2022 Smartball Classic Championship Game Top Performers
On Monday night, August 29, RecruitTheBronx.com got to the Abraham Lincoln Playground in Harlem for the championship game of the Smartball Classic between Evangel Christian Sports Academy and Monsignor Scanlan High. In this game, there was plenty of leads going back and forth and a lot of competitive play. But in the end, the Queens-based, Evangel Christian emerged victorious and took home the gold. Here are the standouts of Monday night’s game:
Jaidan Hill 6-0, Point Guard, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that is very speedy and is able to make decisions on the fly when he has the ball in his hands. Has excellent court vision and is able to see where his teammates are going every time he’s on the court, so that he can give them opportunities to score. Is able to get to the basket with ease and is a good finisher when going to the cup.
Nasir Rodriguez 6-4, Shooting Guard, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that has the ability to play tough as nails at all times when he’s on the floor. Is very active when it comes to getting loose balls and rebounds when he’s on the court. Uses his toughness to get to the basket and is able to create for himself off the dribble. Is able to absorb contact on both ends of the floor.
Kassius Paulin 6-4, Forward, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2024 - A forward that is able to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Was able to play tough when on the low post and can make good decisions when on the floor. Can step out and shoot jumpers from the perimeter or from three-point range and is able to muscle his way to the basket at all times.
Jabari Philips 6-4, Forward, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2024 - A forward that has the ability to hold his own in the post area when on the offensive end. Is a player that has a lot of strength and can make plenty of good plays in the paint. Is able to collect rebounds and can is able to draw fouls and can muscle his way to the basket and get to the free throw line.
Dior Anderson 6-1, Point Guard, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2026 - A guard that is quick and has jet-like quickness when on the floor and knows when to jumpstart and offense. Is able to get steals and provides plenty of energy with his defense every time he’s on the court. Is able to speed to the basket and is a good finisher at the basket.
Luis Morel 6-5, Forward, Evangel Christian Sports Academy, 2024 - A forward that has plenty of athleticism when on the court and has the ability to make his presence felt on the floor. Is always ready to go up for rebounds when the ball clangs off the rim. Is great at getting putback layups and dunks when on the floor.
Steven Ceballo 6-4, Shooting Guard, Evangel Christian Sports Academy, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to put in plenty of effort on the floor and will look to obtain the ball at all times. Is a smart defender, as he loves to stick to his man whenever the opportunity presents itself. Is great obtaining steals and is great at getting downcourt to other end and drives smoothly to the basket.
Carlos Pèrez 6-0, Shooting Guard, Evangel Christian Sports Academy, Class of 2023 - A guard that has the ability to be a scorer when he’s on the floor. Is a player that loves to drive to the basket at all times and is able to create for himself off the dribble and can get past his defender with his smooth dribble. Is very efficient at getting his shot off from mid-range. Is solid at getting his teammates the ball.
Luis Peña 6-3, Forward, Evangel Christian Sports Academy, Class of 2023 - A forward that has plenty of strength and is a force in the post. Is a player that is very athletic and has a penchant for playing above the rim and anticipates any pass that is coming his way, especially if it is thrown towards the basket, as he will go up and get it and complete the play. Is able to absorb contact and will get to the free throw line.
Wilmer DeJesus 6-3, Point Guard, Evangel Christian Sports Academy, Class of 2026 - A guard that has a good knack for staying with his man on defense and making hustle plays when he is on the court. Knows where to be on the floor at all times and always looks for the ball. Is able to get to the basket with ease and will make sure that his teammates get the ball when the moment presents itself for them to score.