2024 Queens Defenders 14u-Polite Player Profiles
Queens Defenders is a Queens based AAU basketball program dedicated to the development of our student athletes both on and off the court. Queens Defenders provide an opportunity for children with various skill sets to train, develop their game and increase their self confidence. The coaches in the program are committed to providing many opportunities for players to expand their skills, knowledge and love of the game of basketball. The program’s success is not measured by wins or losses, but by the improvement of the children’s skills, academics and overall basketball experience. The program was founded by Anthony D’Agostino, Athletic Director at Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, Queens.
The 2024 14u team is coached by Brandan Polite, who also runs his own Rise Above Academy training program.
The player profiles for the 2024 Queens Defenders 14u-Polite team are as follows:
Joshua Vazquez (2028) 5’10 guard - Josh has a solid all-around game on offense and defense. When he gets downhill it is tough to tell which way he is going to finish because of his ability to finish well with both hands. He plays well beyond the arc with being able to shoot and hit mid-range pull ups. Not afraid to battle down low on the rebounding end and can defender a guard or forward.
Daniel “King” Pearson (2028) 5’9 guard - Daniel is a very crafty ball handler and finisher. He can really find his team with his precise passing and put them in a spot where they can be successful. He read and reacts well on the defensive end which gets him lots of steals in the flow of the game.
Jack Clark (2028) 5’10 guard - Jack has a very energetic game which leads him to being very active on the court. He has a quick twitch to his offensive game that is tough to keep him in front. With his activeness he is all over the floor causing lots of disruption on the defensive end and scores well in transition.
Nathaniel Hosey (2028) 5’10 guard - Nate has a very mature game. He is a leader on and off the court with a nice pace to his offensive game. He can really mix it up with his scoring abilities by getting downhill or scoring the midrange area. He has a great skill for rebounding and will want to guard the best player on the court as a challenge.
Chase Gooden (2028) 6’2 small forward - Chase have huge presence with the ability to finish inside the paint well. He have good hands and can run up and down the floor well. As he is very light on his feet chase have a great skill of rebound the ball and covering defensive mismatches.
Micheal “Spalsh” Kozak (2028) 5’8 guard - Mikey has lot of passion in him. Can really shoot the ball well beyond the arc and can mix it up by getting off layups and floater over taller defenders. Have a smooth handle which get him to slither through defensives. He is a true communicator on the defensives end and is quick which keeps him in front of opponents.
Amadou Sanoh (2028) 5’7 guard - Amadou is an electrifying guard who steals the show. Can see the game steps before the play emerges and have a surprising move to get around the defender to score. He is a quick and disruptive guard that enjoys picking defender’s up full court. With his size defenders are amazed with how he finishes inside and out the paint.
Ben Jarvioc (2028) 5’9 guard - Ben has a great pace in his overall game and plays it the smart way. He can knock out the three and also switch it up with his ability to drive the basket. Keeps it really simple and gets right to the point on the offensive end. Defensively is great with communicating scenarios and be in the right places defensively to help out teammates when they get beat.
Samaba Bartah (2029) 5’9 guard - Samaba is a young athletic guard with a smooth game. He is very athletic and can attack downhill aggressively. With his length he covers a lot of ground with having a long wingspan and is not afraid of getting in the tress to grab a rebound. Along with his length he gives opponents tough times getting around him to score.
Nermin Mehovic (2028) 5’9 guard - Nermin is a shooter that can heat up at any given moment. With his ability to shoot it also leaves him room to get downhill to attack in a very unorthodox way. Plays the game the smart way and is a great wing defender.
Damouri Gordon (2028) 5’10 guard - Damouri is a energetic player with a versatile game, which allow him to play inside and out. He can get downhill to draw defenders and has a good passing abilities to find his open man. Defensively he covers lots of ground with a motor and can rebound the ball.
Matthew Gomez (2028) 6’0 small forward - Matthew’s big body is effective down low and creates space with using his frame. He is a strong finisher who can get up and down the court to do his work early on the offensive end. On defense he is all over the board and can put a body on those around him.