2024 Gotham Hoops Classic Recap

The 5th Annual Gotham Hoops Classic showcased a weekend of intense competition with over 25 high school and prep teams battling it out in The Bronx.

Here's a detailed game-by-game breakdown of the showcase:

Day 1 - SATURDAY, February 3rd

Game 1: WHEELS (NY) 56 def. South Bronx Prep (NY) 54

In a PSAL 4A vs. 2A clash, WHEELS secured a narrow victory. Despite a game-high 24 points from senior Sirpatrick Livingston, South Bronx Prep fell short at the end. WHEELS, led by junior Sincere Henderson and senior Camry Perez with 12 points each, emerged victorious.

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Game 2: Rothesay Netherwood (CAN) 64 def. Earl Monroe School (NY) 56

New Brunswick-based Rothesay Netherwood controlled the game throughout. Junior big man Greg Dorsey dominated the paint with 19 points and eight rebounds. Junior guard Raymond Kinnard led Earl Monroe School with 20 points.

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Game 3: HS for Construction (NY) 78 def. King’s Christian Academy (MD) 62

Despite a slow start, HS for Construction secured a victory against the Maryland visitors. Senior guard Darnell “Bam” Childs dazzled with a 31-point performance. Junior Jalen Waller Jr. posted 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

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Game 4: Bridgeport Prep (CT) 84 def. Life Center Academy (NJ) 72

Bridgeport Prep led from start to finish, with five players scoring in double figures. Senior big men Isaac Munkadi (18 points, eight rebounds) and Stefano Rodriguez (16 points, 11 rebounds) led the charge. Junior guard Elijah Brown poured in a game-high 22 points in the loss.

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Game 5: Redemption Christian Academy (NY) 64 def. Broome St. Academy (NY) 60

RCA stormed out to an early lead, and despite a comeback attempt by local BSA, they fell short. Senior guard Yeison Liberato's 23-point performance led RCA. Junior Jalan Johnson contributed with 17 points in the win. BSA was led by Andre Wright Jr.’s game-high 27 points in the hard-fought loss.

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Game 6: Carolina Basketball Academy (NC) 63 def. Covenant College Prep (NJ) 60

A back-and-forth battle throughout the first half ended with CBA opening up a double-digit lead in the final quarter, eventually holding on for a narrow 63-60 win. Junior Martain Rusev led CBA with 17 points, while standout senior guard Sutan Fitzpatrick paced CCP with a game-high 23 points in the loss.

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Game 7: Our Saviour Lutheran - Prep (NY) 62 def. Rothesay Netherwood School (CAN) 47

Local OSL jumped out early and never looked back against their foe from the North. Despite a late comeback attempt by RNS, OSL secured a 62-47 victory. Ten players scored for OSL, led by 15 points from senior big man Ziyade Ndancky. Junior John Ikpotokin had a solid day, finishing the team’s second bout with a game-high 18 points.

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Game 8: Forest Hills (NY) 83 def. Wings Academy (NY) 76

Sophomore star Keiji Clifton's stellar performance anchored Forest Hills’ hard-fought win over PSAL opponent Wings Academy. Clifton scored a game-high 26 points, and teammates Chancellor Tillman (22) and Pregnon Titi (18) combined for another 40 points in the victory. Wings were led by their dynamic junior Mohamed Bah’s 21-point outing.

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Game 9: Benjamin Cardozo (NY) 64 def. Adlai Stevenson (NY) 62

Cardozo narrowly held on in this nail-biter against the host school. Despite Stevenson's early lead powered by Dishon Herrea’s 13 first-quarter points, Cardozo stormed back in the second half. Senior guard Jordin Walker made big plays down the stretch, scoring seven of his team-high 22 points in the fourth quarter. Senior Joseph Ching contributed 12 points in the second half, finishing with 17 total, aiding Walker’s attack.

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Day 2 - Sunday, February 4th

Game 10: Our Saviour Lutheran - Regional (NY) 59 def. Shots with Patience (NY) 55

A fiercely competitive game saw OSL Regional secure a hard-fought victory. Despite a seven-point advantage late in the fourth quarter, SWP came back to tie it up only to fall short at the final buzzer. Latrell Mark led OSL with 16 points, while College of Staten Island-commit Leiton Woods scored 20 in the closely contested match.

