2026 The Preview Top Performers

By Dave Cordova,

This past Friday and Sunday, October 2 and 4, we got to Achievement First Brooklyn High School in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn for the annual, “The Preview,” event, which was organized by Eleve11 Hoops. This spectacular event featured some of the premier high school programs in New York City, Long Island, as well as some of the premier prep school programs throughout the Northeast. The event was attended by several D1 and D2 colleges. Here are the standouts from this year’s event:

Brayden Ojeda 6-1, Shooting Guard, Forest Hills High School, Class of 2027 - A guard that is very deceptive and has a quick first step when he has the ball in his hands. Is able to drive to the basket and has the ability to finish in transition. Has the ability to hit mid-range jumpers.

Akeem McLaren 6-0, Point Guard, Monsignor Scanlan High School, Class of 2028 - A guard that has the ability to lead his team on the offensive end and has the ability to make plays at all times. Is able to get his shot off efficiently from mid-range and also from three-point range. Is able to go up strong when going to the basket and is able to absorb physical contact and can draw fouls as a way to get to the free-throw line.

Johnny Elefterakis 5-6, Point Guard, Staten Island Academy, Class of 2029 - A guard that has plenty of speed and has excellent court vision when on the floor. Has the ability to get past defenders and make his presence felt when driving towards the basket. Has a penchant for finishing in transition and has great eyes on the defensive end, as he is able to pick off the opposition for steals. Has the ability to find his teammates, as they’re flying to the basket on a fast break or are open on the wing.

Sharif Croom 6-3, Shooting Guard, Martin Van Buren High School, Class of 2028 - A guard that has the ability to hold his own on both ends of the floor and is a solid force for his team. Is known for being a slasher that can drive to the basket and can finish efficiently at the cup. Also has athletic ability, which he uses to his advantage when he goes up for rebounds and also when he goes to the rim. Has a nice shooting touch, especially from three-point range.

Ethan Edwards 5-7, Point Guard, St. Francis Preparatory High School, Class of 2028 - A guard that has plenty of energy on the court and excellent court vision.  Has a penchant for shooting deep threes from multiple spots on the floor. Has the ability to find his teammates, whether they’re on the break or whether they’re open, so that they can obtain scoring opportunities.

Keishaun White 6-5, Forward, St. Francis Preparatory High School, Class of 2029 - A forward that is a force for his team and has the ability to show off his versatility in a variety of different ways. Has a penchant for stepping out onto the wing and shooting threes, which is his specialty. Is able to put the ball on the floor and create for himself off the dribble and can showcase his athleticism by throwing down rim-rattling dunks.

Tyler Romeo 6-1, Shooting Guard, Achievement First High School, Class of 2027 - A guard that is known for being a high-level offensive threat on the court. Has the ability to be a playmaker and can attack in transition, as he is able to get to the basket. Is a great defender, as he is able to force turnovers and turn that into offense, which then turns into layups or dunks at the other end.

Kamsi Awaka 6-10, Forward, Blair Academy (NJ), Class of 2027 - A formidable force in the post area on both sides of the court, as his frame and strength poses issues for the opposition. Has incredible shot-blocking ability, as he is prone to denying the opposition opportunities. Has the ability to use his physicality to muscle his way to the basket and is able to finish at the rim.

Kamari Whyte 6-3, Shooting Guard, Blair Academy (NJ), Class of 2027 - A guard that has the ability to make his presence felt on the court in multiple ways. Is a very physical player, as he is able to post up the opposition and can get his shot off efficiently from mid-range. Is able to drive to the basket and absorb contact as a way to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.

Christian Fuller 6-1, Shooting Guard, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2027 - A guard with the ability to shoot at a high-volume and is very fearless when on the court. Is a very crafty player that is able to attack in transition and can drive to the basket with ease and can finish in transition. Is a deadly three-point threat as he is able to dominate with his shooting, especially if he is not guarded heavily.

Illia Mayden 6-8, Forward, Long Island Lutheran High School, Class of 2028 - A forward that is very versatile and very skilled and has a penchant for making plenty of noise on the court. Is able to put the ball on the floor and can step out and shoot from long range, where he is a consistent threat. Has the ability to show off his athleticism when he drives to the basket and can finish efficiently.

Josue Manya 6-8, Forward, Our Saviour Lutheran High School, Class of 2028 - A skilled forward with a dominant inside presence that is able to dominate in multiple ways. He has great posts moves and great footwork, as he is able to finish inside with strength. Is able to play above the rim, but can also finish with hook shots.

Makiah Gray, 6-0, Point Guard, The St. James Academy (VA), Class of 2027 - A guard that has plenty of quickness when on the court and is able to attack in transition. Is fearless when it comes to contact when going to the basket, as he is known for his ability to glide to the basket. Has a penchant for finding his teammates when they’re going to the basket or when they’re open.

Payton Wilson 6-8, Forward, Holy Cross High School, Knights, Class of 2028 - A forward that is a dominant force in the paint and also a player that can show off his versatile skills. Has the ability to put the ball on the floor and can drive to the basket and finish efficiently. Has great footwork and is able to make hook shots or floaters. Has a penchant for outworking the opposition for rebounds.