Recruit The Bronx

2026 Hoops Showdown Top Performers

On Saturday, May 9, we made it to the Bronx River Community Center in the Soundview section of The Bronx for the Hoops Showdown. The event, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this weekend, was a showcase for many of the best players from the five boroughs of New York City and surrounding areas. Through five games, there was plenty of great action on the floor from start to finish. Last year’s champions, The Nation, would repeat once again. Here are the standouts from this year’s event.

Julian Harris 5-10, Guard, Thurgood Marshall Academy, Unsung Yutes, Class of 2026 - A guard that is a pure offensive threat and has the ability to score in bunches. Has the ability to drive to the basket and has plenty of speed, which he uses to his advantage when it comes to fast break opportunities. Has the ability to be a threat from three-point range, especially if he is not guarded heavily.

Jhalil Owusu 6-3, Point Guard, Bergen Catholic High School (NJ), Northeast Basketball Club, Class of 2027 - A guard that is able to create for himself off the dribble and has plenty of court vision. Has a nice jumper, which he uses to his advantage. Is fearless when going to the basket, as he is able to absorb contact to get to the free-throw line. Has a penchant for using his athleticism, as he is able to throw down plenty of dunks.

Jaden Brown 6-3, Shooting Guard, Bergen Catholic High School (NJ), Northeast Basketball Club, Class of 2026 - A guard that is an offensive threat and has plenty of defensive traits. Is a good rebounder and has the ability to run efficiently on a fast break. Has a nice shooting touch from outside and has the ability to get to the basket with ease.

Jaden Howard 6-6, Forward, Eagle Academy II, GTA, Class of 2026 - A forward that is very mobile on both ends of the floor and is a very physical force when it comes to rebounding. Has the ability to put the ball on the floor and muscle his way around the basket. Is able to score at will when going to the hole.

Na’Jay Bess 6-4, Shooting Guard, St. Raymond High School, Rundown, Class of 2026 - Hoops Showdown - A guard that is able to make his presence felt on the offensive end. Has the ability to shoot the lights out from long range, especially when he is not being guarded heavily. Has the ability to drive to the basket and is a good finisher.

Richie Rosa, 6-0, Point Guard, St. Peter’s Preparatory School (NJ), Northeast Basketball Club, Class of 2026 - A guard that is a force on both ends of the court and is able to see the court well. Is able to find his teammates and put them in position to score, especially if they’re open. Uses his quickness to his advantage, as he is able to get to the basket with ease and is a good finisher. Has quick hands and is able to force his teammates into turning the ball over.

Richard Jackson, Jr. 6-3, Shooting Guard, Thomas Jefferson Educational Campus, Road To Riches, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to be a playmaker and a scorer when on the floor. Is able to create for himself off the dribble and can get to the basket with ease. Has the ability to hit pull-up jumpers and can also hit jumpers from three-point range.

Brice Yancey 5-10, Point Guard, Cardinal Hayes High School, GTA, Class of 2028 -A guard that has the ability to do many things on the court and shows plenty of versatility. Has the ability to be a distributor, as he is able to find his teammates and give them plenty of opportunities to score. Has a penchant for obtaining steals and running on a fast break, which could lead to him scoring through a layup.

Supreme Hinton 6-4, Small Forward, Mount St. Michael Academy, GTA, Class of 2028 - A forward that has plenty of versatile skills that aid in him playing on the wing. Has the ability to use his physicality to his full advantage, as he’s fearless when it comes to absorbing contact. Is able to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket, where he is an efficient finisher. Is able to crash the boards for rebounds.

Elijah King 6-3, Shooting Guard, Eagle Academy I, The Nation, Class of 2027 - A guard that has the reputation of being a high-volume shooter. Is a player that is known for being his team’s anchor when it comes to getting his shot off from three. Has the ability for getting to the basket efficiently and finishing in transition.

David Gaymon 6-4, Shooting Guard, Putnam Science Academy, The Nation, Class of 2026 - A guard that has the ability to make plays and can also be a force when he’s on the wing. Is able to get to the basket and finish efficiently and is also fearless when it comes to absorbing contact. Has the ability to find his teammates when they’re open and also when it comes to the right moments. Has a nice shooting touch when it comes to hitting good midrange jumpers.

Josue Manya 6-9, Forward, Our Saviour Lutheran High School, The Nation, Class of 2028 - A forward that is able to be a formidable force for his team when he’s on the floor. Has a penchant for blocking shots and obtaining rebounds when on the defensive end. Is a great finisher when it comes to the offensive end, as he is able to make power moves when going up for two.