Empire Youth Fall 17u College Prospects
The Empire Youth Athletics Fall 17u roster is set. They are being coached by Brandon Wilson and his assistant, Leon Pursoo. Their practice gym is the Empire Gym in Huntington, Long Island. The team will be competing in the following Zero Gravity events this fall.
10/2-10/3: Ardsley House of Sports
10/9-10/10: CT Jamboree
10/16-10/17: NERR Boston
11/6-11/7: Spooky Nook, PA
Roster:
Terrell Adderly (2023) 5’10 point guard, Bay Shore High - Terrell is a true floor general. He has improved his game each year within the program and can score it at all three levels. Terrell brings his shiftiness, high basketball IQ, and fast pace to this roster. His leadership qualities and competitive nature are also strengths of his game.
Jaden Battle (2022) 6’1 guard Long Island Lutheran High - Jaden is an ELITE scorer. At 6’1 he can finish at the rim with either hand and isn’t afraid of contact. He can stretch the floor and shoot it from college range and also shoots a high percentage from the mid range area as well. Jaden’s stock went up over last spring/summer and will continue to be on college coaches’ radars this season.
Clayton Ward (2022), 6’4 small forward, Huntington High - Clayton is a very versatile basketball player. At 6’4 he can play positions 2-4 and uses his length to disrupt opponents both offensively and defensively. Clayton is EXTREMELY athletic with an improved jump shot. Look out for a big year from Mr. Ward.
Nick Ruisi (2022) 6’5 wing, Harborfields High - Nick continues to impress EYA’s coaches and program. Nick has an amazing work ethic and competes on every single possession. He can spread the floor and hit the three ball at a consistent clip along with having the ability to beat his defender off the dribble. Nick is very athletic and plays above the rim. He’s due for a breakout year at Harborfields.
Malachi Moore (2023) 6’3 guard, Copiague High - Malachi is a fierce competitor with a strong build. Another interesting prospect as Malachi scores at all 3 levels and plays above the rim. Malachi loves to compete and is extremely vocal. He will bring his leadership to this team and tends to uplift everyone around him. He LOVES basketball and will stay in the gym working on his game tirelessly. Expecting a breakout year from Malachi this season and school year.
Matt De Fazio (2023) 6’4 small forward, Chaminade High - Matt is the ultimate TEAM guy. He will do whatever it takes for the team to look good and win. He works extremely hard, is extremely vocal, and has contagious positive energy. Matt is a physical player and can stretch the floor and knock down threes.
Myles Cumberland (2023) 5’10 guard Long Island Lutheran High - Myles is another floor general and heady guard for this team. Myles can stuff the stat sheet. He scores, rebounds, gets steals, and can run the show from the PG role. Myles has continued to put the work in and improve his game over the past few years. He has grown as well and uses his length against other guards to make plays on both ends of the floor.
Jayden Henriquez (2023) 6’0 guard, East Meadow HS - Jayden is a tough nosed competitor and won’t back down from any competition or challenge. Jayden has also improved his skill set from being with us the last couple of years. Jayden is an ELITE shooter and can get hot in a hurry. He shoots it from college range and with confidence. Jay also has the ability to break a defender down and make the right reads. An important part of Jayden’s game is his vocal leadership and leads by example with his work ethic.
Troy Stephenson (2023) 6’3 guard, Paul Schreiber High - Troy continues to get better and better. With an improving skill set and improved jumper, Troy can start to take his game to the next level. Troy uses his length and athleticism as his main advantages. He had a couple highlight dunks in the summer and we’re expecting more of that to come in the future. Another strong part of Troy’s game is his ability to rebound.
Jason Zell (2023) 6’3 guard, Syosset High - Jason is Mr. reliable for this team. He is hard working, physical, a great rebounder, and finisher around the rim. Jason does a great job doing the little things the team needs to be successful. He finishes the dump down passes from the guards and does a great job setting efficient screens. Jason has great energy and is always willing to learn and get better.
Max Cordes (2023) 6’0 guard, Lynbrook High - Max brings his toughness and “outwork everyone” mentality to this team. Max is also a skilled player who can shoot it from the mid and long range. Max is a TEAM first player and is willing to do whatever is necessary for the team to win.
Michael Samuda (2023) 5’11 point guard, Bay Shore High - Michael is another one of the floor generals on this team. His physical physique makes him a matchup nightmare against other players at his position. Samuda is also very deceptive, shifty, and crafty with his moves which makes it even harder to figure him out defensively. If you sag off he will hit the three as well. Mike is a physical guard who isn’t afraid to drive the ball to the paint and create. High basketball IQ as well and loves to compete.
Steven Papadimitropolous (2023) 6’3 guard Long Island Lutheran High - Steven brings his versatile game to this team. He can stretch the floor and has the ability to drive it and score off the bounce as well. Steve’s also not afraid to be physical and rebound. He is an extremely hard worker and is willing to do whatever it takes to improve his game and help the team win.