Smartball Classic Top Performers 8/5/24

By David Cordova,

On Monday night, August 5, RecruitTheBronx.com made it to Abraham Lincoln Playground in Harlem for the opening night of the Smartball Classic, which is a single-game elimination tournament in which many of the best teams in the New York metropolitan area come out to compete to advance to the championship game on August 31st. On this night, there was a close battle between Cardinal Hayes (CHSAA) and Eagle Academy II (PSAL). Throughout the game, it was a see-saw affair as both teams would match basket-for-basket. But in the end, the Cardinals would emerge victorious over the Eagles, 59-58, to advance to the next round of the tournament. Here are the standouts from the game:

 

Richard Jackson, Jr. 6-3, Shooting Guard, Eagle Academy II, Class of 2026 - A guard that’s very quick and deceptive with the ball and is able to be a solid playmaker on the court. Has the ability to drive to the basket ad is a good finisher in transition. Is able to make pull-up jumpers from three-point range.

Amir Dockery 6-0, Point Guard, Eagle Academy II. Class of 2027 - A guard that has the ability to lead a team when on the offensive end. Is able to control the tempo of the game and can find ways to distribute to his teammates so that they can have opportunities to score. Has the ability to drive tom the basket and is a great finisher.

Jeremiah Jacobs 6-7, Forward, Eagle Academy II, Class of 2025 - A forward that has plenty of length and is a formidable force in the low post area. Is able to obtain rebounds and block shots when in the paint area. Is able to muscle his way into the paint on the offensive end and is able to finish efficiently when going up to score.

Hunter Frazier 6-7, Forward, Eagle Academy II, Class of 2027 - A forward that is able to move swiftly when on the floor. Is able to get open and finds ways to flash to the basket. Is able to obtain rebounds and is also able to finish in transition when going up to score.

Jaden Howard 6-6, Forward, Eagle Academy II, Class of 2026. A forward that is able to use his physicality when it comes to his low-post play. Is able to absorb contact when going up to score and is able to get to the free-throw line. Is able to attack the glass and is able to outwork his opponent.

Jermel Thomas 6-3, Point Guard, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to be a true playmaker on the court as he is able to create for himself and also distribute the ball to his teammates. Is able to score and transition and finish efficiently. Is able to hit mid-range jumpers.

Kaelen Destin 6-1, Shooting Guard, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is a lights-out scorer and is able to attack in transition when the opportunity presents itself on the court. Is able to dish the ball to his teammates and give them passes in order to provide them with scoring opportunities. Has the ability to shoot from long range.

Malik Fields 6-3, Shooting Guard, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2026 - A guard that has plenty of toughness in his game and is able to put the ball on the floor. Is able to run downcourt with ease and get to the basket, where he scores efficiently. Has a penchant for attacking the glass and running down the court.

Amadou Barry 6-8, Forward, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2027 - A forward that has great footwork and is a force in the post area. Likes to block shots and is a force in the post when when the opposition is moving towards scoring. Is able to move swiftly in the paint and is able to score efficiently.

Naasir Campbell 6-4, Small Forward, Cardinal Hayes High School, Class of 2026 - A forward that has a muscular build and is able to provide plenty of solid post play for his team. Has the ability to box out and obtain rebounds in the paint area. Is able to finish in the lane and is able to draw fouls.