Fall 2023 NY Academy Basketball Player Profiles
New York Basketball Academy is entering their second year as a program. They are a program based out of Westchester/Putnam County, with players being from Dutchess County, all the way to the Connecticut state line. Their players are being recruited by multiple D3 schools. The program is owned and the teams are coached by a winner and a strong culture builder, Coach James Loughran. Loughran is also the new Head Boys Basketball Coach at Somers High School in Westchester County, NY. In this past season, NYBA sent all 12 of our their 2023 student athletes to go on to play at the collegiate level (D2/D3). They competed this past spring and summer in the ZGXL circuit, while also competing in Hoop Group, Marquee, and Made Hoop events. Their goal is to help create an atmosphere of growth, competitiveness, accountability, and structure for all of their student-athletes.
This Fall, their schedule will be:
September 30- October 1: NERR Hoopfest
October 7-8: Marquee Hoops Tip-Off (Pitman, NJ)
October 28-29: Hoop Group Jam Fest (Massachusetts)
Their Fall 2023 players are as follows
#11 Billy Feeks (2024) 6’0 guard, Yorktown High - Feeks is a dynamic shooting guard known for his exceptional shooting abilities, making him a potent scoring threat on the basketball court. His precision and consistency when shooting the ball at a high level have earned him a reputation as a sharpshooter. Feeks is not only a skilled shooter but also a confident player, often embracing pressure situations and taking crucial shots with self-assurance. As an up-tempo guard, he thrives in fast-paced games, using his speed and agility to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Being recruited at multiple D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder.
#5 Justin Price (2024) 6’1 guard, Yorktown High - Price is a true point guard on the basketball court, known for his exceptional ability to find his teammates with precision. He possesses a unique talent for orchestrating the game, seamlessly shifting between pushing the tempo and slowing down the pace as the situation demands. His proficiency in driving to the rim and scoring consistently is a testament to his remarkable skills as a scorer. Justin also boasts an excellent mid-range game, making him a versatile offensive threat. Beyond his offensive prowess, he’s a tenacious defender who can be trusted to guard the opposing team’s best player, showcasing his well-rounded capabilities on both ends of the court. Being recruited at multiple high academic, top 25 D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder.
#4 Brandon Montero (2024) 6’0 guard/small forward, Yorktown High - Montero is a versatile basketball player, often occupying the role of a stretch forward with the ability to handle guard positions as well. His exceptional athleticism enables him to effectively match up against bigger opponents, causing mismatches across the entire court. Montero stands out as an excellent two-handed rebounder, making a significant impact on both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. In addition to his rebounding prowess, he has honed his mid-range shooting skills, adding a valuable dimension to his offensive game. When required, Montero can confidently take on the role of a ball-handler, showcasing his ability to push the floor with his dribbling skills, further enhancing his versatility on the court. Being recruited by D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder!
#3 Kevin New (2024) 6’3 guard, Fox Lane High - New is a guard who possesses impressive length, making him a formidable presence on the court. He excels in causing trouble for opposing guards through his exceptional defensive skills and ability to secure rebounds. His proficiency in defending against smaller guards and grabbing boards adds a valuable dimension to his game. Moreover, Kevin’s shooting ability has seen significant improvement, whether it’s shooting off the catch or creating shots off the dribble, making him a versatile scoring threat. His adaptability allows him to seamlessly transition between multiple positions on the floor, further highlighting his versatility and value as a player. Being recruited by multiple D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder!
#45 Nick Tasso (2024) 6’7 stretch forward, Horace Greeley High - Tasso, a 6’7 brings a versatile skill set to the basketball court. His development of an outside shooting game poses a significant challenge for opposing bigs, as he can stretch the floor effectively. Furthermore, Nick’s ability to create offense off the dribble in tight spaces from the free-throw line down makes him a multifaceted threat. On the defensive end, he stands out with his shot-altering capabilities, making it difficult for opponents to score in the paint. Tasso’s prowess extends to the boards, where he excels at grabbing rebounds and igniting fast breaks with his rim-running ability, showcasing his all-around impact on the game. Being recruited by multiple D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder!
#20 Logan Tolbert (2024) 6’7 center, Walter Panas High - Plays with Chris Ward Basketball and joining us for the Fall. Logan Tolbert is a formidable 6’7 center, renowned for his imposing size on the basketball court. His ability to alter shots at the rim strikes fear into opposing players, making him a defensive force to be reckoned with. Tolbert’s knack for grabbing crucial rebounds throughout the game showcases his dominance in the paint. One of his standout attributes is his surprising agility for a player of his size. Tolbert can sprint the floor with remarkable speed, allowing him to contribute effectively in both transition and fast-paced game situations. Furthermore, his skill in finishing plays around the rim with precision makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he consistently converts opportunities into points. Being recruited by multiple D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder!
#10 Nate Cohen (2024) 6’0 guard, Somers High - Another excellent athlete who plays with Chris Ward Basketball, but is joining NYBA for the Fall. Cohen is a lightning quick guard known for his impressive ability to chase down opposing teams and block shots with remarkable precision. His defensive prowess sets him apart, making him one of the most intense defenders in the area. On the offensive end, Nate’s game is solid and versatile. He’s proficient at shooting from beyond the three-point line, and his quickness in the half court allows him to explosively drive to the rim and finish plays effectively. With a well-rounded skill set that combines exceptional defense and scoring ability, Nate Cohen is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Being recruited by multiple D3 schools. A winner, and a culture builder!
