2024-25 St Francis Prep Season Preview
St Francis Preparatory School is based in Queens, 151 years old and is the the largest private Catholic secondary school in the United States. It’s varsity basketball team competes in the Catholic High School Athletic Association, Brooklyn-Queens AA Division. Head coach Jimmy Lynch will be entering his eighth year at the helm.
The team will be running an Open Gym schedule this Fall for college scouts to attend.
Below are the St Francis Preparatory School players for 2024-25:
Vere Anthony (2025) 6’0 point guard – A 2023-34 All City guard, Anthony has been a starter all four years on the varsity. He does whatever it takes to win, plays both ends of the floor. Holds offers from Manhattan and Marist.
Hao Chen (2025) 6’5 guard – Chen has played all four years on the varsity. This year, he has improved his lateral quickness and his body. He is a terrific passer. High academic.
Conor Griffin (2025) 6’2 guard – Griffin missed most of last season with an injury and has now added size and strength to go along with a lethal three point shot. High academic.
Jayden Huggins (2025) 6’0 guard – Huggins is a transfer who should contribute. He can defend on the perimeter and uses his quickness to get where he wants on the court.
Troy Fason Jr. (2026) 5’11 point guard – Fason won’t be at the Open Gym because he plays football. For basketball, one of the top guards in the City. He is physically strong, can finish with contact, understands how to run a team. He is not afraid of the moment, should make the All City team this winter. Receiving D1 interest.
Ethan Butler (2026) 6’6 small forward – Butler had a terrific spring and summer, including picking up an offer from Manhattan. He can shoot the 3 and has a nose for the ball. He runs the floor hard and is improving every day. Coach Lynch predicts him having a breakout season ahead.
Oesoemana Sacko (2026) 6’8 power forward – Sacko is a major talent He does everything, shoots the 3, rebounds and blocks shots. He recorded multiple double-doubles during an All City season a year ago. He holds offers from Manhattan, Marist, LIU, Florida International, Old Dominion, Mississippi State, with many more to come.
Cory Ballard (2026) 5’11 point guard – Ballard was the starting point guard on a solid JV team a year ago. He can defend and should see minutes this winter.
Lawrence Hailes (2026) 5’11 guard – Hailes played JV last season and is a terrific athlete.
Jack Leary (2026) 5’8 guard – Leary is quarterback of the SFP football team. He can shoot the 3 well. High academic.
Justin DeSena (2028) 6’3 guard – DeSena is only a frosh but will complement the backcourt of Fason and Anthony with his ability to shoot the three. He has a varsity ready body. High academic
Connor Defay (2025) – Defay is the team manager who would like to work with a college program in the future. High academic