2023 Slam Dunk Showcase x Crusader Classic Standouts

By David Cordova,

On Saturday, December 7, we got ourselves to the Hynes Athletic Center on the campus of Iona University in New Rochelle, New York for the Slam Dunk Showcase X the Crusader Classic. This was a combination of two events that were put together to showcase high school teams from the Westchester County, New York City and Dutchess County. On this date, we got to see the final two games of the evening between Mount Vernon and Xaverian and the rivalry game between two CHSAA AA powerhouses from Westchester County in Archbishop Stepinac and Iona Prep. Here are the standouts from the games:

Nasir Muhammad 6-1, Shooting Guard, Xaverian High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that has plenty of quickness in his game as well as leadership. Is able to control his team’s tempo and has great awareness of everything that is going on. Is a player that is very athletic and has a penchant for scoring, as well as distributing the ball to his teammates.

Don Colon-Lewis 6-6, Forward, Xaverian High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is very strong and mobile when he is on the floor. Uses his size to impose his physicality on his smaller counterparts when he’s on the floor. Has great footwork and is able to put the ball on the floor. Has the ability to step out on the perimeter and shoot from long range and can muscle his way to the basket.

Tavien Tyler 5-6, Point Guard, Mount Vernon High School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is diminutive but plays bigger than his size. Is able to outwork bigger opponents with his quickness, as well as his ability tithing the game. Knows when to drive to the basket to score and when to hit teammates with passes that can lead to scoring opportunities.

Elijah Morris 6-1, Shooting Guard, Mount Vernon High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that looks to score every time when he is on the court. Is fearless when it comes to taking certain shots, as he trusts his shot selection. Has a penchant for driving to the basket and has great body control when going up to score.

Jordan Wiltshire 6-5, Forward, Mount Vernon High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is a big part of his team’s offense when he’s on the floor. Is a player that has plenty of strength and is never afraid to box out the opposition, as well as block shots in the low post. Likes to muscle his way to the basket and is a great finisher when it comes to scoring.

Dylan Colon 6-3, Shooting Guard, Mount Vernon High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is able to make a big impact on the game when he is on the floor. Is able to get by his defender as he is able to make his presence felt with his quick first step. Is fearless when it comes to taking big shots in crucial moments, as he is able to knock down crucial shots in big moments.

Johnuel “Boogie” Fland 6-3, Point Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that is a leader on the floor, as he is able to make sure that his teammates follow his lead at all times. Has a penchant for making big plays on the court and will drive to the basket. Has a nice shooting touch from the perimeter and from three-point range.

Braylan Ritvo 6-7. Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2024 - A forward that uses his length and versatility to make an impact in the game. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range and has plenty of explosion in his game, which aids in him going up for a slam. Is able to establish his presence on the boards, as he is able to outwork his opponents for possession of the ball.

Bangaly Berete 6-4, Shooting Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A guard that has a penchant for making crucial plays for his team when the opportunity presents itself. Likes to drive to the basket and has explosive tendencies when going to the rim. Is able to finish at the basket and is also able to get to the free throw easily.

Johnny Keenan 5-11, Point Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is lightning-quick and is fearless when it comes to getting to the basket at all times. Is able to create for himself off the dribble and is a great decision-maker with the ball when it comes to getting others involved. Has a penchant for shooting threes form long range and is successful in hitting big shots when his team needs them.

AJ Rodriguez 6-5, Forward, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A forward that has plenty of versatility in his game and has a penchant for making big plays when on the court. Is a great finisher when driving to the basket and is a great finisher. Is great at making floaters and has a nice shooting touch from the perimeter.