2023-24 Rome Free Academy Season Preview
Rome Free Academy is a public school from Section 3, Syracuse/Utica area. Their varsity basketball team competes in the AAA division of NYSPHSAA. Their team is coached by Nick Medicis who is entering his 17th year at the school. His key players for the 2023-24 season will be as follows:
Uzziah Grimes (2025) 6’2 scoring guard that can score at all levels. Grimes is a 2 year starter and led the team in scoring both years at nearly 20 points per game. Coming off a year when he made over 50 3 pointers, he’s expected to do a bulk of the scoring for the Black Knights. He was 2nd team all CNY as well as 1st team all conference last year as a sophomore.
Surafia Norries (2026) 6’0 point guard that controls the game. Norries is a 2 year starter with an IQ well above his age. He’s a smooth player that can get to the basket, as well as create for his teammates. He was a 2nd team all conference player last year as a freshman.
Deandre Neal (2025) 6’0 slashing guard that can get to the basket at will. Neal is a two year starter that provides instant offense when on the court. He is one of the best defenders on the court and oftentimes will be matched up on the other team’s best player.
Luke Hammon (2027) 6’0 freshman guard that plays much bigger and stronger than his size. Started as an 8th grader last year and has made huge strides after having a great spring playing with the City Rocks. Hammon is a team first player that likes to create and get his teammates involved but can score when needed.
Derek Rodriguez (2025) 5’10 crafty lefty who can get to the basket and get his shot off over the bigs.
Isaiah Dejean (2025) 6’1 guard that can spread the floor with his shooting. Dejean rebounds well for a guard.
Isaiah Campos (2026) 6’2 guard with a motor that doesn’t stop. Campos has really worked on his game and will look to be a spark off the bench.
Adrien Griggs (2027) 6’0 freshman guard that is deceptively athletic. Griggs can shoot from the outside but surprises while being able to score inside.
Dominick Wofford/Rodney Pearson (2024) 6’4 forwards that look to have an impact inside the paint. Wofford’s effort made an impact last year and hopes to expand on that. Pearson is very crafty around the basket and can score from many different angles.