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Game 11: Louis Brandeis (NY) 52 def. King’s Christian Academy (MD) 49

In another nail-biting contest, Louis Brandeis clinched a hard-fought victory against King’s Christian Academy. Star senior Alexis Ramirez emerged as the hero, scoring 11 crucial points in the final quarter, including a game-winning and-one basket that sealed the win. Ramirez's stellar play, combined with junior Christian Straughter’s 13 points, played a pivotal role in securing Brandeis's first-ever Classic win. For King’s Christian Academy, senior guard Diallo Long led the charge with a 12-point performance.

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Game 12: Paterson Eastside (NJ) 55 def. Wings Academy (NJ) 37

Paterson Eastside handled Wings Academy in a dominating performance, with Nyreek Clyburn leading the way with 14 points. All six of Eastside's scorers contributed seven points or more. It was quite the Classic debut for the Ghosts.

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Game 13: Bridgeport Prep (CT) 70 def. Carolina Basketball Academy (NC) 64

After both teams won their first Classic games a day prior, this one was a dogfight to see who would leave the weekend undefeated. Although Bridgeport Prep held on for the win, CBA didn’t go down without a fight. A huge third quarter from CBA, led by senior Mor Mboup’s eight points, helped get them back in the game. Bridgeport Prep senior and NYC-native, Kalifa Outtara, made the most of his homecoming, netting a game-high 18 points in the win.

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Game 14: Redemption Christian Academy (CAN) 83 def. Earl Monroe School (NY) 70

This was a tight game throughout until junior guard Jalan Johnson exploded for 22 points in the second half en route to a game-high 31-point performance. Earl Monroe was paced by junior backcourt Devin James (18 points) and Raymond Kennard (16 points) in the loss.

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Game 15: Brooklyn Collegiate (NY) 57 def. James Monroe (NY) 47

In arguably the most anticipated game of this year’s Classic, this PSAL 4A battle didn’t disappoint. James Monroe quickly jumped out to the lead, but Collegiate clawed back and dominated the second half on their way to a double-digit victory. Point guard Flavio Jean cemented himself as one of the premier prospects in the area with an emphatic 23-point outing where he connected on four three-pointers. Monroe was led by Moe Rashid and Kari Conde’s 10 points, apiece.

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Game 16: Thurgood Marshall (NY) 66 def. Baldwin (NY) 64

In a rematch of an overtime thriller between these two teams in the 2020 Classic, this one did not disappoint. TMA saw their lead balloon up to 20 points late in the first half. From that point though, it was the Chase Timberlake show. The star junior put on an absolute performance, scoring 22 of his game-high 41 points in the final two quarters. TMA’s Terrell Hood (25 points) and Ahmad Torrence (17 points) continued their hot offensive stretch to hold on to the eventual victory.

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Game 17: Abraham Lincoln (NY) 75 def. Adlai Stevenson (NY) 72

Another finale, another heartbreak for host Stevenson. This time, it was Lincoln who defeated them in emphatic fashion. This one was back-and-forth the entire game until the fourth quarter when Stevenson gained a 10 point advantage. The visiting Railsplitters quickly erased that deficit. There were several and-1 baskets by both teams down the stretch but none bigger than AJ Soloman’s full-court dash and lay-in plus the foul in the games final moments, giving Lincoln the three-point win. Junior Ethan Ostane led a well-balanced Lincoln attack with 12 points. Stevenson’s senior big man Tristan Burth posted a dominant 27 point-performance in the hard-fought loss.

This year’s Gotham Hoops Classic was electrifying from start to finish. Stay tuned for more updates.

2024 Gotham Hoops Classic Preview: Day 2 (Feb 4th)

Bronx, NY — The 2024 Gotham Hoops Classic is just around the corner. In this post, we breakdown the games scheduled for Day 2 of the event on Sunday, February 4th.