#23 Xavier Miranda (2024) 5’10 guard, Archbishop Stepinac High - Miranda, the program’s newest addition to the team, has been an exciting presence on the court. His quick and crafty style of play has brought a fresh dynamic to our guard position. Miranda’s gritty determination is evident in his ability to create scoring opportunities off the dribble with ease. One of his standout qualities is his knack for getting downhill, putting pressure on the defense, and finding ways to score in the paint. Additionally, Miranda’s impressive ball-handling skills allow him to take defenders off the bounce and confidently execute his midrange shot. What’s truly promising is his commitment to improvement on both ends of the floor. He has steadily grown as a player, demonstrating dedication to honing his defensive skills as well. A winner, and a culture builder!
#0 Tyler Goodrich (2024) 5’9 guard, John Jay-Cross River High - Goodrich is NYBA’s new athlete who has recently joined the team. He’s quickly proving himself as an asset by using the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in our section during practice to his advantage. Goodrich’s speed in transition is becoming increasingly evident, allowing him to make quick plays on both ends of the court. He’s also showcased his defensive skills by effectively guarding tough offensive players from BCRI and Team Sims in recent matchups. NYBA is eagerly anticipating his growth and contributions to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Max Sheth (2027) point guard, Kingston High - Sheth, the freshman point guard, is making waves on the basketball court this fall. With a remarkable handle and the versatility to launch attacks from all corners of the floor, he’s a potent force capable of generating opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Despite his young age, Sheth already exhibits the qualities of a floor general, boasting an exceptionally high basketball IQ. His defensive prowess is as impressive as his offensive skills, and he excels at dictating the game’s pace and tempo. Keep an eye on Max Sheth; he’s undoubtedly a future star in the making, and his name is one to remember.
Justin Wilcox (2025) point guard, John Jay High-East Fishkill - Wilcox embodies the essence of a true point guard, exhibiting remarkable versatility on the court. He possesses the ability to dictate the game’s tempo, seamlessly transitioning between fast-paced transitions and controlled half-court offense. Wilcox’s knack for driving to the basket and making intelligent passes makes him a valuable playmaker for his team. Beyond his offensive prowess, he stands out for his commitment to locking down opponents’ best players on the defensive end, showcasing a genuine pride in his defensive abilities. Wilcox’s contributions often extend beyond the stat sheet, as he consistently does the little things that help his team succeed, further solidifying his reputation as a quintessential team player.
Owen Iannucci (2025) shooting guard, Millbrook School - Iannucci, a versatile and lengthy shooting guard, showcases his skills both on the perimeter and in the paint. His ability to seamlessly transition between outside and inside play makes him a dynamic offensive threat. Iannucci’s basketball IQ shines through as he excels in reading how defenders are playing him, consistently opting for high-percentage shots. Additionally, he’s made a notable impact on the boards, particularly on the offensive end, where his tenacity leads to valuable second-chance opportunities. On the defensive side of the ball, he is a force to be reckoned with, contesting shots effectively and altering numerous attempts, disrupting opponents’ offensive flow. His well-rounded game and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset to any team.
Phil Santore (2025) guard, Somers High - Santore is a pure shooter, known for his incredible ability to consistently sink baskets at a high level. What sets him apart is his dual threat on the court – he can just as easily attack the basket as he can drain long-range shots. Whether coming off screens in off-ball action or operating independently, Santore’s shooting skills shine. His basketball IQ extends to shot selection, where he exhibits exceptional vision for finding the best opportunities. Remarkably, he isn’t just about offense; he’s a guard who rebounds effectively and contributes to speeding up the pace of the game, making him a versatile and valuable asset on the court.
Leo Keimig (2026) guard, Somers High - Keimig, a versatile player serving as both a point guard and shooting guard, is making strides in his game. He’s steadily building confidence in his outside shot, and his quick release is becoming a notable asset. Leo’s ability to excel in ball screen situations is impressive; he not only navigates them with finesse but also showcases excellent decision-making, whether it’s delivering a precise pocket pass or a well-timed over-the-top pass. In addition to his scoring and playmaking abilities, Keimig stands out as a guard who can effectively secure rebounds with both hands. Furthermore, he possesses the skills to push the pace of the game, making him a dynamic presence on the floor. Keep an eye on Leo Keimig as he continues to evolve and contribute to his team’s success.
Chris Spano (2025) stretch forward, Somers High - Spano is an incredibly athletic player, known for his ability to dominate the boards on both ends of the court. Whether it’s grabbing offensive rebounds to extend possessions or securing defensive rebounds to initiate fast breaks, he excels with a strong two-handed approach. Spano’s speed is a weapon as he can sprint the court and execute rim runs with finesse, putting constant pressure on opponents’ defenses. Defensively, he’s a true menace, consistently altering shots and disrupting opponents’ offensive plays. His tenacity shines through as he fearlessly finishes through contact, showcasing his scoring prowess. Moreover, his effectiveness in ball screen situations adds another dimension to his game, making him a well-rounded and valuable player on any team.
Arman Rao (2026) small forward, Somers High - Rao is a new addition to the NYBA team this fall, and his growth has been continuous. Week after week, he’s demonstrated his dedication to improving, even when competing against older, more experienced teammates. One of Rao’s standout qualities is his willingness to embrace his role on the team, showing a mature and team-first attitude. His basketball IQ is evident in his ability to find teammates and deliver precise, needle-threading passes, adding a valuable dimension to our offense. NYBA is excited to witness his continued development and are optimistic about the impact he will have on their team in the future.
Angel Echevarria (2026) point guard, John Jay High-East Fishkill - Echevarria, a recent addition to the NYBA team, is in the process of adjusting to the speed and tempo of their playing style. What stands out about Echevarria is his strong willingness to put in the effort and learn, making him a highly coachable player. NYBA is eagerly anticipating his development as he continues to adapt and grow within their team.