2023 Empire Youth ZGXL 16u Player Profiles
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 teams holds their practices at their new gym in Huntington, Long Island.
The 16u team profiled below is coached by Harborfields High assistant varsity coach, Joe Cavallaro, and they will be playing on the ZGXL circuit.
The 2023 Empire Youth ZGXL 16u Player Profiles are as follows:
Matt Greenwald (2025) 5’10 guard, West Islip High – Greenwald is a true floor general, he’s a tough, physical guard who’s change of speed makes him hard to stay in front of. Shoots the 3 well and has a nice touch around the rim, does whatever else coach asks him to do. High basketball IQ. Excited for a big ZGXL season.
Devon Carter (2025) 6’3 wing, Islip High – Carter is a big body that can also handle the ball, he likes to get downhill and attack the rim with power. Super light on his feet and has a nice touch around the rim. He hunts to block shots on the defensive end and is not afraid to make contact in the paint.
Jordan Leach (2025) 5’10 guard, Kellenberg High – Leach is a shifty, athletic guard who can score at all 3 levels. His quick first step and light feet make him hard to stay in front of. He can guard 1-4 and is a total team guy, looking to make an instant impact in his first ZGXL season.
Justin Ascencio (2024) 6’2 wing, Cold Spring Harbor High – An all around combo guard/ wing that fills up the stat sheet. He plays 110% all the time and always makes a big play when his team needs a jump. Great handle, shot is getting better every day, and a super coachable kid. Excited for a big ZGXL season.
Nate Grossman (2025) 5’11 guard, Cold Spring Harbor High – Grossman is a high level shooter and all around scorer. He has a great handle and touch around the rim, knows how to get to his spots and score the ball. Team first guy who knows how to get other people involved- great passer.
Joe Kiely (2025) 6’0 wing, Cold Spring Harbor High – Kiely is a high energy guy who goes 110% at all times. Very athletic wing who’s getting better offensively every day, guards 1-4 effectively. Gets other guys involved and leads by example.
Chris Sakelos (2025) 6’3 wing, Bethpage High – Big, tough wing who can guard guys way bigger than himself. Shoots the 3 very well and is a team guy. Getting better and better everyday, will be a spark for the team with his shooting and energy.
Lorenzo Maione (2024) 5’9 guard, Malverne High – A crafty, high IQ guard that is a “coach on the court”. Always talking to teammates and bringing energy, team-first guy. Shoots the 3 very well and is a willing passer.
Stefan Kalogeras (2025) 6’0 wing, Commack High – tough, physical wing who is getting better every day. Has a smooth jump shot and knows how to get to his spots offensively. Total team guy who impacts the game on both sides of the floor.
Daniel Spero (2024) 5’10 wing, Massapequa High – tough, physical wing that can stretch the floor and shoot the 3. Glue guy, super coachable does whatever is asked of him. High energy, gives 110% at all times.
Rohan Punj (2024) 5’8 wing, Baldwin High – crafty, quick wing that can hit shots and finish around the rim. Great team defender and high energy guy every single day. Super high basketball IQ does a great job rebounding the ball and playing in transition. Baldwin High