Game 1: Shots with Patience (NY) vs. Our Saviour Lutheran - Regional (NY)

Day two starts with an ultra-competitive matchup between a couple of local programs. Shots with Patience is led by Leiton Woods, a 6’3” guard committed to the College of Staten Island. Woods, a graduate of Queens HS of Teaching, has been showcasing stellar play throughout the season, taking full advantage of his post-graduate year. The team, Shots with Patience, features a unique roster blending local and international talent, promising competition from start to finish.

Although Our Saviour Lutheran is a regular at the Gotham Hoops Classic, this marks the first time their Regional squad takes part in the event. Senior Jeremiah Peoples is the driving force for the team against SWP, presenting a solid matchup against the aforementioned Woods.

Game 2: King’s Christian Academy (MD) vs. Louis Brandeis HS (NY)

Another out-of-state contest in the Classic, King’s Christian plays their second game in as many days against a formidable local opponent. Standout senior guard Diallo Long aims to double down on his PRIME performance from last year’s Classic to help lead KCA to another victory in the event.

Louis Brandeis makes their Classic debut this weekend. Despite losing one of their top players to a mid-season transfer, the team continues to perform exceptionally well, leading the PSAL AAA Manhattan division with an impressive 11-3 record. While junior Christian Straughter leads the team in scoring with 16.3 PPG, senior Alexis Ramirez serves as the team’s engine, posting averages of 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

Game 3: Paterson Eastside (NJ) vs. Wings Academy (NY)

Paterson makes a quick trip to NYC for their first-ever Classic appearance. Led by first-year head coach Jayon James, the team has had a solid start with a 13-7 overall record and 7-1 in conference play. A consortium of players, including freshman Jariel Garcia and sophomore sharpshooter Caleb Williams, collectively leads the team in scoring.

Wings Academy, returning to the court Sunday after playing the day prior, has another shot at a solid win late in the season. The team, under the guidance of first-year head coach Michael Salvatore, is led by a trio of juniors in Rushawn Greene (20 PPG), Mohamed Bah (11.6 PPG), and Justin Genao (12.5 PPG).

Game 4: Charlotte Basketball Academy (NC) vs. Bridgeport Prep (CT)

As both teams hit the hardwood on back-to-back days, we have a unique matchup here at the Classic. CBA is powered by senior Michale Jordan, a 6’ guard who has been a two-way standout for the Tigers throughout the season, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor.

For Bridgeport Prep, we highlighted their front-court duo in our Day 1 Preview, but it’s senior guard PJ James who helps lead the ship for the Connecticut program. James, 5’11”, is a steady lead guard who’s already garnered D1 interest and offers with his play on the court. A James vs. Jordan battle is set up to be a great one come Sunday.

Game 5: Redemption Christian Academy (NY) vs. Earl Monroe School (NY)

In this anticipated NY vs. NY matchup at the Classic, fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two competitive teams. RCA, led by senior standout Yeison Liberato, boasts a strong scoring force. Keep an eye on the promising class of 2026 prospect, Jared Smith, who has the opportunity to make a name for himself against the formidable NYC opponent.

Similar to their counterparts, Earl Monroe is facing back-to-back games, showcasing their roster depth for competition against high-level opponents throughout the weekend. After featuring one of their standout players in yesterday's preview, the spotlight shifts to juniors Dajon Green and Devin James, who aim to make a significant impact in this matchup.

Game 6: Brooklyn Collegiate (NY) vs. James Monroe (NY)

In a field of competitive matchups at this year's Classic, none arguably shine brighter than this PSAL AAAA battle between two of the city's basketball powerhouses.

Brooklyn Collegiate is led by their senior double-double duo, Tyler Edore (13/16) and Tori Babs (12/15), anchoring the front-court with prowess as elite shot-blockers. Complementing their dominance is the dynamic guard play from juniors Flavio Jean and Jalen Walters, averaging 5 and 2.5 assists, respectively.

On the opposing side, James Monroe boasts a roster as balanced as they come, with four players averaging double-digits: Alhasan Jallow (14 PPG), Karifala Conde (13.5 PPG), Mohammed Rashid (11.7 PPG), and Steven Ceballo (10.3 PPG). The standout prospect, however, may well be junior big man Harvin Guerra, exhibiting unparalleled skills as a playmaker with impeccable footwork around the rim and a soft touch from beyond the arc.

