2026 Level Up 16u-CC Player Profiles
Level Up is in its ninth year and is one of the fastest growing youth travel AAU basketball programs in the Tri-state NY area. Their mission is to create the top travel basketball teams focusing heavily on individual and team development for their players both on and off the basketball court. The primary focus is to help their players reach their full potential. All of their coaches and trainers excelled at the college level as players or coaches. Jesse Winter is the program’s President.
The 16u-CC team is coached by the veteran Prentice Small. The team plays on the Made Hoops Challenger Circuit, hence, the “CC” in the team’s name. We profile the players below.
(Clicking on the player’s highlighted name pulls up their profile):
King Pearson (2028) 6’0 guard, Thomas Jefferson High - Pearson is a big guard that can rebound, push the ball and be the best player on the court in any given game. He is a high percentage finisher at the basket and can shoot it from distance.
Jaylin La Ronde (2028) 6’2 guard, Grand Street Campus - La Ronde is an explosive combo guard who can create off the bounce and is freaky athletic.
Nate Holsey (2028) 6’0 guard, Thomas Jefferson High - Holsey is a consistent 3 point shooter and can shoot from way behind the arc. He creates off the bounce or finds placement on the court to catch and shoot. He is a willing rebounder and is smooth in transition.
Adrian Thomas (2028) 6’3 wing, Thomas Jefferson High - Thomas is an explosive, lengthy wing and a double-double threat each game. He is a 3 point shooter that is dangerous in transition and can fly when finishing at the basket.
Demitrius Walker (2028) 6’5 small forward, Murry Burgtraum High - Walker is a score-first player that can get you a bucket at all 3 levels. He has high potential due to his frame, high flying finish and ability to get hot in an instant.
Lucas Abreu (2028) 5’11 guard, Longwood High - Abreu is a knockdown shooter that can shoot the leather off the ball. He is great at catch and shoot and capable of creating off the bounce.
Markai Gustinvil (2028) 6’5 small forward, Sachem North High- Gustinvil is a lengthy, active energetic wing with a long wing span. He is a great defender and is active on the glass grabbing rebounds.
Vincent Napolitano (2028) 5’8 pointr guard, Wantagh High - Napolitano is a smart, tough nosed point guard that plays bigger than he is. He is scrappy on the defensive end and a playmaker, 3 point shooter and facilitator on the offensive end. Vincent has an impressive assist to turnover ratio.
Ayden Brown (2028) 6’5 forward, Uniondale High - Brown is a strong big man with great leaping ability. He rebounds it very well and is a good finisher around the basket.
Jake Cuoco (2028) 6’5 wing, Syosset High - Cuoco is a lengthy, athletic wing who plays the game the right way and rebounds well on both ends. He is crafty going to the basket and someone who can knock down the 3 and create downhill. 3.7 gpa
James Romanello (2028) 5’11 guard, Syosset High - Romanello is an elite athlete with a strong build. He is a scrappy guard and strong straight-line driver. Romanello is a playmaker that is great getting paint touches and has high energy and grit on the defensive end.