2026 New York Lighting 15u-EYBL Player Profiles
The New York Lightning (NYL) is one of the region’s most highly regarded grassroots programs, known for producing high talent, high character college-bound players and being stacked with a deep bench of excellent coaches. The program is co-directed by Dana Dingle and Shandue McNeill.
Their 15u EYBL team that is coached by veteran AAU coach and Pioneer Academy Head Coach Malcolm “Coach Snoop” Pope. They compete in the Nike EYBL circuit, and their roster is as below
(Clicking on the player’s highlighted name pulls up his profile)
#2 Alex Whitworth (2029) 6’5 guard, Clearview High (NJ) - Whitworth plays the right way. His combination of length and ability to shoot the basketball makes him a threat. He is a high IQ kid who is a solid all around defender.
#3 Ethan Ruillano (2029) 5’11 point guard, Archbishop Stepinac High - Ruillano can score in bunches and has the ability to get other guys involved. His effort on defense, creates turnovers and him to be distributive on the ball and in the passing lanes.
#5 Dallas Baldwin (2029) 5’10 point guard, St. Peter’s Prep (NJ) - Baldwin is a tough kid that is proving that he is one of the better point guards in the class. He is a ball hawk defensively, crafty around the basket, and getting better at leading his team each time out.
#10 Elijah Cortes (2029) 5’9 point guard, Union City High (NJ) - Cortes brings balance to the team. The game just flows right when he’s on the court. He is a knock down shooter, tough as nails, and does a great job of managing the game. His importance to the team is evident.
#11 Maurice Oliver (2029) 6’6 forward, Our Saviour Lutheran - High motor is an understatement. Oliver plays hard every possession. He has elite athleticism and the ability to guard every position on the floor. He is tenacious at the rim. Brings excitement to the game.
#12 David Johnson (2029) 6’8 forward, Oak Hill Academy (VA) - Skill-wise, Johnson checks all the boxes. He makes shots from distance, handles the basketball and defends. His high motor on both ends of the floor and unselfish nature is contagious when he’s on the court. With continued development, Johnson could definitely turn out to being the best prospect in the class. You walk away from every game impressed with the fact that he doesn’t cheat the game.
#13 Derek Hansen (2029) 6’7 forward, Sachem East High - Hansen is a lot to deal with on the block, not just from scoring, he’s a very good passer and decision maker. He carves out space, plays with patience, and plays the right way all the time.
#15 Jephte Limbila (2029) 6’9 forward, Our Savior Lutheran School - Limbila is long and athletic. His timing on defense, all makes him valuable beyond the stat sheet. He can knock down free throws and 15 foot jumpers consistently. As he continues to develop, he has a chance to be very good.