2024 Empire 8 Tip-off Top Performers

By David Cordova,

 

On Sunday, November 3, RecruitTheBronx.com got ourselves to Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, Long Island, for the Empire 8 Tip-Off Classic. This was the debut event for the newly formed Elite 8 League. The League consists of eight postgraduate programs from New York City and Nassau County, Long Island.

In all four games, there were some talented players that separated themselves from the pack and showed that they definitely have the potential to do well on the college level. Below are the standouts from the games.

Khaleel Mitchell 6-3, Shooting Guard, Shots With Patience, Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to use his athleticism when driving to the basket. Has great body control when going up to the basket. Will outwork the opposition for rebounds.

 

Jordin Walker 6-4, Shooting Guard, Shots With Patience, Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to be a true playmaker when he’s on the floor. Is able to drive to the basket and can make strong finishes. Has a penchant for hitting three-pointers when he is left open.

Michael Aiken 6-2, Forward, B.A.C.E. Academy, Class of 2025 - A forward that is a physical specimen that will hold his own in the paint area. Is able to use his physicality to outwork and outmuscle the opposition in the post when it comes to obtaining rebounds and baskets. Has the ability to finish efficiently when going up to score.

Jacob Roman 6-1, Shooting Guard, 238 Basketball Academy, Class of 2025 - A guard that is able to make his presence felt on both ends of the court. Is an explosive player when going to the basket, as he is able to throw down emphatic dunks when he’s at the rim. Is a great pull-up shooter, as he is prone to pulling up to the top of the key and getting his shot off efficiently.

Nowah Hargrow 6-3, Shooting Guard, 238 Basketball Academy, Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to be involved on both ends of the court. Is able to shoot from long range, as he’s prone to shooting from the corner. Is able to finish efficiently, as he is able to drive to the basket and score.

Brysten Joyce 6-6, Forward, Winchendon School NYC, Class of 2026 - A forward that has the ability to be a force in the low post area. Knows when to attack the glass and likes to run on the fast break. Has the ability to drive to the basket and is able to showcase his athleticism by finishing at the rim.

Christian Smiley 6-6, Forward, Knox School, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to use his wingspan and athleticism to his advantage. Is able to attack the glass for rebounds and is able to run on the fast break. Is able to drive into lane and is able to finish at the basket efficiently.

Bryceson Dobie 6-1, Point Guard, Knox School, Class of 2025 - A guard that is a great playmaker and is able to make great moves when going to the basket. Is great at distributing the ball to his teammates and can make sure that his teammates are open and ready to score. Has the ability for obtaining steals when on the defensive end.

Jayport Smith 5-10, Point Guard, Broome Street Academy, Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to score in bunches when he has the ball in his hands. Is able to finish when going to score at the basket. Has a penchant for shooting from long range, especially when in the corner.

Sean Thomas 6-4, Forward, Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to hold his own on both ends of the court. Is able to outwork the opposition for rebounds and likes to run on both ends of the court. Has the ability to shoot from long range and is also very athletic, as he is able to finish at the rim.

Elijah Witter 6-3, Shooting Guard, First Love Christian Academy, Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to make great plays when on the court. Is a great defensive player, as he is able to force his teammates into giving the ball up. Has a penchant for shooting threes at a high volume and can get to the basket and finish efficiently.