2022 Crusader Classic Key Performers
On January 7, RecruitTheBronx.com made it to Draddy Gymnasium on the campus of Manhattan College in the Riverdale section of The Bronx, for the Crusader Classic. The Classic is the annual CHSAA rivalry game between Archbishop Stepinac and Iona Prep. In this game, both teams played a tough battle, but Stepinac prevailed in the end. The rematch will take place at Iona College’s Hynes Athletic Center in New Rochelle, New York on February 12th. Here are the standouts for the first matchup:
Danny Carbuccia 6-1, Point Guard,Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is able to lead his team in many ways and categories. Is able to create for himself off the dribble and is able to get to the basket. Has a nice pull jumper, which he uses especially when open.
Samuel Gibbs 6-3, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2022 - A guard that has the ability to facilitate to his teammates and find them in the right spots for passes that could lead to baskets. Is able to get to the basket with fearlessness and makes clutch shots when given the opportunity. Is able to play great defense on his counterpart.
Joel Baez 6-5, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2022 - A guard with plenty of athleticism and the ability to score. Makes terrific drives to the basket and can attack when the lane is open. Is a solid rebounder and is able to absorb contact when going up to the basket or obtaining rebounds in the air.
Jacob Hogarth 6-9, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2022 - A forward that is very athletic and is very strong. Has a large wingspan and can hold his own in the post area. Has the ability to get rebounds and get blocks on the defensive end. Is able to muscle his way into the post to get a basket.
Isaiah Alexander 6-7, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2022 - A forward that has great versatility and is able to do many things on the floor. Is able to create for himself on the perimeter and is able to put the ball on the floor. Loves to drive to the basket and can show off his athleticism.
Benjamin Lyttle 6-5, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that has a penchant for doing everything required of him on the floor. He is a glue guy that will hustle for the ball and get rebounds at all times. Has a penchant for getting to the basket and getting putbacks.
Braylan Ritvo 6-6, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2024 - A forward that gives his team energy when on the floor and is very active when his team needs a key basket or a key possession. Has the ability to shoot from long range when on the floor. Is able to hustle for the ball when the opportunity presents itself.
Blaise New 5-10, Point Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is the team’s floor leader and facilitator on the court. Is able to set the team’s tempo and has great court vision. Is able to see where his teammates are going so that he can put them in position to score.
Bangaly Berete 6-4, Forward, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A forward that has plenty of skills and has the ability to play on the wing. Is able to power his way to the basket with his dribble. Is able to use his frame to absorb contact when going up for a basket.
Johnny Keenan 5-10, Point Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is another facilitator for his team. Has plenty of speed and will use it to his advantage when on the offensive end. Has the ability to stay with his man and be on the defensive end and getting steals.
Mike Ryan 6-2, Shooting Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2022 - A guard that has the ability to step out on the wing and shoot from three-point range. Has the ability to absorb physicality, due to his physical frame. Knows when to step into the post area and get rebounds.
RJ Greene 6-5, Forward, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2022 - A forward that has the ability to showcase his versatile skills on the perimeter and into the post. When driving into the post, he is able to get past his defender and can use his strength to draw fouls in order to get to the free throw line. Never hesitates to get into the lane to grab a rebound.
AJ Rodriguez 6-5, Forward, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is able to make an impact in the game, especially when it comes to getting rebounds. Is able to handle the ball on the perimeter and can step out to take shots from the outside. Uses his strength to muscle into the post to obtain rebounds or go to the basket with precision.