Diamonds in the Ruff Top 40 Underclassmen
On Tuesday night, David Cordova of Dave’s Joint, on behalf of the RecruitTheBronx.com, landed in Huntington Station, Long Island for the Diamonds in the Ruff Top 40 Underclassmen Showcase at the brand-new Next Level Sports facility. Many of the best players from Long Island, New York City and Connecticut showed up. The ages ranged from eighth-graders, freshmen up to sophomores. They all showcased their talents on two courts and all came to play and build their resumes. Here are the standouts from the event:
Danny Carbuccia, 6-0, Point Guard, Mott Hall School, Class of 2025 - A guard that has excellent court vision and is able to take on his defender and get to the basket for a layup. Is great for hitting teammates with passes when they’re open. Has a knack for breaking down defenders with his dribble, which leads to him shooting from long range or cutting to the basket.
Preston Edmead 5-6, Point Guard, Deer Park High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that is quick and deceptive when on the fast break. Knows when to dish off the ball to his teammates and also when to score. Is able to get steals and capitalize on those possessions by staying in front of his man on defense.
Jarett Dingle 6-1, Shooting Guard. Academy Charter School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is able to handle the ball on the perimeter and has great court vision. Is able to get to the basket easily and is able to absorb contact when driving into the lane. Also has a penchant for passing the ball to his teammates for assists.
Frank Wilson 6-4, Forward, Half Hollow Hills West High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that is long and athletic and knows how to assert himself when getting rebounds. Is physically imposing and has long arms that aid in him getting the ball. Is able to the basket easily and can play like a forward.
Brian Blanchet 6-1, Shooting Guard, The Phelps School (PA), Class of 2023 - A guard that finds multiple ways to score on the court. Is a player that is able to blow past his defender with a quick first step. Is a dangerous shooter from long range and can take advantage when he’s left open.
Jayden Reid 6-0, Point Guard, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is a natural playmaker and has a penchant for creating for himself when he has the ball in his hands. Has excellent court vision and knows when and where his teammates are at on offense. Has plenty of quickness and can play above the rim when the lane is open.
Dwayne Pierce 6-4, Shooting Guard, Christ the King High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that has an imposing figure and is very dominant when it comes to getting to the basket. Has a nice shooting touch and is very fearless when it comes to absorbing contact in the lane. Has great physical stature and can also play both the two and three position very well.
Mysonne Pollard 6-3, Shooting Guard, Bridgeport Preparatory School (CT), Class of 2023 - A guard that is long and explosive. Is great at attacking the basket and finding multiple ways to score. Is good at creating for himself and is a nightmare for the opposition if not contained. Makes many acrobatic plays when he goes up for a basket.
Tavion Jennings 5-9, Point Guard, Wyandanch High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is good at bringing up the ball and has great court vision. Knows when to attack and when to give up the ball. Is able to facilitate the ball to his teammates at the right spot. Is very quick when getting up and down the floor.
Jake Mangio, 5-7, Point Guard, Farmingdale Middle School, Class of 2025 - A guard that has a small frame but possesses plenty of quickness when getting to the basket. Is able to attack the lane and get to the hole with fearlessness. Knows when to pass the ball.
K.J. Anderson 6-5, Forward, Ward-Melville High School, Class of 2024 = A forward that can spread the floor and move the ball around. Has a nice release off the bounce when shooting the ball. Uses his length to get to the boards in the low post to catch rebounds.
Jayden James 6-4 Shooting Guard, Archbishop Molloy High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that makes good decisions when handling the ball. Is aggressive when driving to the basket. Makes a lot of hustle plays and looks to crash the boards when it comes to rebounding. Loves to run on the fast break.
Jack David, 5-7, Point Guard, Stimson Middle School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is quick and loves to run a team. Has a penchant for staying in front of his man and taking charges & is fearless when the opposition runs toward him. Loves to shoot from long range. Is good for rebounding and getting steals.
Mano Idir 6-4, Forwad, St. John the Baptist High School, Class of 2023 - A guard that has plenty of skill in his game and has a great shooting stroke. Has plenty of strength and will go up for rebounds. Is able to create off the dribble and will go to the basket.
Jakari Tertulien 6-3, Shooting Guard, Bridgeport Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is very explosive off the bounce and loves to play above the rim. Loves to play off the bounce, which enables him to get to the basket easily. A player that is an excellent scorer on the floor.
AJ Ausaab 6-0, Point Guard, Syosset High School, Class of 2024 - A guard that has plenty of quickness and loves to run the floor. Is a player that is able to catch and shoot and can attack the basket. When driving to the basket, he is able to be fearless and absorbs contact well.
Josiah Nelson 6-4, Forward, Deer Park High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that has plenty of energy and is a great rebounder. Is able to stand his ground and box out efficiently and get to the boards. Makes plenty of hustle plays when it comes to loose balls on the floor.
Marcus Harris 6-4, Forward, Wyandanch High School, Class of 2023 - A forward that loves to play on the perimeter and the post area. Is good at shooting from long range and has a nice shooting touch. When in the post, he uses his body in the low post and is able to get to the basket easily off the dribble. Is able to drive into the lane easily and is not afraid of contact.
P.J. James 5-9, Point Guard, Bridgeport Preparatory School, Class of 2023 - A guard that is a good playmaker and can create off the dribble. Is able to make great shots and can drive to the basket easily. Has a penchant for making highlight-reel plays when going to the basket.
Oke Okrokoto 6-8, Forward, Christ the King High School, Class of 2024 - A forward that is very imposing when defenders are going up to the basket. Is great at blocking shots and is not fazed when the opposition comes barreling his way. Has a good size and is able to attack the glass efficiently.