2019 IS8 Spring Classic

By David Cordova


On Saturday, April 21 RecruitTheBronx.com paid a visit to Jamaica, Queens for the IS8 Spring Classic at Intermediate School 8. The tournament showcases plenty of the best talent in the tri-state area and is a breeding ground for premier talent for big names and players trying to make their name. The tournament’s slogan of “Bring Your Game, Not Your Name” is a testament to the event being a place where players must play their best. Here were the standouts for this weekend’s event.


Justin Champagnie, 6-7, Forward, Bishop Loughlin High School (Goldmins) Class of 2019 - Champagnie is a well-chronicaled forward that has plenty of strength and athleticism. Is strong when going to the rim and getting blocks. Has good hands on defense and his long arms allow him to get steals.


Dashawn Davis, 6-3, Point Guard, Our Saviour Lutheran High School (Goldmins) Class of 2019 - Davis has also earned heavy media coverage over his high school career. He has an affinity for scoring. His long and ac tive wing span is a huge threat on defense and is able to force the opposition into turning the ball over.

 

Zion Cruz, 6-3, Point Guard, Hudson Catholic High School, NJ (Team Nation) Class of 2022 - Cruz is good at scoring and also distributing to his teammates. Has good court vision and can also get to the basket. Struggles with turning the ball over and is a streaky shooter from long range.


Zach Crisler, 6-9, Forward, LaSalle College High School, PA (Team Nation) Class of 2019 - Crisler is long and agile and can make a difference on both ends of the court. Is very alert in the low post and runs very well on the court. Shows plenty of versatility by being able to put the ball on the floor.

 

Malachi Smith, 5-11, Point Guard, St. Raymond High School (Goldmins) Class of 2021 - Although only a sophomore, Smith is regular in our RTB Top Player write-ups. He has good ballhandling skills and has great court vision. Makes good drives to the basket. Finds ways to score. Has quickness and plenty of defensive skills.


Moussa Cisse, 6-11, Forward, Christ the King High School (Team Nation) Class of 2021 - This CTK big man will definitely be going to college for free. He is a formidable presence in the post and is shot-blocker and rebounder in the low-post. Has the ability to put the ball on the floor and run on the break. Struggles with shooting and is turnover-prone when he has the ball in his hands.


Chad Baker, 6-7, Shooting Guard, Colonia High School, NJ (Team Nation) Class of 2019 - Baker has a skinny frame and a long wingspan. Is a hot shooter from long range and can burn a team when left open from behind the arc. Moves well around the floor and looks to get open every time for a shot.


Brett Talbert, 6-0, Shooting Guard, Knox School (Shooting Stars) Class of 2019 - A guard that knows how to control his team’s offense and can see to it that his teammates will get the right passes at the right time, which leads to baskets and assists. Has an affinity for shooting for long range. Can penetrate through the lane as way to get to the basket.


Hassan Drame, 6-5, Forward, Our Savior New American (D1 Stars) Class of 2019 - Drame shows his athleticism in calmly crashing the boards for rebounds and is good with his hands on the defensive end. Is great at hustling on both ends of the court.


Jaylen Davis, 6-3, Shooting Guard, Cardozo High School (Shooting Stars) Class of 2019 - Davis knows where to pick his spots to shoot when he has the ball in his hands. Good at attacking the basket and penetrating through the lane, but is best known for killing the opposition with shooting from long range.


Fousseyni Drame, 6-5, Forward, Our Savior New American School (D1 Stars) Class of 2019 - Drame shows plenty of versatility in and outside of the paint. Has the ability to go to the basket on offense and is good at rebounding and blocking shots when on defense.


Ikenna Ude-Smith, 6-6, Forward, Nazareth High School (Shooting Stars) Class of 2019 - Ude-Smith is developing his rep for being solid in the low-post and loving to rebound. Is good for blocking shots and going up for dunks on offense. Is a player with plenty of energy on the floor and a high motor.


Aidan Igiehon, 6-10, Forward, Lawrence Woodmere Academy (Northeast Basketball Club) - Igise is wrapping up a highly decorated and well covered high school career. He possesses a strong, D1-looking frame. Struggles with finishing at the basket consistently, but is a great rebounder with muscular frame and ability. Has the ability to make floaters and can also put the ball on the floor.


Luis Risquez, 6-8, Forward, Upper Room Christian School (Almighty Force) Class of 2020 - A 6’8 forward who is active on both ends of the court. Is good at patrolling the paint for rebounds and skies for blocks on the defensive end. Shows versatility by being able to put the ball in the basket and can step out and shoot.


Jordan Dingle, 6-3, Shooting Guard, Blair Academy, NJ (Northeast Basketball Club) Class of 2019 - Dingle is a guard with an imposing physical stature that is not afraid of physical contact and is able to show off his athleticism. Has a strong shooting stroke from three-point range.


Joe Girard III, 6-1, Shooting Guard, Glens Falls High School (Northeast Basketball Club) Class of 2019 - This “NY State Player of the Year”, Syracuse commit is a dangerous shooter from three-point range. Is good at handling the ball and moving to different spots on the floor. If not guarded heavily, he can destroy a team with his shooting.


Isaiah Wong, 6-3, Point Guard, Monsignor Bonner High School, PA (2G’z Entertainment) Class of 2019 - A player that looks to get to the basket easy and can absorb physical contact when going up for two. Is a very athletic player around the rim and is tough to contain.


Jalen Gaffney, 6-2, Point Guard, Westtown School, PA (2G’z Entertainment) Class of 2019 - Gaffney has plenty of hustle and looks to score every time. Displays plenty of athleticism and is able to get to the hole easily. Is good at shooting from three-point range.


Taj Anderson, 6-3, Shooting Guard, Cardozo High School (PD Nation) Class of 2019 -  Anderson looks to get to the basket easily and is a solid ball handler. Is a good decision-maker and is good at finding ways to get open and score.


Tayejon Lynch, 5-9, Point Guard, Our Saviour Lutheran High School (PD Nation) Class of 2019 - A guard that is very quick and deceptive and has ability to attack the basket. Has affinity for getting steals & passing the ball to teammates. Has terrific movement on defense. Is a high-volume shooter and can hit from anywhere on the court.