2023 Hoophall Classic Standouts

By David Cordova,


On January 14 and 15, RecruitTheBronx.com paid a visit to “The Birthplace of Basketball”,in Springfield, MA. Springfield College’s Blake Arena once again hosted the the 21st annual Spaulding Hoophall Classic. It is a national showcase featuring some of the best teams from around the country and the Northeast.  During the weekend, we caught RecruitTheBronx.com region schools in East Catholic (CT), Long Island Lutheran, Archbishop Stepinac, Bishop Loughlin and Cardinal Hayes going against top-tier teams from around the country. Here are the standouts from those games:


James Jones 6-6, Forward, East Catholic High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that has plenty of versatility and plenty of explosiveness in his game. Has a great arm reach when going up for rebounds and can alter or block shots. Loves to play on the perimeter and can shoot from long range or drive to the basket.


Luke Reilly 6-2, Shooting Guard, East Catholic High School, Class of 2023 - A guard tat is the ultimate competitor on the court. Is a player that can drive to the basket and will find a way to get to the free throw line. Has a penchant for making shots from three-point range with a beautiful touch. Is fearless when it comes to taking certain shots.


Jayden Reid 5-11, Point Guard, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that has a penchant for being a leader and the director of his team when he has the ball in his hands. Knows when to shoot and when to kick it out to his teammates. Has a nice shooting touch and is a great defender that can stick with his man at all times.


Jayden Ross 6-8, Forward, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that can make an impact on the game in many ways. Is able to move off the ball and anticipate a pass. Has plenty of athleticism and has a penchant for passing the ball and can let his teammates earn a chance at scoring. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range.


VJ Edgecombe 6-4, Shooting Guard, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that loves to play on the fast break and brings plenty of energy when he’s on the court. Has plenty of explosiveness and can get to the rim with precision. Has great hands, which allow him to obtain rebounds and block shots.


Amdy N’Diaye 6-10, Forward, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is active on both ends of the floor at all times. When scoring, he is able to get to the basket and showcases his athleticism, and can also shoot from the perimeter. Is a great rebounder and can block shots at all times. Has good hands that also allow him to obtain steals.


Makhaya Moore 6-8, Forward, Bishop Loughlin High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that has plenty of length and is always a hard-worker on the floor. Is very active on the boards when it comes to obtaining rebounds and is always alert when it comes to blocking shots. On the offensive end, he is a solid finisher at the basket, using his footwork to get to the rim, whether he gets a layup or a floater or a dunk.


Jakai Sanders 6-4, Shooting Guard, Bishop Loughlin High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that is always ready to obtain crucial baskets for his team. Has plenty of speed, which he uses to blow by defenders on his way to the basket. Is able to shoot from long range and also has plenty of athleticism, as he is able to finish at the rim. Has the opportunity to facilitate to his teammates with ease.


Hassan Kouriessi 6-3, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2026 - A guard that is able to give plenty of effort and energy when on the court. Has great court vision and awareness when he’s on the floor. Is able to crash the boards efficiently and is able to finish at the basket. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range.


Johnuel Fland 6-3, Point Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that has the ability to impact the game in so many ways on the floor. Is a player that can create for himself off the dribble and will either drive to the basket and can shoot from long range. Is able to distribute the ball and set his teammates up for scoring opportunities.


Braylan Ritvo 6-7, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is able to help his teammates every time he’s on the floor. Uses his strength and mobility to obtain rebounds and can finish at the basket efficiently. Is able to step out on the three-point line and shoot. Is a force on a team with his versatility and strong play.


Jaiden Williams 6-4, Forward, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that can play on the wing and can also step into the low post and obtain rebounds. Has plenty of energy on the floor and likes to run on the fast break. Is a player that can drive to the basket and can make clutch plays for his team. Is also able to set his teammates up for scoring opportunities with his passing.


Steven Solano 6-11, Forward, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2024 - A forward that is mobile and has a penchant for being a force in the paint area. Has the ability to make his presence felt with his size, as he is able to obtain rebounds and block shots. When he gets offensive touches, he is able to score. H is a dominant finisher at the rim and can unleash an unguardable hit a hook shot


Adam Nije Jr 6-0, Point Guard, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that trusts his instinct to shoot, but can also be a playmaker on the court. Loves to run on the fast break and is very active when going to the basket. Is a good defensive player that can also obtain steals and then hit his teammates off with passes that could lead to a basket afterwards.