Tru Ballaz Top Players Notes 10/16/18

By Dave Cordova


On Tuesday night, October 16, RecruitTheBronx.com paid a visit to the Tru Ballaz High School Classic for the final regular season games at Frederick Douglass Academy in the Bronx. Theplayoff games start on Thursday. The matchups on this night were between Thurgood Marshall (PSAL) and St. Raymond (CHSAA) in the first game and between Wings Academy (PSAL) and Archbishop Stepinac (CHSAA) in the second game. Here are the standouts for Tuesday’s games:


Arthur Dukes, 5-7, Point Guard, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Class of 2019 - A guard that has plenty of quickness and athleticism. Looks to get the ball up the court on a fast break and get to the hole. Great at getting steals and creating turnovers from the opposition.


Tahron Allen, 6-4, Shooting Guard, St. Raymond High School, Class of 2021 - A guard that can force the opposition into turning the ball over and can attack when he goes into the lane. Struggles to shoot from long range.


George Varmah, 6-6, Forward, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Class of 2019 - A player that uses his muscular build to get into the basket and can also attack the glass when it comes to getting rebounds. Has plenty of upper-body strength, which helps him when scoring or being in the low post.


Gary Grant, 6-6, Forward, St. Raymond High School, Class of 2020 - A guard/forward with a lot of athleticism and good ballhandling skills. Has long arms and can attack the rim. Great at setting pick & rolls when teammates have the ball.


Luis Kortright, 6-3, Shooting Guard, St. Raymond High School, Class of 2020 - Has plenty of explosion and does plenty of things on the court. Great at attacking the basket and taking over games. Has plenty of physical contact that helps him when going to the hole.


John Esly, 6-2, Shooting Guard, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Class of 2020 - A guard that moves well from the perimeter, but uses his long arms to intimidate defenders. Has ability to make shots from long range. Takes pride in playing defense against the opposition’s best player. Also can get blocks on the defensive end.


Jaylen Denny, 5-6, Point Guard, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Class of 2019 - A player that has plenty of quickness who plays aggressive defense. Struggles with shot selection, but makes up for it with handling of team and also knows how to distribute the ball and get assists at the right moments. A player who also has great court vision.


Eddie Sanchez, 6-2, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2019 - A player that has plenty of strength, but can also shoot the ball from long distance. Will take advantage of opposition when left open for shots. Has plenty of physical abilities that help him draw fouls.


Tommy Thomas, 6-1, Forward, Wings Academy, Class of 2019 - An undersized forward that can shoot from long range. Is also good at blocking shots. Has plenty of athleticism and can attack the boards.


Malcolm Chimezie, 6-7, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2021 - A player with a lot of size & physical gifts. Uses long arms and strength to intimidate the opposition. Attacks the paint on the offensive glass.


Davante Smith, 5-8, Point Guard, Wings Academy, Class of 2019 - A guard that can control the pace for his team and distribute the ball. Also has the ability to shoot from long range. Has plenty of speed, but also struggles with turning the ball over.


Jose Cuello, 6-0, Shooting Guard, Wings Academy, Class of 2020 - A guard that is his team’s biggest threat from long range and should not be left open, because he will take advantage. Is able to drive into the basket and score easily.


Justin Morety, 6-1, Point Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2020 - A guard that has good court vision and can see the floor and where teammates will be. Struggles with turning the ball over at times, but makes up for it with jumper.


Derrick Crothers, 6-0, Shooting Guard, Wings Academy, Class of 2019 - A player that can score the ball and attack the basket when he has the ball in his hands. Has a good stroke from three-point range and can destroy the opposition when left open.


Marquel Jackson, 6-3, Forward, Wings Academy, Class of 2019 - Undersized forward that plays bigger than his height. Attacks the glass efficiently and is adept at blocking shots. Also has a penchant from scoring in the paint. Can step out and shoot from long range.


Mahamadou Nimaga, 6-0, Point Guard, Wings Academy, Class of 2019 - A guard that looks to get to the basket efficiently and is able to get by defenders easily. Good at obliterating defenses with quick, explosive first step.


Alpha Bangura, 6-8, Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Class of 2020 - A forward that has long arms and can get plenty of rebounds. Great at getting rebounds, but struggles with lack of strength and finishing at the basket.