2024 Queens Defenders 14u-Diodonet 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 Chris Diodonet, who also runs his own Extreme Sports Training program and has trained Nba player Hamidou Diallo, WNBA player Emily Engstler and Long Island Lutheran, four star prospect Kiyan Anthony.
The player profiles for the 2024 Queens Defenders 14u-Diodonet team are as follows:
Akeem Pompey (2028) 6’0 guard - Akeem is a dynamic player jumps out the gym! Major 3 point threat and mid range shooter. Handles are silky smooth can get by defenders with ease. Akeem’s ability to chase down blocks in transition are exceptional and scary for anyone on the break. Akeem can guard any position on the floor 1-5. In the clutch Akeem will always hit the biggest shot with his nerves of steel and calm composure. Akeem is a winner and does whatever it takes to win the game.
Jarion Carmona (2029) 5’7 guard - Jari has a knack for getting straight buckets! Corner specialist, does not miss from the corner three at all very rare. Jari can shoot from anywhere on the court limit less range. In Transition Jari is a huge threat can make the correct read on the floor whether it be to make the correct pass or take the shot. Jari can play on ball defense and also great at the top of the zone. Jari is a 7th grader with a giant heart and will not back down from any competition.
Sergio Da Silva (2028) 5’9 guard - Serg’s court vision is ridiculous, he can see the pass way before the defense can see it. Can break any press single handedly with his vision. Serg takes absolute pride in his aggressive defense and will take on any defensive matchup. On offense Serg enjoys his slashing ability alot, and will hit a crucial three pointer when we need it. Serg is very competitive and will do anything on the floor to win he will never quit on his team, he plays until the final tick.
Nico Calabrese (2029) 5’1 Point Guard - Nico is a magician with his ball handling! Can take on any defender in front of him. Nico can score and run the offense. Nico can shoot the three ball very very well and also can hit a floater over the biggest player on the court. Nico will clamp up anyone infront of him with his tenacious on ball defense. Nico doesn’t back down from anyone! Can run an offense and make smart decisions in transition. Nico is a 7th grader ready to go to war on the court.
Thiago Dasilva (2028) 6’0 small forward - Thiago has a soft touch around the basket, can rebound and block shots. Thiago has a mid range in the half court game that is money, sets big body screens and rolls hard after the pick. Thiago can stretch the defense with his 3 point ability and really hurt the opposing team with timely clutch baskets. Thiago also has court vision out of the post and off an offensive rebound can kick it out to the three while the shooter is in rhythm.
Max Winn (2029) 5’4 guard - Max is a mid range shooter, and passer. Max also takes pride in his defense and corner three. Whatever is needed from Max on the court he will go out and do. He has amazing ability to remember plays and run them accurately. Max has incredible work ethic and will not stop until he has reached his goal.
Karma Kesang (2028) 6’0 guard - Karma is a smooth Lefty with a soft touch jumper from anywhere on the floor. Karma can slash, Dribble, Shoot and pass very well. Karma also has fast hands on defense for steals and can also rebound because of his wingspan. Karma is always cool calm and collective even in pressure situations. Karma is versatile and can do it all on the court.
Tyrell Ashby (2028) 5’9 point guard - Ty is the definition of bully ball! One of the strongest guards i have seen in a long time. Can finish the toughest layups. Ty enjoys slashing to the basket with his super crafty handles. Ty does an amazing job of keeping his eyes off the ball when he dribble drives so that he can hit the open man. When Ty gets in his bag he can score 3,4,5 buckets in a row, and when that happens be worried because that is when his three point shot is its deadliest. On defense, Ty can guard anyone in front of him he has zero fear and will match up with the best player on the court. Ty is a two way guard, Offense and Defense all game long.
Valleon Rosado (2028) 5’11 small forward - Leo is a mid range specialist can shoot set shots from the middy and fade aways. Leo hustles and tries to rebound every possession offensive and defensive boards. Leo is a quick passer soon as he gets the ball he knows exactly where he wants to pass which is deadly especially when he offensive rebounds the ball. Leo is athletic can jump extremely high mixed with a long wingspan. Leo is also fast and runs the floor well on fast breaks and getting back on defense. Leo enjoys the high post because he can turn around and knock down that mid-range jay.
Christian Galarza (2029) 6’0 small forward - Chris is a shooter and slasher. Left handed with a wet three point shot. If Chris hits one he can hit 3 more, when he’s hot he’s HOT! Chris can start any fastbreak with his full court passing. Chris can also jump with other big leapers for rebounds. He can also block a lot of shots throughout the game and will not stop until he gets at least one block. Chris is extremely fast and can get to the other side of the court in a blink of an eye. He also has a lethal euro step that is so difficult to stop, the opposition has night mares trying to stop his Euro step.