2021 Empire Youth Athletics 16u
Empire Youth Athletics 16u team is coached by Brandon Wilson. Wilson is a Long Island Lutheran High alumni, who played D1 ball at Maryland Eastern Shore. The stated goal of the program to mold their players into hard-working, coachable individuals by providing a high quality coaching and training experience for them. They preach that becoming better people is the priority, with basketball being the secondary goal. “Team First” is an overriding philosophy and playing style. This team holds its practices at St Boniface Church in Seacliff, Long Island.
This 16u team won the Long Island Think Pink ZG championship at the beginning of May and have only two losses on the spring season. Here are the players on the 16u team.
Darian Rahimzadeh (2023) 5’9 point guard, Long Island Lutheran High - Rahimzadeh is a floor general/point guard who can shoot the ball with deep range and consistency. He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim with either hand. Rahimzadeh has great ball handling skills and handles pressure very well. Has grown and gotten stronger each year he’s been in high school.
Steven Papadimitropolous (2023) 6’3 guard, Bayside High - Papadimitropolous is able to spread the floor and create matchup problems. He does a great job of catching and shooting in transition. Also is a tough nosed rebounder who’s skill level allows him to be able to start the break off the board.
Jayden Henriquez (2023) 6’0 guard East Meadow High - Henriquez is a superior on ball defender plays with great pace and toughness. Has the ability to shoot the ball from deep and can get hot in a hurry. Absolute gym rat and work horse.
Myles Cumberland (2023) 5’9 point guard Long Island Lutheran High - Cumberland is a point guard who’s able to get to the rim and finish with either hand. He has the ability to pull up and stop on the dime along with heat touch with his floater. Has great offensive pace and continues to improve.
Shaun Ayers (2023) 6’3 small forward, Long Island Lutheran High - Ayers is a big man who’s able to rebound with anyone he goes up against. His strength gives him the advantage in most matchups. He’s capable of making open jump shots and likes to create and find the open teammates.
Paul Argyros (2023) 5’11 guard, St Francis Prep - Argyros has a high basketball IQ. He is a ights out shooter when open, He also does a great job rebounding the ball.
Troy Stephenson (2023)- 6’3 guard Paul Schreiber High - Stephenson is a long, athletic and elite defender. He plays aggressively on the defensive side of the ball, with very active hands. Offensively, he’s very unselfish as he looks to find open teammates before he looks to shoot the ball himself. Great glue guy. High level rebounder and does a good job creating for others. Continuously looking to improve his jumper.
Terrell Adderly (2023) 5’9 guard Bayshore High - Adderly is a combo guard and has the ability to lead a team. He’s an extension of the coach on the court with his leadership qualities. Does a great job penetrating against zone or man to create for himself and others. Knocks down shots and continues to improve his range. Loves being in the gym. Great teammate.
Logan Hartstein (2023) 5’10 guard, Pierson High - Hartstein is a tough nosed player and great defender who can knock down open jump shots. He is a hard worker who has a team-first mentality. He does a great job spacing the floor and play positions 2-5 due to his toughness and ability to knock down jumpers.
Matt De Fazio (2023) 6’4 wing Chaminade High - De Fazio is a tough player who brings a ton of passion and energy to the game. He loves to be in the gym and continuously works on his craft. He has improved his jumper to go along with his great rebounding skills and high basketball IQ. De Fazio’s got a great touch from both midrange and the three. Ultimate team guy who wants everyone to succeed.