2024 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships Standouts

By David Cordova,

On the weekend of July 13/14, we joined the migration of Greater NYC grass roots talent down to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina for the Adidas 3SSB Palmetto Road Championships. This event was the final 2024 session for all of the teams that played on the 3SSB circuit. During the last couple of days of the session, we got to scout the talent from the NYC area’s Wiz Kids and the New York Gauchos. Here are the standouts from those games:

 

Ethan Butler 6-6, Shooting Guard, St. Francis Preparatory High School, Gauchos 16’s, Class of 2026 - A guard that has plenty of skill and versatility in his game. Is a player that is very crafty and can create for himself off the dribble. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range and looks to get open on the perimeter.

 

Jah’da Swann 6-6, Shooting Guard, Thomas Jefferson Educational Campus, Gauchos 16’s, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to showcase his abilities when he has the ball in his hands. Loves to drive to the basket and has the ability to flash to the glass for rebounds. Is able to get his shot off efficiently when at the top of the key and from midrange.

 

Jayvon Rampersant 6-8, Forward, Berkmar High School (GA), Gauchos 16’s - A forward that has the ability to make an impact on the team with his post play. Knows how to use his hands when it comes to obtaining blocks & rebounds. Is a very explosive player that is able to showcase his athleticism when going up to the rim.

 

Brandon Stores, Jr. 6-5, Small Forward, St. Raymond High School, Gauchos 17’s, Class of 2025 (Georgia Tech commit) - A forward that is very versatile and is able to put the ball on the floor. Has the ability to use his physicality when driving to the basket and is able to absorb contact when going up to score. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range & can get to the glass for rebounds.

 

Lucas Morillo 6-7, Shooting Guard, Iona Preparatory School, Gauchos 17’s, Class of 2025 - A guard that is very creative when he has the ball in his hands. Has the ability to shoot from long range and is always looking to get open on the perimeter. Has be the ability to get to the basket with ease and is able to absorb contact when going to the hole.

 

Shamari Mitchell 6-6, Forward, South Shore High School, Gauchos 17’s, Class of 2025 - A forward that is a formidable presence when he’s on the floor for his team. Has a penchant for using his physicality when in the low post. Is a very athletic player, as he is able to throw down powerful dunks and can crash the boards for rebounds. Is able to obtain blocks.

 

David Gaymon 6-4, Shooting Guard, Cardinal Hayes High School, Wiz Kids 16’s, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to help his team with whatever is needed from him on the floor. Is able to hustle for loose balls and will crash the boards for rebounds. Is able to finish in transition when going to the basket.

 

Sean McKenney 6-5, Small Forward, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Wiz Kids 16’s, Class of 2026 - A forward that’s a solid inside presence for his team, as he is able to use his strength to be a force in the post. Is able to hold his own when going to the boards and is able to box out the opposition efficiently. Is able to muscle his way into the paint when going up to score in the post.

 

Jalen Mehu 6-4, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Stepinac High School, Wiz Kids 16’s, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to make good decisions when he has the ball in his hands. Has the ability to use his speed to finish in transition when it comes to getting to the basket. Is also a player that can find his teammates when they’re open, so that they can find opportunities to score.

 

Jake Sussberg 6-5, Shooting Guard, Scarsdale High School, Wiz Kids 17’s - A guard that is a true scoring threat when on the floor. Has a penchant for moving off the ball & will find ways to score in transition, as he is a dangerous shooter from long range. Has the ability to drive to the basket and is a good finisher.

 

Josh Powell 6-5, Shooting Guard, Archbishop Molloy High School, Wiz Kids 17’s, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to score in multiple ways when on the court. Has a nice pull-up jumper and can use his physicality to drive and draw fouls to get to the free-throw line. Is able to use his toughness to his advantage when going up for rebounds.

 

Taj Walters 6-5, Small Forward, Greenwich Country Day School, Wiz Kids 17’s, Class of 2025 - A forward that is undersized, but is still able to outwork taller players when it comes to playing in the post area. Is able to put the ball on the floor and is able to make nice drives to the basket. Is able to box out when the ball goes up and outwork the opposition when it comes to rebounds.