2024 Empire Youth Athletics 17u-Cavallaro Player Profiles
Empire Youth Athletics is based out of Long Island, NY. Their goal is to mold their players into hard-working, coachable individuals by providing a high quality coaching and training experience for them.
This 17u team is coached by Joe Cavallaro, Harborfields High varsity coach. He studied at St. John’s University, where he was able to work under Coach Chris Mullin. Coach Cavallaro has a strong passion for defense and player development. This team participates in Hoop Group circuit tournaments.
The following are player profiles for Empire Youth Athletics 17u-Cavallaro:
(Clicking on the player’s name pulls up their profile)
Stevie Williams (2024) 5’11 point guard, St John the Baptist High - A super talented guard who is a nightmare to matchup against. 2023-24 First Team All Nassau Suffolk CHSAA. Big enough to bully smaller guards and quick enough to blow by bigger defenders with his elite change of pace. He has a very high IQ and feel for the game. He’s a leader on the court and a guy that his teammates naturally gravitate towards. EYA is looking for him to have a big time spring season.
Chris Williams (2025) 5’10 point guard, St John the Baptist High - An extremely athletic guard who affects the game with and without the ball in his hands. Williams makes plays for himself as well as getting his teammates involved. He can finish around the rim through contact and shoots the 3 well. An extremely smart young man with a great feel for the game. He does whatever is needed of him to win and is someone people love to play with. 4.0 gpa
JJ Carter (2025) 6’2 guard, St John the Baptist High - A versatile guard who can shoot the 3 and play off the dribble. Brings great energy every time he’s on the court and wants to dominate anyone he’s up against. Carter gets better and better every time he plays. He can guard 1-4 and is extremely vocal on the court. Has a great feel for the game and is a great leader on the court. He affects the game in a multitude of ways.
Jahrell James (2024) 5’11 point guard, Hillcrest High - A super athletic guard with a lot of talent. Shoots the 3 well and plays efficiently off the dribble. James plays high level defense and uses his wingspan to be extremely disruptive. He rebounds the ball very well on both ends of the floor and is a vocal leader on the court. EYA expects him to be a standout player for the team this spring.
Austin Wrynn (2024) 6’5 forward, Kellenberg Memorial High - A strong and athletic big with a great 3 point shot. Wyrnn rebounds the ball very well and is an “energizer bunny” on offense. He loves to get in the gym to work and has improved his game every single season. Has good touch around the rim and extends his team’s possessions with his effort and intensity. EYA is looking for Wrynn to take another big leap this spring.
Myles Opare (2024) 6’3 small forward, Newfield High - A tough and athletic forward who shoots the 3 very efficiently. He talks nonstop on the defensive end, always helping his teammates be in a position for success. Opare is a natural leader who can hurt you in a number of different ways offensively. An extremely team-oriented player who will do whatever it takes to win.
Nate Grossman (2025) 5’11 guard, Cold Spring Harbor High- An athletic guard who is a high level shooter. Scores the ball from all 3 levels and knows how to get others involved. Moves his feet very well defensively, and has great instincts on both sides of the floor. Grossman has a great feel for the game and makes the people around him better.
Joe Kiely (2025) 6’1 wing, Cold Spring Harbor High- A versatile wing/forward who does a little bit of everything. Kiely plays extremely hard and does whatever is asked of him to win. He is a ferocious rebounder who can fight down low with guys bigger than he. Moves his feet very well on defense and isn’t afraid of putting his body on the line for his team.
Chris Sakelos (2025) 6’4 small forward, Bethpage High - A stretch 4 who can score from all 3 levels. Shoots the 3 efficiently and has great touch around the rim. He sets great screens and knows how to play off of his ball handlers. Has a good feel for the game and knows how to get his shots off from his spots.