2023 Super Saturday Showdown Standouts

By David Cordova,

On February 11, we made it to the Hynes Athletic Center on the campus of Iona University in New Rochelle, NY for the Super Saturday Showdown event, which was the matchup between Archbishop Stepinac High School and Iona Preparatory School These are two big time rivals in the CHSAA AA Division. Both teams played against each other previously on January 7th at the same venue, and the Stepinac Crusaders defeated the Iona Gaels. This time around, though, the Gaels avenged the defeat in a defensive rock fight, 44-42. Here are the standouts, in this college prospect loaded battle:

Johnny Keenan 5-11, Shooting Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is always ready to take on any challenges coming his way. He is blessed with the quickness and agility of a gymnast, and has the toughness and grit to be a very large factor. He is fearless when it comes to driving to the basket and will complement that with his ability to pull up from three-point range. Keenan is great at seeing the floor at all times and is able to make decisions when it comes to distributing the ball to his teammates.

Alexander Bryant 6-8, Forward, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2024 - A forward that has plenty of skills and is known for rising to the occasion when opportunity knocks. Has a long wingspan and can play great defense on whomever he is supposed to guard. Is able to play above the rim and can step out and shoot from the perimeter. Is always ready to obtain rebounds when in the low post.

A.J. Rodriguez 6-5, Forward, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A forward who holds his own in the post area, able to back down his opponent and and score easily on his opponent. Has plenty of finesse in his game and is able to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. Has the ability to shoot from deep or from the perimeter.

Blaise New 5-10, Point Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is very quick and deceptive when on the court and can find ways to make an impact on the game when on the court. Is a solid defender that is able to stick with the opposition and swipe perimeter steals which turn into a transition offense opportunity. Is fearless when it comes to driving to the basket and is able to absorb contact when going to the hole. Has a nice shooting touch when on the perimeter.

Bangaly Berete 6-4, Shooting Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A guard that has a smooth approach to the game when on the floor and on the offensive end. Is always looking to get open and can flash to the basket to anticipate a pass to go up for two. When driving into the lane, he can play above the rim and can also absorb contact and is able to draw fouls and get to the free throw line.

Danny Carbuccia 6-0, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to make his presence felt on the floor. Always brings plenty of energy when on the floor and tries to get his teammates involved when on the court. Has a talent for driving to the basket and is able to finish efficiently at the basket.

Braylan Ritvo 6-7, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is very skilled when on the floor and will make great plays on the court. Is able to drive to the basket with ease and is a good finisher. He crashes the boards and gets down court efficiently.  He can also step out to the three-point line and can get his shot off.

Hassan Kouriessi 6-3, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2026 - As a freshman, playing well at this high level of competition bodes very well for Kouriessi’s future. He has the ability to read the court whenever he has the ball in his hands, create for himself off the dribble and get to the basket.

Johnuel Fland 6-3, Point Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2024 - One of the nation’s most highly regarded 2024’s. He has excellent court vision and is able to make plays. He is skilled at getting open to both shoot from long range and drive to the basket. When it is best, he will look to pass the ball and/or create opportunities for his teammates to score.

Benjamin Lyttle 6-5, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2023 - Lyttle is very powerful, hard playing, Swiss Army knife on the floor. Is able to absorb contact, whether he’s going up for a basket or going up for a rebound. Plays with plenty of passion on the floor and is able to make his presence felt with his post play, by outworking the opposition.

Jordan Gabriel 6-8, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2024 - A transfer into Stepinac for this season, making the right decision to step up his level of competition and exposure. He has good hands and is able to put the ball on the floor when on the offensive end. Those great hands also aid in him obtaining rebounds and blocking shots on the other end of the court. On the offensive end, he is able to muscle his way up to the basket and can absorb contact when going up to score and is a good finisher.