2023-24 Bayard Rustin High Player Profiles
Bayard Rustin High School is also known as Bayard Rustin Educational Complex and is a “vertical campus” of the New York City Department of Education which contains six smaller public schools. Those schools are Quest to Learn High School, Hudson High School of Learning Technologies High School, Humanities Preparatory Academy, The James Baldwin School, Landmark High School, and Manhattan Business Academy. With each of these schools, there are different approaches to learning academically and applied social awareness. The school is located at West 18th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.
The boys varsity basketball team competes in the PSAL Manhattan AAA 1 division. Armando Ortiz is entering his seventh season as the head coach of the Titans. During that span Ortiz has led the program in four playoffs appearances and made it as far as participating in the City’s “Elite Eight” during the 2021-22 playoffs. Currently, Ortiz holds a record of 53-27 (.663) making Coach Ortiz one of the most successful coaches who is not allowed recruit his players. He is assisted by the high energy and highly regarded skills trainer, Drew Harris.
The 2023-24 Bayard Rustin High players are profiled as follows:
Brandon Duran (2024) 5’11 guard - Duran is one of the most versatile jump shooters in PSAL. He currently has currently been at or near the top of both the PSAL scoring and assists leaders list this season. In addition to his 22 points per game last year, he had a team leading 3-point field goal percentage with 34% , free-throw percentage at 82%, and assists with 4.1 per game. In short, Duran is one of the better offensive scorers in Manhattan and is exceptionally dependable and consistent in his approach to basketball. E.g, he is usually the first one in the gym during the team’s morning practices and shows up to play in every game.
Jaylen “JB” Brown (2024) 5’9 point guard - Brown definitely grew into an elite guard over the summer. He has gotten stronger, faster, and more durable. Brown loves to facilitate the offense, makes adjustments when needed and has the ability to attack every possession. Brown also impacts the game dramatically on defense. He is an aggressive defender who works tirelessly to wear out opposing guards and wings. Brown is well into a breakout senior season. 3.6 gpa
Dashawn “Dash” Walbey (2024) 6’0 guard - The origin of his nickname is very evident because one adjective describes Walbey: speed. His ability to run down the court is very impressive. He soars up for rebounds and is an above average passer. However, Walbey’s best feature is when he is driving to the basket. He brings strong and hard layups and exploits the smallest gaps to score through.
Abu Dolley (2024) 6’3 small forward - Dolley’s strengths make him a force on the court. His defensive skills in the low-post area have to be acknowledged. Dolley also has a great feel for tip-ins and rebounding. He is a great teammate to be around, and overall, a high energy guy.
Carlos “Loz” Fermin (2024) 6’1 guard - Fermin is an incredible slasher and moves well off the ball. He has the ability to score at will, but chooses to share the ball with everyone. He attacks defenders with ease, and is also aggressive on the defensive end. Fermin’s involvement on offense is essential because he is willing to do the work that doesn’t show on the stat sheet.
Elias “Eli” Washington (2025) 6’3 small forward - The Bayard coaches feel that Washington is the biggest hustle guy in the division. He is a force on the court. He is physically solid, and has the ability to average a double-double. Washington might not be the tallest player in the league. however, no one enjoys competing in the paint against this Titan.
Tyquae Cobbins (2025) 6’1 small forward - Cobbins’ athleticism is the best on the Titan roster. His acrobatic movements make it tough to stay in front of him. He is a capable dribbler, slasher and shooter. As he continues to grow, it is interesting to predict what type of ceiling he has. Cobbins is one of the team’s shiftiest forwards and will stand out this year.
Aiden Vargas (2025) 6’1 guard - Vargas is a sharp shooter, and more. His growth comes from now being able to defend all positions. Vargas in basketball lingo is the Titans’ “3 and D” guy. He does not back down from any opponent and does not care who he assigned to defend. He is the Titans’ humblest teammate and arguably their greatest communicator off the court.
Cazzie McNeil (2025) 6’3 forward - McNeil is an under-rated stretch four/wing. His ability to score is remarkable. He is able to create so many mis-matches, which makes much of his scoring look easy. He has great character off the court, very coachable and is a quiet monster on the floor.
Ogheneruona “Ruona” Ojevwe (2027) 6’3 small forward - Ojevwe is the Titan varsity’s only freshman, and only the second freshman to play varsity under Coach Ortiz. His high energy earns him the spot. It is clear Ojevwe is also one of the fastest guys on the floor, and that impact is enhanced by his height. While being developed this season, Ruona will be able to make the necessary adjustments needed to crack the rotation.
Duran-Jay “Jay” Taylor (2024) 6’0 guard - Taylor is a newcomer to the team and is looking to make a statement. While his time is new, he shows dedication in his learning, and his patience is greater than most.
Edwin Muric (2024) 6’9 forward - Muric’s height can change the outcome of the game. He is an improved rebounder. His free-throw shot is valuable in a countering Hack-a-Shaq tactics. His screens are solid and his ability to pass from the free-throw line makes him a powerful element in the Titan’s attack.
Moustapha Sidibe (2024) 6’0 guard - Sidibe’s physique, with his aggressiveness, makes him the most unstoppable slasher on the team. He plays with great confidence. He is not easy to break down with pressure. He is also able to shoot, making him an exciting element for this team.
Victor Suarez (2024) 6’2 small forward - Suarez drives for big moments. Despite being fouled hard, he will still get to the basket. He has hyper energy, and looks to win every possession. He is a huge rebounder and an above average teammate.
Kevin Wells (2026) 6’2 small forward - Wells is new to the team, and brings a high energy on the defensive end. He is a strong shot blocker and aggressive rebounder. He is a capable scorer who loves the midrange shot and has a sneaky three point presence.
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