime reputation,
and his numbers among the best in upstate helped back it up. The 6’4” shooting
guard worked hard, hit shots, and made good decisions. He averaged 14.3 points,
7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals on the season while shooting over 50%.
The surefire Division I prospect received honorable mention, which would’ve
been higher if he didn’t miss the last 3 regular season games.
Terry Nichols (New
York Mills) – A state champion this past year at Class D New York Mills, and
the starting point guard as a sophomore, Terry is no stranger to the big stage.
He can hit from NBA range and finish at the rim. He makes good decisions and
rarely turns the ball over. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4
assists per game, and he shot nearly 50% from beyond the arc. If he plays next
summer, he could easily be a 1st or 2nd teamer.
Zach Sawyer (Waterville)
– One of the best stat stuffers in the league. The athletic 6’4” swingman can
do a little bit of everything: shoot, handle the ball, play defense in the
press, create for others, rebound on both ends. He was the best player on the
floor in their semifinal loss against 315 Elite, finishing with 20 points. Zach
can get over the rim and make a highlight out of someone if they’re not ready.
He’s also a gym rat and has improved every aspect of his game in the offseason.
He averaged 12 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in
the regular season. He earned All-2nd team honors for this summer.
Ryan Schmadel (Oriskany)
– When he’s hot, he’s the best scorer in the league. Gets out on the fast break
and can finish a variety of ways, including above the rim. Not the best handle,
but effective with it and doesn’t overdribble. Range out to the parking lot. He
hit a few threes from 25-30 feet out in the flow of the game here. Just a
rising junior who just turned 16 – has attracted light interest from Colgate,
and work on his handle and quickness can get him there. Averaged 15.4 points, 7
rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in the regular season. Boosted the total
scoring average in playoffs behind a 31 point performance in the quarterfinals.
Earned All 2nd team honors here this summer, and could certainly be
a 1st team selection next summer.
John Sica (Bethlehem)
– Only was able to make one appearance due to previous obligations, unofficial
visits, and injury, but his availability would have been the difference between
their semifinal loss and a championship. The 6’7” swingman can do it all and
certainly impressed in his one game – a 40 point win. He picked his spots and
had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. His ability to shoot, put it
on the floor, pass, and his quickness at his height is unrivaled in upstate New
York. That is why he’s a Division I lock.
Zach Wilcox (Hamilton)
– He’s one of the hardest workers in the league. His success in King of Kings
came as a surprise to some, but not to us. Good mid-range game, but likes to
get to the basket. He seems to enjoy contact and absorbs it well. Led the
league in free throws made and attempted this summer (29/45), which included
14/18 in two playoff games. Strong-willed, plays through pain and helps his
team in more ways than scoring with grit and toughness. Good defender. He
averaged 8.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1 steal, and 1.2 blocks in the
regular season – the scoring and rebounding stats boosted up a little more with
two playoff games as well. Wilcox earned an honorable mention selection here.
Hunter Williams (Waterville)
– Thick body gets the dirty work done in the post. Plays like a true center,
all of his work is done from 12 feet in. He’ll take punishment and dish it back
out. His offensive game could take a big jump with work on a counter move to
his heavily used spin in the post. He averaged 4.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8
assists, and 1 block per game in the regular season.
315 Elite
John Allen (Utica
Proctor) – Had limited action in his one appearance as an alternate.
TJ Borza (Whitesboro)
– He’s not tall, doesn’t have much meat on his bones, isn’t the most athletic –
but he gets the job done. Sneaky quick in every way – foot speed, handle, shot
release, hands on defense. He can put the ball in the basket against anyone
when given the opportunity. He had 21 in a semifinal win over Takeover and 10
in the final two minutes against a full Rising Stars squad in an early season
win. He averaged 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game
while shooting over 50% from the field, earning the final All 2nd team
selection.
Denvil Brown (Utica
Proctor) – Warrior. Undersized in the post at 6’1”, but has explosive jumping
ability and the strength to match. Makes highlight blocks, good on the
offensive boards, and will make a highlight out of someone. Denvil was also
dependable, making every regular season game. He averaged 5.3 points, 4.3
rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1 block per game in the regular season.
Jerome Brabham (Utica
Notre Dame) – One of the best shooters in the league. The rising junior has a
pure stroke and will hit it from distance. The 6’2” guard is also slick with
the dribble and can get to the basket. He averaged 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2
assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, all while shooting over 50% from the field
and 50% from beyond the arc. Honorable mention selection. Jerome is one of the
best returning players in King of Kings.
Emmett Cavanaugh (Whitesboro)
– Gave this team a little bit more effective size. The 6’4” rising junior is
becoming more comfortable around contact, and it’s been a big plus to his game.
Good hands and can finish around the rim. He averaged 6 points and 6 rebounds
per game in two appearances without missing a shot.
