2024 Lightning Amateur Basketball Club Defenders 17u Player Profiles
The Lightning Amateur Basketball Club in its second year of existence playing on the UA Circuit led by its Director Artie Cox. Cox is a well known coach in the NYC area coaching many years in the CHSAA at Christ the King and Monsignor McClancy. He also has many years coaching AAU basketball at a handful of teams like the NY Rens, Riverside, New Heights and Team Odom. LABC, after one year, already has a few alumni committed to play collegiate basketball. Qadir Martin (Div 1 Mercyhurst University) Tajae Jones (Siena College) Mike Spisto (Farmingdale State College) Jayden James (Pace University).
The 17u team is coached by Frank Abreu, a veteran head coach and assistant for many of Coach Cox’s programs. Coach Abreu is currently the freshman head coach at McClancy and assistant varsity coach. He is assisted by Emilio Martinez a veteran coach who assists Coach Abreu on the high school and AAU level. Their 2024 players’ profiles are as follows:
Anthony Simpson Jr. (2025) 5’10 guard, The Master’s School (CT) - Simpson has a high IQ, an efficient point guard who can hit the shot from three and in the mid-range. He is excellent at finding the open man when getting into the lane. Defensively he is a physical defender and makes opposing guards uncomfortable. He is the type of point guard every coach wants on his team. 3.0 gpa
Jahmire Brewer (2024) 6’8 forward, South Shore High - Leading rebounder of the PSAL. Brewer is skilled with a strong frame and length which enables him to work in the paint. He creates mismatches due to his ability to knock down the three. With his perimeter game improving, we see him being able to play as a face-up four-man or a five-man who can stretch the floor at the next level. Brewer was an all-league and all-state honorable mention. Division I and Division II schools are interested in the unsigned senior. 3.5 gpa
Malik Junious Fuller (2025) 5’11 guard, The Patrick School (NJ) - Fuller is a combo guard who is an excellent three-point shooter. Fuller is good at coming off of handoffs and pulling up in the mid-range. He attacks the basket with purpose and finishes well around the rim. He is a solid rebounder for his size and uses his quick hands to create deflections.
Oke Okrokoto (2024) 6’9 forward, Christ The King High - Okrokoto is a force holding down the paint on both ends of the floor. He is a great rebounder due to his size and nose for the ball. Oke is improving his outside shot to knock down shots from 15 feet. This unsigned senior has Division II interests. Okrokoto is an honor roll student. 3.5 gpa
Jordan Randolph (2025) 6’4 wing, Bridgeport Prep (CT) - Randolph has improved his perimeter shot and is now a consistent three-point shooter. When his shot is taken away, he uses his strength to finish over defenders. Randolph is a good rebounder for his position, and with his improved athleticism, he has become a good defender. 3.1 gpa
Hao Chen (2025) 6’5 small forward, St. Francis Prep - Chen is a high IQ player, with the ability to make the long-range shot. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions due to his strength and IQ. Chen is also not afraid to step in and take a charge. He is also a great passer for his position. Chen is a member of the math, science, and national honor societies. 3.9 gpa
Sebastian “Basti” Williams (2025) 6’4 guard, The Knox School - Williams has to be recognized as one of the best shooters in the state of New York. Improving his athleticism after his first year of prep school has taken his defense to the next level. Williams has also improved his ability to score off the dribble. Recently transferring to the Knox School, he will be coached by former Division I coach, Jared Grasso. 3.5 gpa
Patrick Rouse (2025) 6’7 forward, St. John’s Prep - Rouse is one of the most unknown prospects in the state. The 6’7 forward has a high upside due to his size, length, and athleticism. Rouse plays above the rim and can finish over defenders due to his strength. He can hit the three-point shot and it is becoming more consistent. Rouse is a good help defender because of his shot-blocking ability. The unknown prospect is a diamond in the rough and was an all-league player. 3.8 gpa
Keishawn Morris (2024) 6’2 guard, The Piney Woods School (MS) - Morris is a versatile wing who can score from all three levels. He has great athleticism and strength which allows him to finish through contact. A great on-ball defender who gives opposing guards fits when attempting to bring up the ball. Morris is a true competitor. 86 average
Tyler Vassell (2025) 6’6 small forward, Green Farms Academy (CT) - Vassell is the definition of a floor-spacing four-man. He is a solid interior defender and a good defensive rebounder. He has a soft touch around the rim and his shot-making ability from mid and long-range makes him a difficult matchup for opponents his size. Vassell was an All-NEPSAC Class C and All-FAA player. Has some interests from Division I and Division II schools. 3.0 gpa
Paul Coty IV (2025) 6’2 guard, Stony Brook School - Coty is a very physical player. His strength allows him to guard players that are bigger than him. He also uses his size and strength to attack the basket when being guarded by smaller guards. Coty is a hard worker. Enjoys sharing the ball and facilitating for the team.
Daniel Ogunleye (2025) 5’11 point guard, Epic South High - Ogunleye is at his best off the dribble where he can create for his teammates. He has an excellent mid-range and is capable of hitting the three-point shot. He is a good defender for his size and does not foul when guarding. His leadership will be a key part of the team’s success this spring. Ogunleye led his high school team to winning the city and state championships while taking home the state championship MVP award. 3.1 gpa