2023-24 New York Military Academy Season Preview
New York Military Academy (NYMA) is a small boarding school located in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY and is about an hour from NYC. The Academy has a rich history of pride and tradition that stems from its four pillars of success: Academics, Athletics, Character and Leadership. The prestigious school has been around since 1889 and has produced many leaders and has a well known alumni base.
The Knights compete in the the top prep school basketball league in the country, NEPSAC. Over the past six years NYMA has been building a program that has won four out of five Class D NEPSAC Championships (not including the Covid year). NYMA is coming off back-to-back NEPSAC championships. The team is coached by Bobby Rahn.
In the past six years over 40 players have gone on to play college basketball, including 25 of them on scholarship. This upcoming year NYMA will move up to compete in the powerful Class B division of NEPSAC. At that level of play, virtually every opposing teams rotation will be filled with college bound players. It will be a new challenge and the program hopes to continue to grow.
Aleksis Lola (2024) 6’5 wing - Lola is a returning player to the program from Latvia. He is a coaches dream as he will do anything to help the team and will be able to help any college program that lands him. He is also a phenomenal soccer player. He loves basketball and wants to pursue hoops at the next level and he would be a great fit for any Patriot League team or NE-10 level team. 3.2 gpa
Jerell “Rell” Taylor (2024) 6’0 guard - Taylor is from nearby Valley Central High. He’s a who brings great energy and speed to the game. He will do whatever is asked of him, dish out assists, play ball-hawking defense or flat out score the ball. Taylor is a two year team captain. He has scored 841 points, made 106 assists and grabbed 118 rebounds and 97 steals in his high school career to date. He received his teams Mr. Consistency award last year. Taylor would be a a great addition to any program.
Jason Robinson (2024) 6’5 guard - Robinson is long and athletic and can score the ball from all three levels. He shows the ability to be a solid rebounder and defender raising his 6’8” wingspan. He is a D1/D2 qualifier and has heard from schools at both levels so far this year. Robinson is a three year team captain. He has scored 1,172 points and grabbed 510 rebounds in his high school career to date, winning Connecticut All State honors in the process.
Bradley Beache (2024) 6’8 forward - Beache is a big inside presence, and he knows how to use it. He uses his size and footwork to carve out space on both ends of the floor. The big lefty is a solid rebounder and shot blocker too. As he continues to transform his body, his best basketball is a head of him at the collegiate level.
James Oliver (2024) 6’4 wing - Oliver is a strong wing who can play as a guard or a small forward. He uses his strength and athleticism to compete on both ends of the court. He can handle the ball, shoot it or attack the rim. He has a great IQ and that combined with his work ethic will leave college coaches drooling.
Rich Iroetugo (2024) 5’10 guard - Iroetugo is the type of player who could be the key to success. He has the ability to be a perfect role player and a change-of-pace player. He can defend, handle the ball when needed and make open shots, which could mean a very successful season for the Knights. Iroetugo is a gym rat who works his tail off everyday. 3.6 gpa
Gabriel Byrd (2024) 6’2 guard - Byrd is from Maryland. The college coaches who have been to the NYMA Open Gyms are raving about him. He would be a great fit in the NE-10 and can bring a lot to the table. He has a 6’6” wing span and a very high unselfish IQ. 3.0 gpa
Azeir McClain (2024) 6’4 guard - The definition of a “big guard”, as he uses his strong frame to carve out space, get to the rim and FT line. McClain is also a very good ball handler and rebounder. He is a very solid student with and has the ability to play college basketball at any level. He is continuing to transform his body, and as he does, the sky is the limit. 3.6 gpa
Gideon “Gio” Majok (2024) 6’7 small forward - Maybe NYMAs most intriguing prospect, as he possesses a ton of untapped potential. He has only been playing basketball competitively for a few years, but he already has a good feel for the game and he uses his length and athleticism on both sides of the floor. He’s been working on becoming more of a wing player as he was forced to play inside in the past. As he continues to improve his skills and master the basics, Majok will attract some major attention from college coaches.
Mikey Ekenyere (2026) 6’7 small forward - The youngest of the group, but certainly not least. The Pennsylvania native has the potential to be a MM/HM player. He has already grown to 6’7” and shows the varied skills of a Swiss Army knife. He can make open threes and handle the ball as well rebound and block shots at a high rate. Coaches are going to fall in love with this sophomore.
To get the 2023-24 New York Military Academy team schedule and results, click here.