2026 City is Mine Championship Game Top Performers

By Dave Cordova

On Sunday, October 25, we were at Eagle Academy for Young Men I in The Bronx for the championship game of the City is Mine Classic. This is a high-profile preseason event where many of the premier teams in the Tri-state area are playing in preparation for the upcoming high school season.

Playing in the title game were the Royals (Christ the King) and the Kingsmen (Nazareth), two rival teams from the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) that will be playing each other multiple times in a given season. In Sunday’s matchup, it would be the Royals firing from all cylinders for a large portion of the game. Even though the Kingsmen made some runs throughout the game, the Royals earned this year’s championship.

Below are the standouts from the game:

Johnny Magna 6-4, Shooting Guard, Royals, Christ the King High School, Class of 2027 (committed to LaSalle University)- A guard that has the ability to be a playmaker and can also take over a game when he’s on the floor. Has a penchant for getting his shot off efficiently from long range. Has great court vision, as he is able to see his teammates when they’re streaking towards the basket or when they’re open.

Gaoussou Samake 6-8, Forward, Royals, Christ the King High School, Class of 2028 - A forward that has the ability to make his presence felt in many ways when on the floor. Is a dominant force in the low post and is known for obtaining rebounds and blocking shots on the defensive end. Has a very high motor and uses it to his advantage, especially when throwing down thunderous dunks.

Jack Liz Martinez 6-2, Point Guard, Royals, Christ the King High School, Class of 2027 - A guard that has the ability to be a solid floor general, as he is able to make eye-popping plays whenever he is on the court. Has plenty of awareness and has the ability to find his teammates, especially when he is on the break. Is able to make slick plays on the offensive end and can get to the hole easily.

Mohamed Bedri 6-10, Forward, Royals, Christ the King High School, Class of 2028 - A forward that is a solid player in the post, as he also has versatility in his game. On the offensive end, he is able to step out and get his shot off efficiently from three-point range and is able to drive to the basket. Is a good shot blocker on the defensive end and is always alert when it comes to getting rebounds.

Fabian Pinnock 5-10, Shooting Guard, Royals, Christ the King High School, Class of 2027 - A guard that is able to give his team plenty of energy whenever he steps on the floor. Has a penchant for shooting lights-out from three-point range, as he is difficult to contain when he is behind three-point range. When is on the fast break, he is known to glide to the basket and is a good finisher.

Kamari Hamilton 6-4, Shooting Guard, Kingsmen, Nazareth High School, Class of 2028 - A guard that has the ability to hold his own on the floor in a variety of ways. Has a penchant for driving to the basket and is known for drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, as he great at absorbing contact. Is able to absorb rebounds and then dash on to the fast break when on the floor, as he is able to create scoring opportunities for his team.

Malick Kamara 6-3, Shooting Guard, Kingsmen, Nazareth High School, Class of 2028 - A guard that is able to show off his versatility on the floor and is a top-notch scorer. Has the ability to drive to the basket and is a great finisher at all times. Is able to find his teammates and put them in positions where they’re able to score.

Jasiah Narcisse 6-3, Shooting Guard, Kingsmen, Nazareth High School, Class of 2029 - A guard that has plenty of energy and is known for giving his team a spark whenever he hits the floor. Is a player that has an explosive game and has the ability to bring excitement as he has plenty of athleticism, which he uses when going to the basket to throw down dunks. Is able to make heady plays like driving to the basket and finishing with a layup during clutch or crucial moments.

Imran Boev 6-4, Forward, Kingsmen, Nazareth High School, Class of 2028 - A forward that is able to be a solid force for his team, as he is a dependable player on the floor. Is able to crash the boards efficiently for rebounds and is able to outwork the opposition. Has the ability to get out on the wing and take long jumpers and can also drive to the basket and finish efficiently.

Ronald Pridgen 5-9, Point Guard, Kingsmen, Nazareth High School, Class of 2029 - A guard that has plenty of speed and uses it to his advantage at all times. Knows when to attack in transition & can step out in transition. Is able to obtain steals on the defensive end and can find his teammates on the offensive end and can dish them the ball and give them opportunities to score.