2023 Empire Youth 17u-Klein College Prospects
Empire Youth Athletics has a stated goal to mold their players into hard-working, coachable individuals by providing a high quality coaching and training experience for them. They preach that becoming better people is the priority, with basketball being the secondary goal. “Team First” is an overriding philosophy and playing style.
Their team holds its practices at their new gym in Huntington, Long Island.
Their 17u-Klein team is coached by the Program Director and Long Island Lutheran assistant coach, Derek Klein. Klein was recently named a College Placement All Star for his work on behalf of getting his players placed onto college teams.
The 2023 17u-Klein roster is as follows:
Preston Appel (2024) 5’11 point guard, Long Island Lutheran-National - Appel is a true point guard. He’s a strong and crafty PG who controls the pace on the offensive end and likes to get his teammates shots in the right spots. Shoots it at a high clip from 3 and loves to get to his pull up jumper in transition. He also loves to guard his opponents 94 feet. High gpa
Jackson Carey (2024) 6’2 guard, Harborfields High - Carey is an extremely tough guard who gives 110 percent effort on both sides of the floor. He shoots it a high clip from 3 and has a high basketball IQ.
Matt De Fazio (2023) 6’4 wing, Chaminade High - DeFazio is the ultimate team guy. Whatever the team needs to win, he will do. Sets hard screens, has a high basketball IQ, spreads the floor, can hit the 3. DeFazio is a vocal leader. High gpa
Ajanni Fleming (2024) 6’2 swing Eagle Academy-Brooklyn - Fleming is the ultimate competitor. He’s tough, physical, can play and guard 1-4. He has improved his 3 point shot. Fleming uses his gritty mentality to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Ryan Hosein (2024) 6’1 guard, Plainview High - Hosein plays at great pace and uses his athleticism and quickness to effect the game on both ends. Ryan works on his game daily and has a lethal pull up jumper. Finishes well around the rim with either hand.
Kazmin Johnson (2024) 6’4 small forward, Hampton Bays High - Johnson has huge upside. With his long athletic frame and skill level, he becomes a matchup nightmare for the defense. He can score it at the rim and hit the 3. He is also dominant in transition. Hunts to block shots on the defensive end.
Ethan Meisel (2024) 6’5 small forward, Commack High - Meisel is a strong forward who plays physical on both ends of the floor. He also has the ability to knock down shots or beat you off the dribble. A matchup nightmare for his opponents.
Malachi Moore (2023) 6’4 guard, Copiague High - Moore has continued to get better and better each day. With his improved 3 point shot he can score it with ease at all 3 levels. He’s strong, skilled, and a nightmare to guard in the open floor in transition. With his 6’4 build, it makes it tough for his opponents to stay in front or guard him in the post at his position. He’s getting stronger by the day and is an amazing leader by example. Moore is a gym rat and a coach’s dream. He has played a major role in EYA’s success. 4.0 gpa.
Derrek Schecter (2023) 5’10 guard, Mt Sinai High - Schecter is a tough and crafty combo guard who shoots it from the 3 at a high rate. He shot the ball 40% from 3 this past winter high school season and averaged 14 ppg and 11 apg.
Aven Smith (2024) 6’5 small forward, Pierson High - Smith is a 6’5 stretch forward who continues to get better. He shoots the 3 well and can get to his 1 dribble pull up. Smith had a career high, scoring 26 pts in the regional final for Pierson this past season.
Stevie Williams (2024) 6’0 guard, St. John The Baptist High - Williams is the ultimate competitor and team guy. Loves to win and see his teammates be successful. He is a VERY VERY physical guard who is also extremely athletic. With his physical body and athleticism, it’s tough to guard him in the transition when he’s going downhill. Has a great pull up jumper, high IQ, and finishes well around the rim with either hand. Ultimate gym rat as well along with his teammates on this roster. Stevie is also the “coach” on the floor and is a student of the game
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