Anticipate an electrifying NYC battle as these formidable teams meet on the court.

Game 7: Baldwin (NY) vs. Thurgood Marshall Academy (NY)

This matchup marks a highly anticipated rematch from the iconic Classic game in 2020, where Baldwin defeated Thurgood Marshall Academy in an overtime thriller. The two local teams make a return to the event four years later for an exhilarating part two.

Baldwin, characterized by a balanced group, is spearheaded by the backcourt prowess of junior Chase Timberlake and freshman Peyton Howell. Throughout the season, this dynamic duo has been causing havoc for opponents on Long Island.

Thurgood Marshall Academy showcases its own talented backcourt, featuring junior Ahmad Torrence and senior Terrell Hood. Torrence, a transfer from Hudson Catholic (NJ), has made an immediate impact, posting impressive averages of 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Meanwhile, Hood, a skilled lefty, aids Torrence’s attack with 15.6 points per game of his own.

Game 8: Abraham Lincoln (NY) vs. Adlai Stevenson (NY)

In a pivotal clash, Abraham Lincoln steps onto the Classic stage for their inaugural game against host Stevenson, who plays their second game of the showcase. The Railsplitters currently hold the second spot in their division (PSAL AAAA -- Brooklyn/Staten Island- II), propelled by the stellar performance of senior AJ Solomon. The aggressive playmaker not only leads the team in scoring with an average of 17.4 points per game but also contributes 4.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Stevenson, their PSAL AAAA opponent, is led by seniors Ahmed Cisse and Tristan Burth, who lead the team in points and rebounds, respectively. The collective efforts of these key players, along with other integral team members, have propelled the Ambassadors to a commendable third place in their division, AAAA -- Manhattan/Bronx.

This concluding matchup not only determines PSAL bragging rights but also carries significant implications for playoff seeding. The court is set for an intense showdown, promising a thrilling close to the event.

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Gotham Hoops Classic day one preview can be found, here.

2024 Gotham Hoops Classic Preview: Day 1 (Feb 3rd)

Bronx, NY — The 2024 Gotham Hoops Classic is just around the corner. In this post, we breakdown the games scheduled for Day 1 of the event on Saturday, February 3rd.

Game 1: WHEELS (NY) vs. South Bronx Prep (NY)

The two-day showcase starts out with a bang in this PSAL matchup. WHEELS (4A) is powered by their junior guard Sincere Henderson. His skill-set has been on display all season long, posting a versatile statline of 16/5/5. He savvy floor general leads the Wolves in points and assists.

South Bronx Prep (AA) is led by the city’s leading scorer in senior guard Sirpatrick Livingston. The 6’4” standout is pouring in 33.5 points per game in his final high school campaign. This one is bound to be a highly-competitive, back-and-forth affair.

Game 2: Earl Monroe School (NY) vs. Rothesay Netherwood School (NY)

It’s a New York City vs. New Brunswick matchup, this is what the event is all about. With the Earl Monroe School, you have an upstart program that’s already making waves in the high school basketball scene here in the city. They’re off to a terrific start this season, led by junior guard Raymond Kinnard, and look to finish strong down the stretch.

Their counterparts, RNS of the competitive National Preparatory Association in Canada, is returning for the third time to the Classic. With some of their top alumni currently playing for NCAA Division I teams, they look to showcase their current talent highlighted by junior standout Titus Heron.

Game 3: HS for Construction (NY) vs. King’s Christian Academy (MD)

In another out-of-state contest at this year’s Classic with a couple formidable programs battling it out. Local Contrusction is led by their dynamic senior guard, Darnell “Bam” Childs. He leads them in both points (24.3) and assists (3.4) per game.

KCA is powered by their lead guard as well in Diallo Long. A PRIME Performer at the 2023 Gotham Hoops Classic, Long (6’4”) returns to New York City for a shot at another standout showing in the event.

