2026 Valentes Rocks 17u Player Profiles
Founded/led by former D2 College of Saint Rose head coach, Mike Perno, Valente’s Rocks is a grassroots basketball program based in New York’s Capital Region. The program’s mission is to develop high-character, team-first athletes. The program draws players from across the area who are committed to competing at a high level while embracing a culture of accountability, discipline, and growth. Valente’s Rocks looks for players who are coachable, competitive, and eager to improve both on and off the court.
The program’s teams compete consistently at a high level in circuits like the Hoop Group Showcase League (HGSL) and the Hoop Group Academic League and in local, state-level, and regional tournaments, including in premier events like Pitt Jam Fest and Atlantic City Jam Fest.
The program’s 17u players are profiled below.
(Clicking on a player’s highlighted name brings up his profile)
#1 David Redgrave (2027) 5’10 point guard, Saratoga Catholic High - Shot maker who plays the game the right way. Finds teammates in transition, understands spacing and timing, and is consistently in the right spot at the right time. True coach on the floor.
#3 Antonio Farley (2027) 6’7 forward, Albany Academy - Athletic offensive threat and three-level scorer with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Continues to get better and better, with his best basketball still ahead of him.
#5 Elijah Taylor (2027) 5’10 point guard, Albany Academy - A tough, hard-nosed lead guard who sets the tone on the floor. Floor general that makes everyone around him better, gets to his spots consistently, and competes with toughness and confidence every possession.
#7 Nick Romano (2027) 6’1 guard, Shenendehowa High - Romano makes the right plays and competes on both ends of the floor. Shares the basketball tremendously well and is a knockdown perimeter shooter with a strong feel for the game.
#11 Austin Osinski (2028) 6’5 guard, Christian Brothers Academy - A big guard with a strong feel for the game and high-level shot-making ability. Rebounds well for his position and impacts the game with his size, skill, and versatility.
#12 Rocco Natale (2027) 5’9 point guard, Amsterdam High - A tough lead guard who does not back down from anybody. Makes open shots, is crafty around the rim, and leads teams on the offensive end.
#13 John Kloper (2027) 6’6 small forward, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High - Klopfer is long and athletic, and he impacts the game on both ends. He shoots it with confidence, rebounds well for his position and brings versatility.
#14 Miles Irvis (2027) 6’6 forward, Bethlehem Central High - Long, athletic frontcourt forward who can stretch the floor, make shots, and consistently impact the game around the basket. High-level offensive rebounder who finishes with put-back dunks and protects the rim on the defensive end.
#15 JJ Osinsky (2027) 6’6 small forward, Albany Academy - A three-level scorer with a college-ready frame and the ability to impact the game from all areas of the floor. Strong student-athlete who pairs his skill set with high academic standards.
#20 Cayden Dones (2027) 5’9 point guard, Kiski Prep (PA) - A tough guard who can score at all three levels and is an elite shot maker. Crafty on the offensive end, creates his own opportunities, and does a great job getting teammates involved.
#21 Joey Whiting (2027) 6’9 forward, Bethlehem Central High - Whiting is a strong front court presence who also runs the floor extremely well. He brings physicality to both ends of the court. He is a high-level rebounder, protects the rim and can score in bunches around the paint.
#22 Grady Ostrander (2027) 6’2 guard, Ballston Spa High - Ostrander competes on both ends of the floor every single possession. Drives and pitches with the best of them, knocks down open shots, and crashes the glass on both ends.
#23 George Wright (2027) 6’6 forward, Berne-Knox-Westerlo School - Wright is a long, athletic frontcourt player who is young for his age with his best basketball still ahead of him. Elite rebounder who runs the floor extremely well and impacts the game in a variety of ways.
#25 Christian Zarzycki (2027) 6’3 shooting guard, Cheshire Academy (CT) - An elite-level three-point shot maker who spaces the floor and competes at a high level every possession. Rebounds well for his position, plays extremely hard, and brings a high basketball IQ to both ends of the floor.
#33 Jacob Bowden (2027) 6’6 forward, Christian Brothers Academy - Bowden has good size who can score on the block and step out to make perimeter shots. Defensively does a strong job contesting shots, protecting the paint, and rebounding on both ends.
#35 Daniel Smalls (2027) 5’11 point guard, Albany Academy - Smalls is a shifty combo guard who creates plays for himself and others. Changes pace well, gets downhill, and has the ability to score while also making the right read for teammates.
#56 Javin Blacks (2026) 6’4 wing, Darrow School - Long, athletic wing who stretches the floor with efficient shooting ability. High-level rebounder for his position with the length and activity to impact the game on both ends. 3.9 gpa