2024 Rising Stars 16u Player Profiles
Rising Stars was founded by Paul Savramis in the early 1980’s as a series of summer camps but has since been on a 20-year journey of changing the lives of countless youths and their families. Today, Rising Stars is staffed with dozens of dedicated professionals and is considered of the elite, educationally-centered youth programs in the country. Additionally, The Rising Stars Athletic Complex located in Freeport, NY, opened in December 2024, bringing a new 16,000 sq/ft state-of-the-art facility features two regulation high school basketball courts, dedicated strength/fitness training rooms, and a community/academic space.
The 2024 season looks like another robust production for the Rising Stars. Veteran coach and Director Willis Perry is orchestrating a deep array of talented coaches and players. The Rising Star “Red” teams represent their A level teams for each grade. Their 2024 rosters are as follows (click on their names to pull up their profiles):
16u RED Coached by Portledge High School varsity coach,AJ Allen and Amir Sultan
Ryan Leary (2026) 6’2 guard, Carle Place High - Leary has the body and the motor of a college basketball player. He finds himself defending 1-5 due to his great footwork and understanding on how to position his body against larger opponents. Leary rebounds, pushes the break, and is a willing passer. His body allows him to finish at the rim with great control, but he also has a reliable jump shot making him a floor spacer. Ryan Leary is the GLUE to this year’s Rising Stars 16u Group. 3.7 gpa
Sylvanus “S1” Tabe (2026) 6’8 forward, Lawrence Woodmere Academy - 2023-24 PSAA Regular Season MVP as a sophomore. D1 body as a HS sophomore. Hide your lunch money when you see this bully on the block. Tabe is a shot blocking, basketball dunking, screen setting monster. Thriving as a rim protector and rebounder due to his gifted jumping ability and paint presence, he also has a budding offensive game. With great footwork, Tabe is working on post-game and adding a 10-15 foot jump shot, making him a must watch prospect. 3.6 gpa
Hank Williams Jr. (2027) 6’2 guard, Lawrence Woodmere Academy - 2023-24 PSAA Tournament MVP as a freshman. Has a freshman’s physique, but a senior’s game. Don’t let this guy get hot, Williams is known for his quick release ability to shoot the ball from deep. But what he should be known for is his ability to defend. He makes it difficult for opposing guards, and he uses his voice when off-the-ball. Williams is a gym rat who is committed to adding new layers to his game. He is a coach’s son who inherited great leadership and understanding of the game which is on display every time he’s on the floor. 3.7 gpa
Joe Burke (2026) 6’2 guard, Kellenberg Memorial High - Burke has earned the reputation of a 3 and D guy. He knocks down 3s in bunches. When left open he makes defenses pay with his smooth jump shot that he gets off quickly and comfortably from 22 feet out. Burkes jump shot range has expanded, making him a guy who can shoot off the dribble, utilize screens to create space, and confidently shoot any time the defender’s hand is down. 4.0 gpa
Josh Smith (2026) 6’2 guard, Lawrence Woodmere Academy - Smith is an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. A true floor general who excels at dictating the pace of the game and making reads on the fly. Josh is a 3-level scorer who finds his offense through his ability to keep his teammates involved. 3.7 gpa
Orlando Morris (2026) 5’9 point guard, Uniondale High - Morris is a southpaw with great twitch and is a tough cover for opposing guards. A speedy guard who gets to spots on the floor effortlessly with his high IQ and ability to understand angles and body position. Morris can score the ball in bunches, but it doesn’t stop there, as he is also a pesky defender who can defend in the open floor. 3.0 gpa
Nick Anson (2026) 6’1 guard, Holy Trinity High - Anson is a downhill bully who is capable of finishing through contact with either hand. He has the foot speed to cover the perimeter and the strength and audacity to step inside the bully his way around the interior making him a primetime defender. 3.2 gpa
Elijah “EJ” Ashby (2026) 6’0 point guard, Archbishop Stepinac High - Ashby is where finesse basketball meets hardnose basketball. He is a strong defender who is the heart and soul of this Rising Stars defense. Committed to leading the defense, Ashby’s presence is felt on every possession. On offenes, he is a lead guard who thrives in the mid-range, but is now stepping out and knocking down the 3 as well. Coupling his ability to shoot with his handle, Ashby is turning himself into an offensive weapon. 3.0 gpa
Kevin Moore (2026) 6’1 guard, St Anthony’s High - Moore is a strong bodied guard who wills his way to the rim regardless of the defense. Finishing through contact and knocking down free throws, Moore is an old school 3 point machine. His lateral speed and great footwork makes him a dual threat both offensively and defensively covering guys in the open court. His play and attitude injects a level of competition and positivity that will never show up in the stat book, but is impossible to miss. 3.8 gpa
Joel Barnaby-Alexander (20226) 6’4 guard, Nazareth High School - What does Barnaby-Alexander not do? He is a high IQ guard. He selflessly gets to the paint, and then plays off two feet,in order to kick it to the help defender’s man without hesitation. He is realizing what an asset it is to be 6’4 with great guard skills. Barnaby-Alexander rebounds with determination and has the ability to push the break and make plays in transition. His passing keeps everyone honest and allows him to get in a grove offensively. He can finish with either hand around the rim, and he knocks down shots all over the floor. He is primed to make a big jump going into his junior year. 3.1 gpa