Game 4: Bridgeport Prep (CT) vs. Life Center Academy (NJ)

One of day one’s premier matchups, this Connecticut vs. New Jersey bout features a bevy of big time prospects across both programs. For Bridgeport Prep, they have a front-court tandem that’s been making noise all season long. Senior big men Isaac Munkadi (6’10”) and Stefano Rodriguez (7’) are poised to continue their hot play over the weekend.

On the other end are a couple underclassmen ready for the challenge. LCA’s Al’Tariq Reevey ‘26 and Mekhi Robertson ‘27 have been making their presence felt and garnering Division I interest and offers along the way. The duo are poised to make a statement in the Big Apple.

Game 5: Redemption Christian Academy (NY) vs. Elevate Academy (CAN)

Another intercontinental contest at the Classic! Returning for their second appearance in the showcase after participating in the Inaugural Classic in 2018, the RCA Lions are spearheaded by their 6’4” lead guard, Yeison Liberato. The brute senior has been making it difficult for NEPSAC AAA (and non-league) opponents all season long.

A first-time Classic participant, Elevate makes the trip from Montreal to compete against some of the best in the area. The Canadian program is led by a tandem of junior guards in Geraldo Xavier (6’4”) and Gilan Mavoungou (6’3”) who hope to make a splash in their NYC debut.

Game 6: Covenant College Prep (NJ) vs. Charlotte Basketball Academy (NC)

A repeat performer at the showcase, Covenant College Prep is led by their uber athletic guard, Sutan Fitzpatrick. The 6’ point guard is making the most of his post-graduate year, including a MVP performance at the Difference Makers Showcase in December.

CBA returns after initially competing in 2018. Boasting a talented roster, it’s a newcomer that’s certainly one to watch for over the weekend for the Charlotte-based program. 6’10” Center Mor Mboup recently joined the team and comes with high praise from the coaching staff. Let’s see what the newcomer from Ghana brings to the table over the weekend.

Game 7: Our Saviour Lutheran Prep (NY) vs. Rothesay Netherwood School (CAN)

OSL Prep returns to this year’s Classic after a dominating performance last year. Former PRIME Performer Mo Diaby (Thurgood Marshall Academy ‘23) is one of several catalysts for the local program who are also led by the stellar play of guard Naceiar Kirksey and big man Ziyade Ndancky.

RNS plays their second game of the day, a testament to their heart and hustle. A couple prospects who will have to rise to the occasion against their strong prep opponent include juniors John Ikpotokin, an athletic wing with a versatile skill-set and Greg Dorsey, a 6’7” post player with a capable mid-range game.

Game 8: Wings Academy (NY) vs. Forest Hills (NY)

A pair of exciting PSAL matchups conclude day one, beginning with a Bronx vs. Queens battle. As Wings flies into a phase of their program, guard Rushawn Greene is making his presence felt on AAAA opponents, pouring in a team-high 20 points per game. The junior is also dishing out a team-high six assists per game.

Forest Hills makes their Classic debut on Saturday. They are a well-balanced group with several players averaging double figures, led by sharpshooters Jaydin Sanchez ‘24 and Keiji Clifton ‘26. The latter leads the team in scoring with 18.8 points per game. Clifton is certainly a prospect to watch in the Classic.

Game 9: Benjamin Cardozo (NY) vs. Adlai Stevenson (NY)

Arguably one of the best games of the event concludes day one of the Classic. The Judges of Cardozo are currently undefeated (13-0) heading into this bout. He’s garnered recognized for his play this season so far, and deservingly so, but Jordin Walker remains one of the city’s best kept secrets. The senior guard leads his team in scoring (21.8) and assists (6.1). He also hauls in 5.5 rebounds per game, good enough for second on the team.

For Stevenson, they play hosts in the Classic for the second year in a row. They look to make a statement win heading into PSAL playoffs against a formidable opponent. Stevenson (10-4) is led by senior duo Tristan Burth and Ahmed Cisse. Burth, a tough post player, is putting up big numbers this season with averages of 14 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. Cisse, a southpaw lead guard, leads the team in both points (14.6) and assists (3.4) per game.

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Gotham Hoops Classic day two preview will be published tomorrow, Friday, February 2nd.