Darnell Galmore –
Bull-headed guard. A stockier 6’0” with a quick first step, he gets to your
outside shoulder and will find a way to the basket. He gets to the free throw
line often. Darnell averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game
in the regular season.
Troy Henderson (New
Hartford) – Troy comes from a good basketball background and plays a lot like
his older brothers, twins Jared and Jordan. He looked more comfortable in the
league as the season went on. Young (entering sophomore year) but basketball IQ
goes well beyond his age. Averaged 1.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2
steals per game in relatively limited minutes. He will be someone to look out
for over the next three years.
Luke Moore (Whitesboro) – He’s a good shooter and not afraid to let
it fly. Did well for his team when here, but didn’t come the last few weeks. He
averaged 4.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game in his 3 appearances.
Tyvon Reed (Utica Proctor) – A veteran to King of Kings. He played
in all three years of the College Prospect League’s existence, winning a
championship in its inaugural season. Another undersized post player at 6’2”,
but he’s working on his perimeter skills now. Explosive athleticism, was on the
receiving end of countless alley-oops this summer. The athletic ability mixed
with strength makes him a very good rebounder when fully invested. Comments
were made from opposing players and college coaches about how athletic he was.
One of the league’s leading scorers, averaging 16.6 points along with 6.2
rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1 steal, and .8 blocks per game in the regular season.
Tyvon earned an All-1st team selection this summer.
Eli Smalls (Rome Free Academy) – Big body, but doesn’t use it as
much as he should. The stocky 6’4” post player underperformed in two
appearances at the beginning of the season and didn’t come back after.
Daquan Testamark (Utica Proctor) – Exploded in the playoffs. 6’4”
and has been working his way out to the perimeter. Doesn’t have a good jump
shot, but can slash with the best of them and finish over the rim. Had a
two-handed tip dunk on a pair of defenders late in the finals. He led 315 Elite
in scoring with 16 points in that final game. He averaged 3.3 points and 4.8
rebounds per game in the regular season.
Kevin Warmack (Utica Notre Dame) – True leader. His impact is known
when you look at the box score, but you don’t know his true impact until you
watch him play. Leads any team he’s on in any sport. Not afraid to get on
teammates, but shows them love as well. 5’10” on a good day, but loves to
penetrate and isn’t afraid of contact and finishing around the rim. Kevin
averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, a league leading 7.2 assists, and 2.7
steals per game in the regular season. He had a triple-double at one point. Garnered
serious consideration for MVP honors and ended up with All-1st team
honors for the 2nd straight year. Ends his King of Kings days as the
College Prospect league’s all time leading scorer in career points at 305.
Utica Select
Jiquel Dunkley (Utica
Proctor) – Played limited minutes in his one appearance for them as an
alternate.
Josh Gonzalez (Canajoharie)
– The Energizer bunny in the post. His energy and hard work can spark things
for a team. 6’5”, strong, and gritty, he can make things happen down low. He is
a big scorer for his high school team, Class C Canajoharie. Averaged 5 points
and 6 rebounds per game in the regular season.
Jordan Gutierrez –
Great story. Jordan has overcome some legitimate obstacles to get this
opportunity, and he’s making the most of the chance. One of the most promising
players in this league. The 6’2”
shooting guard can either play off the ball or on the ball, but is most
effective as a shooter running off screens. However, he can use the dribble to
break you down. He plays both ends of the floor and hustles, diving into chairs
for loose balls on more than one occasion. He averaged 25 points per game this
past season at Oneonta High School as a junior, and he’ll have the opportunity
to possibly outdo that at high school in the Utica area this year. He averaged
16.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.4 steals, and .8 blocks per game in
the regular season. He also had a triple-double this season. Garnered serious
MVP consideration, and ended up with All-1st team honors.
Jim Grabowski (West
Genesee) – Jim has some work to do but is very promising. He can do a little
bit of everything: work in the post, slash, hit from the perimeter, rebound,
defend multiple positions. His stature, being a lanky 6’4”, helps his cause. He’s
just a rising junior. He averaged 5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1
steal per game in the regular season.
Jalen Hawkins (Utica
Proctor) – If we had a playoff MVP, it would’ve been him. Jalen made a name for
himself here. He jumped on Utica Select as an alternate midway through the
season and became a full-time player for them after one game. He proved his
worth each time out, culminating in a 23 point, 6 rebound, 5 assist, and 4
steal performance in the finals going up against Warmack. Oh yeah – Jalen’s
going into his sophomore year. Heard the line “Jalen could be Proctor’s saving
grace” from a respected basketball mind in the Utica area. He averaged 8.7
points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.7 steals per game in the regular
season. His hard work earned him an honorable mention selection this year. Look
for him to go well beyond that in the next two years.
Quaheem Holland (Utica
Notre Dame) – Quaheem stepped on for one game as an alternate and despite
having an off game, you could tell he belonged with the big boys. The scary
thing is he’s entering 8th grade. Look for Quaheem to be on here
full-time next year, possibly with an honorable mention selection already. With
continued work, he will be one of the best to come through here.
