2023 IS8 Spring Classic Standouts
By David Cordova,
On May 7 afternoon, we got to Eagle Academy III in Jamaica, Queens for the IS8 Spring Classic. The event was in its final week of the regular season before the impending playoffs, which begin this Friday, March 12th. In the final two games of the day, there was plenty of competition from both sides, but two of the teams, Rundown and Kips Bay, showed how dangerous they will be when the playoffs start. Here are the standouts for both games.
Seck Zongo 6-6, Forward, The Patrick School (NJ), Kips Bay, Class of 2023 - A forward that has the ability to grab rebounds and using his toughness in the low post. A player that can put the ball on the floor and drive past the opposition. Has the ability to block shots and be an all-around player on the court.
KJ Satterfield 6-4, Point Guard, The Patrick School (NJ), Kips Bay, Class of 2023 - A guard that has the ability to be a great distributor and also can put the ball in the basket when he has the chance. Is able to distribute the ball to his teammates when they are open or when the opportunity for them to score presents itself. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range.
Brandon Stores, Jr. 6-4, Forward, St. Raymond High School, Kips Bay, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to show off his strength and his dominance on the court. Has plenty of athleticism when going to the basket for a dunk. Has a nice shooting touch when he’s shooting from the perimeter or from three-point range. Loves to run on the fast break.
Cameron Martin, 5-9, Point Guard, East Brunswick High School (NJ), Above & Beyond, Class of 2024 - A guard that has the ability to use his quickness to his advantage when he’s on the court. Is able to get down court with ease and is fearless when driving past the opposition. Is able to absorb contact when going to the basket and is a good finisher.
Devan Matos, 5-7, Point Guard, Susan E. Wagner High School, Above & Beyond, Class of 2024 - A guard that is very speedy and likes to run in transition when on the court. Knows when to distribute the ball to his teammates and when to get to the basket and score. Looks to drive to the basket when on the fast break and is a good finisher. Is fearless when it comes to his decision-making on the court.
Boakai Velkai, 6-4, Forward, Moore Catholic High School, Above & Beyond, Class of 2024 - A forward that has a lot of strength and can use it to his advantage against smaller players. Is able to go to the basket and finish with strength. Is able to obtain steals and get down court and set up his teammates with offensive opportunities.
Youssouf Singare 7-0, Forward, Our Saviour Lutheran High School, Rundown, Class of 2023 (UCONN commit) - A forward that establishes his dominance when on the court. Has a long wingspan that he uses to his advantage when it comes to him going to the basket. Loves to run on the fast break and is a great finisher at the rim, as he’s able to throw down emphatic dunks.
Jahmere Tripp 6-6, Forward, Our Saviour Lutheran High School, Rundown, Class of 2023 (Fordham University commit) - A forward that has plenty of energy when on the court and is able to attack the glass for rebonds. Has a muscular frame and is able to attack in transition. When going up to the basket, he is a good finisher and is able to throw down emphatic dunks.
Taj Bryant 6-2, Point Guard, Eagle Academy II, Rundown, Class of 2024 - A guard that has the ability to speed up the game or slow it down depending on the opponent. Knows how to beat the opposition off the dribble and can give his teammates the ball in the right places on the offensive end. Has a nice shooting touch and release when going for a jumper.
Arop Arop, 6-8, Forward, Hotchkiss School, Gotham Hoops, Class of 2023 - A forward that has the ability to be a point forward when on the floor. Is able to make sure that his teammates have scoring opportunities and likes to run on the fast break. At his size, he is an incredible specimen, as he is able to post up against the opposition and is a good shot-blocker. Is able to finish efficiently at the basket.
Jean Aranguren 6-3, Shooting Guard, Springfield Commonwealth Academy (MA), Gotham Hoops, Class of 2023 (Fairleigh Dickinson University commit) - A guard that has the ability to be a scorer on the offensive end and is very skilled. Is a player that likes to shoot from long range and can create for himself off the dribble. Is able to attack when it comes to fast break opportunities.
Walt Andrews, Jr. 6-4, Shooting Guard, Notre Dame-West Haven High School, Gotham Hoops, Class of 2023 - A guard that is able to muscle his way to the basket and is able to showcase his athleticism on the break. Is able to absorb contact when going up for two and is able to draw fouls with ease. Is able to distribute the ball and pass to his teammates when they have opportunities to score.