2024 NYC Invitational Top Performers
On Sunday, December 8, we paid a visit to James Monroe Educational Campus in The Bronx for the NYC Invitational, put together by E.T.S Academy (Education Through Sports) and the PSA Cardinals. The event had a group of top New York City high school teams and also strong teams from Pennsylvania and upstate New York competing. We caught the final three games of the day and saw plenty of amazing talent on display. Here are the standouts that we caught.
Scotty Lee 6-4, Shooting Guard, First Love Christian Academy (PA), Class of 2025 - A guard that is very quick and creative when he has the ball in his hands. Has the ability to drive past the opposition and can glide to the basket. Does not hesitate to hit shots from three-point range whenever the opportunity comes his way.
Alexis Ramirez 5-9, Point Guard, First Love Christian Academy (PA), Class of 2025 - A guard that has the ability to run In transition and is able to see where his teammates are, so that he can put them in position to score. Has the ability to shoot at a high volume, as he is able to hit shots from three-point range. Is fearless as he looks to get to the basket and is able to finish efficiently.
Terrence Thompson 6-7, Forward, Redemption Christian Academy, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to hold his own in the paint area, as he is very skilled and versatile. Is able to put the ball on the floor and attack the glass. Is a very explosive and athletic player when in the lane, as he flashes to the rim with authority.
Courage Agbekpornu 6-8, Forward, Redemption Christian Academy, Class of 2025 - A forward that has the ability to put the ball on the floor and is always ready to attack in transition. Has a penchant for blocking shots as he is a solid rim protector. Is a force when going to the basket as he makes strong drives to the rim that end in him making a basket while being fouled or him throwing down a powerful dunk.
Julian Desir 6-6, Forward, Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Class of 2026 - A forward that brings plenty of energy when he is on the floor at all times. Is a very active rebounder that loves to run on the fast break. Has the ability to get to the basket and finishing with authority.
Kaleb Popotte 6-1, Shooting Guard, Lawrence Woodmere Academy, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to score in a variety of ways. Is a player that likes to flash to the other end when there’s a fast break opportunity. Is a great finisher when at the basket and also has a nice shooting touch when he is far away from the basket.
Everett Barnes, 6-10, Forward, Father Judge High School (PA), Class of 2025 - A forward that has great hands and moves well on the floor. Is able to obtain rebounds and is a great rim protector when obtaining blocked shots. Has the ability to put the ball on the floor and is able to use his foot speed to move efficiently in the paint when it comes to scoring opportunities.
Max Moshinski, 6-6, Forward, Father Judge High School (PA), Class of 2026 - A forward that has the ability to hold his own when on the floor. Has the ability to score in bunches, as he is able to shoot from long range and is able to attack in transition. Has plenty of athletic ability as he likes to throw down emphatic dunks.
Tyler Romeo 6-2, Shooting Guard, Achievement First High School, Class of 2027 - A guard that is very ball-dominant and is very alert when on the offensive end. Defensively, he has a penchant for forcing the opposition into turning the ball over. Has the ability to score at a high volume and is able to attack when going to the basket.
Jahlil Murray 6-4, Small Forward, Achievement First High School, Class of 2026 - A forward that is able to hold his own on both ends of the court, as he has great hands, which aid in him getting blocks and rebounds. Is able to get to the basket in transition and is great at finishing when going to the basket.
Karifala Conde 6-4, Forward, James Monroe Educational Campus, Class of 2026 - A bruising forward that is known for his strength and for his ability to make strong drives to the basket. Has the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish strongly at the basket, especially when absorbing contact. Is able to outwork players of taller stature when going up for rebounds.
Bryan Palau, 5-9, Shooting Guard, James Monroe Educational Campus, Class of 2025 - A guard that has plenty of quickness, which aids in him taking off during a fast-break. When driving to the basket, he is able to finish in transition. Is also a dead-eye shooter from three-point range.
Mohammed Rashid 6-2, Shooting Guard, James Monroe Educational Campus, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to be a force for his team when on the court. Is a player that likes to drive to the basket and is a strong finisher. Is a solid rebounder that likes to run on the offensive end.