Team Gotham Hoops Defeats Stevenson HS, Falls to Difference Makers in Round of 16

QUEENS, NY — In our first-ever appearance in IS8 Playoffs, Team Gotham Hoops knocked off local Stevenson HS on Friday night to advance to the Round of 16. A closely contested affair after the first quarter, Team Gotham Hoops built a double-digit lead heading into the half. The group moved the ball well offensively and played tough defense to build an 18-point advantage after three quarters.

Stevenson HS put together a strong fourth period to cut the deficit to single digits but Team Gotham Hoops held on for the 69-61 win.

Five players scored in double-figures for Team Gotham Hoops, led by senior Ryan Leonardo and sophomore Ahamad Torrence with 14 points apiece. Trevon Lewis led Stevenson HS with a game-high 27 points in the loss.

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Team Gotham Hoops advanced to the Round of 16 where they would face No. 2 Difference Makers on Saturday. The group jumped out to a 12-1 start over Difference Makers before the Pennsylvania-based program made a run of their own.

This back-and-forth affair continued til the fourth quarter with each team finding themselves ahead before the opponent fought back to control the lead.

It was a two-point ballgame late in the fourth until Difference Makers separated themselves from Team Gotham Hoops following a timeout. They would go on to win, 88-80.

Team Gotham Hoops was led by Farouk Kaba’s 27 points. The Jefferson University commit was a standout player on both ends of the floor in this game. Torrence and Leonardo added 17 and 16 points, respectively. The Difference Maker’s dynamic duo of Cornelius "Boog" Robinson (Monmouth commit) and Dasear Haskins (St. Joseph’s commit) combined for 57 points in the win.

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We are thankful for the opportunity to compete in the prestigious IS8 Spring HS Classic and look forward to participating in future tournaments. Stay tuned for a full IS8 Scouting Report coming soon.

Team Gotham Hoops Falls to Rundown, Advances to Playoffs

QUEENS, NY — Team Gotham Hoops finishes pool play with 2-2 record after losing to Rundown. The defending champions from the fall took care of business after a tightly contested first half, running away in the final quarters with a 74-45 victory.

Future Iona guard Jean Aranguren (Springfield Commonwealth (MA) ‘23) and Columbia bound Arop Arop (Hotchkiss School (CT) ‘23) led Team Gotham Hoops in the tough defeat. Connecticut commit Youssouf Singare (OSL (NY) ‘23) spearheaded the win for Rundown.

Next up for Team Gotham Hoops are the playoffs. The team, seeded No. 15, is slated to face No. 18 Stevenson HS (NY). The game is scheduled for Friday, May 12th at 7:45pm at IS8 Gym.

Team Gotham Hoops Loses, Bounces Back in IS8

QUEENS, NY — Team Gotham Hoops dropped their first game in IS8 on Sunday. The group fell victim to Beacon Elite, 87-61, before defeating B5 Elite, 66-45, later in the day.

Despite a two-point lead after the opening quarter, Team Gotham Hoops had no answer for Marist bound Josh Pascarelli (St. Peter’s Prep ‘23) as he scored 18 of his game-high 38 points in the second period. The sharpshooting playmaker made eight three’s and proved why he was CHSAA Player of the Year this season. SirPatrick Livingston (South Bronx Prep ‘24) led Team Gotham Hoops with 13 points and College of Staten Island commit Aaron Goldstein (Xaverian HS ‘23) added 12 points in the loss.

Team Gotham Hoops faced a 12-0 deficit to start their second game of the day against B5 Elite. The group bounced back with a strong second half, outscoring the opponent 37-15, to seal the win. Livingston once again led Team Gotham Hoops in scoring with a game-high 17 points. Amari Cribb (OSL Prep ‘23) scored 13 points to go along with numerous rebounds as Goldstein added 10 points.

Team Gotham Hoops moves to 2-1 in Pool Play with their last on Saturday, May 13th against Rundown.

Team Gotham Hoops Completes Comeback in IS8 Opener

QUEENS, NY — Team Gotham Hoops prevailed in their first game of the 2023 IS8/NIKE Spring HS Classic with a hard fought 55-52 victory over Spartan Elite.

The group found balanced scoring with three players (Jean Aranguren, Ryan Leonardo and SirPatrick Livingston) finishing in double-digits and another (Andre Bowles) adding eight points.

Despite a back-and-forth affair, Team Gotham Hoops faced a five-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. The team picked up the defensive intensity, only allowing one made field goal attempt, and converted off forced turnovers to complete the comeback and hang on for the three-point win.

Aranguren, who’s signed to play at Iona next season, led Team Gotham Hoops with 14 points. Leonardo, one of New York City’s best unsigned seniors, finished with 13 points and Livingston, a standout junior from South Bronx Prep (NY) scored all of his 11 points in the first half.

Senior guards Aaaron Goldstein (College of Staten Island commit) and Damjan Stanisic (The Knox School) played well on both ends of the floor to aid the victory.

Team Gotham Hoops returns to action next Sunday (4/23) with games at 9am and 11:30am at IS8.