Recruit The Bronx

2026 Smartball Classic Championship Game Top Performers

Smartball Classic Championship Game 8/28/26

On Friday night, August 28, the action was in central Harlem for the championship game of the Smartball Classic, one of the premier pre-season high school events in the Tri-state area. In the game, the defending PSAL AAAA champions, Eagle Academy I, from The Bronx, took on the PSAL AAAA champions from 2025 in Thomas Jefferson Campus out of Brooklyn.

Throughout both halves, the game provided plenty of competition on both ends of the court. For 40 minutes, both teams went neck and neck. But in the end, it would be the Jefferson Orange Wave that would end up on top as the 2026 Smartball Classic champions. Below are the standouts from the game:

Ed Cota, Jr. 6-1, Shooting Guard, Thomas Jefferson Campus, Class of 2028 - A guard that brings plenty of energy when he’s on the court. Is able to drive to the basket and is a solid finisher and can distribute passes towards his teammates that can lead to offensive opportunities. Has a nice shooting touch and has the ability to use his quickness when going downcourt.

Dylan Hickman 6-2, Shooting Guard, Thomas Jefferson Campus, Class of 2028 - A guard that has the ability to make his presence felt in multiple ways. Has a penchant for driving to the basket with ease and can get past his defender with quickness. Has the ability to shoot long-range jumpers and also can shoot from mid-range. Finds ways to get to the free-throw line.

Paris Roots 5-10, Point Guard, Thomas Jefferson Campus, Class of 2027 - A guard that has the ability to be a solid playmaker when on the court. Is able to flourish on the fast break, as he’s able to get downcourt and has the ability to finish efficiently. Is able to showcase his athleticism and has the ability to withstand physical contact. Has the ability to distribute the ball to his teammates as they’re open or streaking towards the basket.

Kamari Johnson 6-6, Forward, Thomas Jefferson Campus, Class of 2028 - A forward that is a strong presence in the post area and is able to be a formidable presence. Has a penchant for attacking the glass and obtaining rebounds, especially on the offensive end, as he’s prone to making putbacks. Has the ability to finish when going up to score, as he’s a solid finisher.

Kenneth Moore, Jr. 6-0, Point Guard, Thomas Jefferson Campus, Class of 2027 - A guard that is able to be a playmaking guard that has the ability to make his presence felt in various ways. Is able to create for himself off the dribble and can attack in transition and can get to the basket and then score. Has great defensive tendencies, as he is able to pick off the opposition for steals. Has a nice shooting touch from three-point range.

Gio Moran 6-2, Shooting Guard, Eagle Academy I, Class of 2027 - A guard that is very active on both ends of the court and has a penchant for making his presence felt on the court. Has the ability to obtain steals as he has great court awareness and great hands. Has the ability to get across the court with his quickness and is able to get past defenders easily. Has the ability to finish consistently at the basket.

Elijah King 6-2, Shooting Guard, Eagle Academy I, Class of 2027 - A guard that has the opportunity to make his presence felt in various ways. Is a player that can shoot at a high volume when on the offensive end. Is able to drive to the basket and is a solid finisher when going up for a layup. Is able to hustle to crash the boards for rebounds.

Robert Gilmore 6-6, Forward, Eagle Academy I, Class of 2027 - A forward that has the ability to showcase his motor at all times when he’s on the court. Is able to make his presence felt with his size and his length, as he is able to be an anchor for his team. Is able to hold his own defensively, as he is able to obtain steals. Is able to put the ball on the floor and can finish efficiently, as he is able to get layups or finish at the rim.

Kal-el Lawson 5-11, Point Guard, Eagle Academy I, Class of 2027 - A guard that has the ability to score in multiple ways and is a good playmaker. Is able to drive to the basket and can finish efficiently. Has plenty of quickness when it comes to running in the fast break. Has the ability to distribute the ball to open teammates so that they can finish from three-point range. Has a nice shooting touch from mid-range.

Matthew Santiago 6-0, Shooting Guard, Eagle Academy I, Class of 2028 - A guard that has the opportunity to create for himself on the floor and has the ability to be a huge asset on the floor for his team. Is a player that has the ability to get his shot off from the corner and also from mid-range. Is fearless when going to the basket, as he is able to make some finishes. Is able to find his teammates and put them in position to score.