2024 New Heights Lightning 17u EYBL Player Profiles
Two of the most storied programs in New York City grassroots basketball history have again teamed up again this year to field a combined team on the EYBL circuit. New Heights and the New York Lightning playing under the New Heights Lightning flag.
New Heights Lightning 17u EYBL team is coached by Shandue McNeill. His roster is as follows:
(Clicking on the player’s name pulls up their profile)
Amere Brown (2025) 5’10 guard, Woodland Hills (PA) - Brown brings quickness and agility to the court on the defensive end to cause havoc for the opponent on a regular basis. His speed on the football field translates at a high level on the basketball court on the fast break while getting out on the run and finishing at the basket.
Amari Evans (2025) 6’5 guard, Overtime Elite - Evans has High Major quick first step and agility. He gets to the basket. body control have been on full display as he’s attacked downhill and gotten to the basket. Has been dominating on the glass, as well. He holds multiple D1 offers, including Tennessee, Villanova, Xavier and Providence.
Preston Fowler (2025) 6’8 wing, Brewster Academy (NH) - - #117 ranked player in the nation by 24/7 Sports. #7 ranked Class of 2025 player in New England by Prep Hoops. Fowler is a versatile forward prospect who can shoot the ball, attack the rack, rebound and defend. He has a wide-ranging skillset. Plays AAU ball with New Heights Lightning.
Reggie Grodin (2025) 6’5 guard, Newman School (MA) - Grodin has nice length, which helps him see options when running the point. It also makes him a box out problem when he crashes from the perimeter. Attacks aggressively and equally with either hand. He gets out on the break and plays above the rim.
Christian Jeffrey (2025) 6’3 guard, Mt. Zion Prep (MD) - Ranked as a Top 100 player nationally by 24/7 Sports. Jeffrey is a powerful, downhill guard coming off a big prep season leading Mt Zion. His passing ability stands out, as he has excellent timing, anticipation, and delivery on a variety of reads. Defensively, he disrupts the opponent’s lead guad, with quick hands and a lot of desire.
Mabilmawut Mabil (2025) 6’10 forward, Our Saviour Lutheran - Mabil is a skilled 4,5 who can score inside or outside. He has the ability to stretch the defense with his 3pt shot. He is a rim protector and can rebound in traffic. He is a solid defender that can guard 3-5.
Ayomi Odetoyinbo (2025) 6’8 center , Our Saviour Lutheran - Odetoyebo is a long athletic center, who is a high level shot blocker and rim protector. He rebounds in traffic. He goes above the rim as a high level lob threat and finisher.
Jordan Skyers (2025) 6’3 guard, Our Saviour Lutheran - Skyers a big time athletic guard who plays above the rim, has a quick handle, and loves to get downhill. He can score from all three levels. Holds offers from Rhode Island and LIU offer
Connor Sprattley (2025) 6’1 guard, Thomas Jefferson High - Sprattley has a quick first step, a quick release and range out past the three point line that is very hard to guard. He can create off the dribble as well as shoot off the dribble.
Meleek Thomas (2025) 6’6 guard, Lincoln Park (PA) - Thom fills it up from all three levels. He features an explosively effective change of pace, and can finish past rim protectors. He has a fluid pull-up jumper and floater in the paint.