2021 Empire Youth Athletics College Prospects
Empire Youth Athletics is a program that was started in 2018. Their mission is to mold the future EYA generation into hard-working, coachable individuals by providing a high quality coaching and training experience. An Empire athlete is a multi-dimensional and well-rounded player. The focus is on the six pillars of excellence: Effort, Maturity, Passion, Integrity, Respect, and Enthusiasm. They make a strong emphasis on the “little things” that mean the most and lead to positive team culture. For example, if you play with Empire, you have to be willing to put the TEAM first!
The EYA Staff Directors are:
Derek Klein- Founder/Boys Basketball Director
Christina Raiti-Founder/Girls Basketball Director
Leon Pursoo- Program/Training Director
Andrew Metz- Director of Operations
EYA’s primary practice locationis St. Boniface Martyr Church in Long Island, but also includes other locations as well in Nassau and Suffolk County.
Their 17u squad will be competing in both Zero Gravity and Hoop Group exposure events. The Head coach is Michael McSloy (Head Coach of St. Joe’s College in Long Island) and the Assistant Coach is Joe Cavallaro. The team is deep, consisting of 12 players from Long Island and Queens.
James Cavallaro 6’0 Guard, Kellenberg (2022) - James is coming off a strong junior campaign in which he was named all CHSAA. James is a high IQ guard and a knockdown shooter. He handles the ball well, consistently producing a quality assist to turnover ratio.
Matt Mahoney 6’3 Wing, LuHi (2022) - Matt plays with a tremendous motor that will quickly grab the eye of many college coaches. Matt plays above the rim and attacks the basket well and can keep defense honest with his pull-up. His three point shot is improving fast, as he is always in the gym looking to improve.
Jaden Battle 6’1 Guard, Long Island Lutheran High (2022) - Jaden has a knack for scoring. He can create his own shot and scores at all three levels. His long wingspan allows him to match-up with bigger guards. Jaden has proven he can play both guard positions at a high level.
Jelani Johnson 6’3 Wing, Long Island Lutheran High (2021) – Jelani plays with a high motor and has ability to cause mismatch problems for opponents. His skill allows him to play on the perimeter, while his strength makes him an offensive threat inside.
Marco Rochello 5’10 Guard, Long Island Lutheran High (2022) – Marco is a combo guard that has the ability to play both on and off the ball. He can score in a variety of ways. Marco is very comfortable initiating offense but also being a consistent scoring threat.
Jadon Perez 6’4 Forward, Forest Hills (2022) – Jadon is a highly skilled forward. He can shoot 3’s, get to the rim and play with his back to the basket. He is quickly developing the other parts of his game and is a poised for a big AAU season.
Joe Carusone 6’3 Wing, Kellenberg (2022) – Joe is a high IQ player who also plays with a tremendous motor. Joe can stretch the defense with his ability to shoot.
Sammy Gertsman 6’0 Guard, Half Hollow Hills East (2022) – Sammy is a quick guard who is constantly putting pressure on the defense. Sammy is a good shooter which makes him versatile on offense.
Alex Argyros 5’9 Guard, Paul D. Schreiber High (2022) – Alex is a knockdown shooter who compliments the other guards on the team well. Alex possesses a high IQ.
Chris Goldstein 6’0 Guard, South Side (2022) – Chris is great at attacking the basket. His first step allows him to get by defenders. Chris can make 3’s and plays extremely hard.
Brody Girsky 5’8 Guard, Plainview JFK (2022) – Brody is a knockdown shooter and is great at initiating offense. The ultimate gym rat, Brody is improving at a fast rate.
Jordan Rosenberg 5’9 Guard, Plainview JFK (2022) – Jordan is a tough guard who provides a lot of energy off the bench for Empire. He makes open shots and plays tough defense.