Rod Johnson (Gates-Chili)
– Rod impressed everyone this summer. His athleticism, smart play, and tenacity
on the defensive end helped push Utica Select over the top. His impact on the
game goes well beyond the stat sheet. Despite being just 6’0”, he may be the
most explosive leaper in the league and nearly put people on posters a few
times. Had one in the finals that really woke the crowd up. Rod is just a
rising junior, so look for him to do big things next summer. He averaged 8.7
points, 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and .7 blocks per game in the regular
season.
God’s Power Ogide (Bull
City Prep) – Biggest player in the league at 6’11” and 265 pounds. Already has
numerous Division I offers. He needs to work on his footwork down low, which is
lacking, along with his conditioning. His motor is lacking at times. That being
said, his sheer presence changes games. He averaged 3 blocks per game, but
altered many more. He also averaged 9.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Alex Rushton (Utica
Notre Dame) – Played limited minutes at times, but was always effective and did
his job while in the game. He can shoot, has decent handle, and makes the right
decision. He averaged 3.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in the regular
season while shooting just under 50% and attending every game, and he scored in
double digits in a semifinal win.
Joe Sullivan (Utica
Notre Dame) – Strong as an ox. He’s 6’4” and 230 pounds, and he’ll battle with
people 6 inches taller and 60 pounds heavier. Improving in all aspects of his
game, including his handle and perimeter jumper. He can take other posts
outside and blow by them. He could certainly play Division III basketball, but
is looking to go Division I-AA in football. He dominated in the finals,
finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds. He averaged 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2
assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the regular season.
Troy Temara (West
Genesee) – Troy has a Division I body with Division I athleticism already, just
entering his junior year. He’s 6’6” and a cut 220 pounds. When he goes up to
dunk, the ball is over the top of the square. Surefire Division I player with a
little more skill work and improved coordination. He can dominate from 12 feet
in. A couple plays of his in the post made college coaches salivate. Troy
averaged 8.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in the regular season.
Honorable mention selection. He could’ve certainly been a 1st or 2nd
team selection with a couple more appearances.
Ziggy Tracey (Utica
Proctor) – Ziggy (or Clifton, according to his birth certificate) is one of the
best offensive players in the league. The 6’6” shooting guard with a
well-rounded skill set dominated at points. He had 25 in the semifinal win and
15 in the finals. Looking to go prep and reclassify. He will find his way with
a Division I program if that happens. He can hit from the parking lot, break
you down with the dribble, and dunk on you. He can defend multiple positions
when fully invested at that end. Tracey averaged 17 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4
assists, 1.4 steals, and 1 block per game in the regular season. He earned an
All-1st team selection this summer.
Mike Warchol (New
Hartford) – Mike has improved drastically over the last year. Last summer, he
had a ‘deer in the headlights’ look out here, but he looked like he belonged
this summer. His jump shot and handle have improved, which will make the 6’6” senior
a factor this winter. Putting a few pounds on would help his cause (180
pounds), but the improved skill helps counter that. He can finish over the rim
now as well, with one of Select’s many dunks in their semifinal win. He
averaged 2.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in the regular
season while attending every game.
MVP
Jahlil Nails (6’5” Sr, Columbia)
1st Team
Kevin Warmack (5’10” Sr, Utica Notre Dame)
Jordan Gutierrez (6’2” Sr, Oneonta)
Tyvon Reed (6’2” Sr, Utica Proctor)
Kory Bergh (5’9” Jr, Amsterdam)
Ziggy Tracey (6’6” Sr, Utica Proctor)
2nd
Team
Bobby Leslie (6’2” Jr, Skaneateles)
Zach Sawyer (6’4” Sr, Waterville)
Ryan Schmadel (6’2” Jr, Oriskany)
Raiquis Harris (6’0” Sr, Catholic Central – Troy)
Jordan Mair (6’0” Sr, Green Tech)
TJ Borza (6’0” Sr, Whitesboro)
Honorable
Mention
Ramel Poole (6’4” Jr, Utica Proctor)
Will Avis (6’5” Sr, Red Hook)
Kaden Baugh (6’1” Sr, Seton Catholic – Plattsburgh)
Jake Peterson (6’7” Sr, Skaneateles)
Ray Jerome (6’4” Jr, Cheshire Academy CT)
Myles Joyce (6’2” Sr, Averill Park)
Zach Radz (6’2” Sr, Troy)
Jelani Fontanez (6’2” Sr, Ithaca)
Kinnon LaRose (6’4” Sr, Ogdensburg)
Zach Wilcox (6’2” Sr, Hamilton)
Jerome Brabham (6’2” Jr, Utica Notre Dame)
Jalen Hawkins (6’1” Soph, Utica Proctor)
Troy Temara (6’6” Jr, West Genesee)
No comments:
Post a Comment