2024-25 New Rochelle High Player Profiles
New Rochelle High School is the public high school in New Rochelle, NY, located 23 miles north of New York City. Its student body is very diverse, with the students’ families originating from 60 countries. The school’s athletic teams, the Huguenots, compete in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Section 1. Section 1 includes Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties.
The boys varsity basketball team is head coached by Rasaun Young. Rasaun Young has been the head coach of the New Rochelle High School boys basketball team since 2012. Young, himself, was a star player at New Rochelle, averaging 28.7 points per game during his senior year. He was named Gannett’s Player of the Year and selected to The Journal News’ All-Century Basketball Team. He went on to play for the University of Buffalo, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer. He was inducted into Buffalo’s Hall of Fame.
His key players for the 2024-25 season are profiled below.
Justin Cohen (2025) 6’4 small forward - (Nazareth College commit) Cohen is a versatile wing known for his lethal shooting ability and impressive leadership on the court. A true scoring threat, he can create shots both off the dribble and off the catch, keeping defenders guessing with his smooth shooting mechanics. Beyond his scoring, he’s a strong rebounder for his position, using his height and hustle to secure boards and contribute on both ends. Cohen’s presence is felt not just through his skill but also through his leadership and dedication. His combination of size, shooting prowess, and basketball IQ makes him a highly valuable player and a steadying force for his teammates.
Malik Gasper (2025) 6’7 forward - Gasper has a polished offensive game and a high-energy presence on the court. Known for his excellent touch around the rim, he finishes efficiently in the paint, using his height and skill to convert difficult shots with ease. Defensively, he’s a reliable shot-blocker, leveraging his size and timing to disrupt opponents and protect the rim. Gasper also has a strong mid-range game, making him a versatile scoring threat who can step out and hit jumpers. With a relentless motor and an intense work ethic, he brings energy and focus to every play. Playing for Chris Ward Basketball-HGSL Circuit, he has honed his skills and developed into a well-rounded, impactful player who brings toughness and versatility to his team.
Nico Ruiz (2025) 5’11 guard- Ruiz combines a solid frame with a quick first step, making him a versatile threat on both ends of the court. His touch around the rim is exceptional, especially his floater. Off the catch, he is a threat, able to get to his spots when he wants, using his size and quick first step to his advantage. His physicality allows him to use his strength to create space on offense and to lock down opponents on defense. Ruiz’s natural leadership elevates his team, and his intensity on the court sets the tone for his teammates. Going into his senior season, he will be a key player to watch, ready to make contributions and leave an impact on his team’s success.
Mathew Sainvil (2025) 5’10 guard - Sainvil is a relentless playmaking guard known for his high-energy defense and tenacity on both ends of the floor. He consistently protects the rim and guards 94 feet, putting pressure on opposing players. Offensively, Sainvil excels in pick-and-roll situations and can create opportunities in isolation. He’s a reliable shooter, especially from the mid-range, where he thrives, and has the ability to hit the 3-pointer off a penetrate-and-kick play. His quick first step makes him a tough matchup, and his lockdown defense sets him apart as a well-rounded, impactful player. 3.5 gpa
Izaiah Augustine (2026) 5’9 point guard - Augustine has great court vision, high basketball IQ, and excellent ball control. Known for his quickness and athleticism, he keeps defenders on their toes, using his agility to create opportunities both for himself and his teammates. He’s a reliable shooter, stepping up to knock down shots when his team needs him most, and consistently makes smart, unselfish decisions that elevate his team’s play. Plays AAU with Chris Ward Basketball-HGSL Circuit. 3.6 gpa
Andrew Estefano (2026) 5’9 combo guard - Estefano has an impressive basketball IQ and a deep understanding of the game. Known for his unselfish play, he excels at setting up his teammates for success, finding open looks, and creating opportunities with his precise passing and court awareness. Offensively, he’s a consistent and dependable shooter from three-point range, able to hit shots when it counts. His combination of intelligence, playmaking, and shooting makes him a valuable asset on the court.
Gabriel Gross (2027) 5’11 point guard - Gross is a play making guard with an impressive shooting touch and a natural feel for the game. His summer with the Riverside Hawks was a standout season, where he thrived as both a scorer and a playmaker, averaging 17 points and 6 assists per game. Offensively, Gross is a threat when he finds his spots, capable of scoring efficiently while also setting up his teammates with smart passes. Defensively, he excels both on and off the ball. His balanced skill set makes him a valuable and a highly dependable player on both ends of the court. 3.8 gpa
Bryce Seward (2027) 5’11 guard - Seward is known for his scrappy defensive skills and high-pressure play, both on and off the ball. A high IQ player, Seward consistently makes the right decisions and demonstrates unselfish teamwork. He attacks the rim fearlessly and can knock down the 3 ball when it counts. Over the summer, Seward was a pivotal force for the 3SSB Wiz Kids 15u team, proving his impact on both ends of the court.