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Baldwin’s Timberlake Scores 1,000th Career Point in Big Win
Baldwin HS (NY) senior Chase Timberlake made history Friday night, scoring his 1,000th career point in a 74-60 win over Valley Stream Central.
Friday night was one to remember for Baldwin High School (NY) senior Chase Timberlake, who scored his 1,000th career point during the Bruins’ 74-60 victory over Valley Stream Central (NY). He’s only the second player in school history to hit this milestone, joining head coach Darius Burton in the exclusive club.
Timberlake didn’t stop there—he dropped 28 points, dished out eight assists, snagged six steals, and grabbed three rebounds, leading Baldwin (8-4) to a Nassau III win and their 25th consecutive playoff appearance.
Timberlake and the Bruins take on Thurgood Marshall Academy in the 2025 Gotham Hoops Classic on Sunday, February 2nd, at Stevenson High School in the Bronx. Don’t miss it!
Jefferson's Sprattley: Dropping Buckets in Brooklyn
NYC senior takes center stage with standout performances.
54. That’s the staggering number of points Thomas Jefferson High School’s (NY) Connor Sprattley averaged over a three-game span last week.
It began on January 7th, during a Public School Athletic League (PSAL) showdown against Staten Island’s Curtis HS (NY). Sprattley, the electrifying 5’10” guard, erupted for an incredible 71 points in a 125-76 victory, nearly outscoring the opposing team singlehandedly.
And he wasn’t done.
Against Brooklyn rival Abraham Lincoln (NY), Sprattley poured in 50 points, leading Jefferson to a 95-79 road win in Coney Island.
The senior standout capped off his jaw-dropping week with 41 points in a commanding win over South Shore (NY), solidifying his reputation as one of the city’s premier scorers.
While Sprattley racks up baskets, his college recruitment is heating up. The Class of 2025 prospect announced via X that he’s received offers from St. Peter’s, Southern Miss, UMass, UAlbany, Iona, and Stony Brook in just the past week.
With over 2,000 career points already in the books, this Brooklyn bucket-getter is just getting started.
Punter Makes Next Move
The overseas star is continuing his career in Spain
A native of The Bronx, Kevin Punter has showcased his game around the world following a stellar career at the University of Tennessee.
After playing in countries such as Greece, Italy, and most recently Serbia, Punter has decided on his next destination…
The 6’4” playmaker will spend the 2024-25 season suiting up for Barcelona. The one-year deal was announced in late June.
Stay tuned for updates on Punter’s performances in Liga ACB and EuroLeague throughout the year.
Argentinian Standout Alesso Commits to ASUN Champs
Top Performer at 2024 Gotham Hoops Classic Chooses College
Standout big man Stefano Alesso, representing Bridgeport Prep (CT), announced his commitment this morning to join Stetson University next year. The talented 7'0" playmaker, originally from Argentina, made a significant impact with his debut performance in the U.S. this season.
Alesso's prowess was evident at this year's Gotham Hoops Classic, where he led his team to an impressive 2-0 record. His exceptional combination of size and skill posed a formidable challenge to opposing players, showcasing his ability to dominate both ends of the court. Alesso’s court vision and decision-making were on full display as he consistently made impactful plays throughout the showcase.
His impressive performances quickly garnered interest from Division I programs, culminating in his decision to join coach Donnie Jones and the reigning Atlantic Sun champions. Alesso's commitment adds significant depth to Stetson University's roster, promising an exciting season ahead.
Photo courtesy: @framessbyframess
Video courtesy: @ripandgo & @fourcommasfilms
FDU Promotes Holloway Jr. to Assistant Coach
The Gotham Hoops Invitational alum earns promotion at the NCAA Tournament’s Cinderella FDU
Mike Holloway Jr., a former Fairleigh Dickinson University standout, has recently been promoted to Assistant Coach after rejoining the program in 2021 as a Graduate Assistant.
The two time Northeast Conference champion participated in the 2019 Gotham Hoops Invitational upon helping lead the Knights to their first ever NCAA Tournament win.
Holloway played two seasons overseas before rejoining his alma mater, working with the program as they embarked on a magical March Madness run this past season.
Classic Alumni Earn Two-Way Contracts
Two Gotham Hoops Classic standouts recently earned NBA promotions via two-way contracts
Two NBA G League top performers were recently promoted on two-way contracts. Local standout Jared Rhoden (Baldwin, N.Y.) and Toronto-native A.J. Lawson signed with the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.
In 16 games (25.3 minutes) with the G League’s College Park Skyhawks, Rhoden put up 13.9 points and 6.4 rebounds on .547/.514/.821 shooting. In 13 games (33.5 minutes) between the Skyhawks and Iowa Wolves, Lawson averaged 19.9 points (.527 FG%), 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals.
The duo were named to the Inaugural Gotham Hoops Classic All-Showcase Team in 2018.