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.

Traore Commits to Manhattan

Seydou Traore, a local product who played with Our Saviour Lutheran - Prep this past season, recently committed to Manhattan College.

The 6’7” forward joins a revamped Jasper program in Riverdale. Traore competed on the AAU Circuit this spring before earning an offer from the new Manhattan staff in late April.

Traore was a top performer in 2023 Gotham Hoops Classic presented by PRIME, helping lead OSL Prep to a win over Rocktop Academy (PA) in January.

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.

Event Recap: 2023 Gotham Hoops Classic

The 2023 Gotham Hoops Classic presented by PRIME was hosted at Stevenson HS in The Bronx, NY this past weekend. The 4th Annual showcase featured 17 Boy’s HS and Prep Teams across 12 games.

Here’s a recap of the two-day event:

Day 1 - Saturday, January 28th

• Game 1: The Stony Brook School (NY) 46 def. Seward Park HS (NY) 30

  • The Long Island-based program took a quick lead and never looked back.

    • PRIME MVP: Nate Small ‘24

• Game 2: John F. Kennedy HS (NY) 78 def. South Bronx Prep (NY) 49

  • JFK jumped out ahead out-the-gate and proved to be too much for SBP.

    • PRIME MVP: Ryan Leonardo ‘23

• Game 3: Notre Dame Prep (CT) 91 def. Rocktop Academy (PA) 84

  • Rocktop clawed their way back from a double-digit deficit but NDP hung on.

    • PRIME MVP: Que Duncan ‘24

• Game 4: Benjamin Cardozo HS (NY) 69 def. Wings Academy (NY) 60

  • Coach Ron Naclerio secured his 900th career win in this back-and-forth affair.

    • PRIME MVP: Isaiah Wright ‘23

• Game 5: Thurgood Marshall (NY) 49 def. King’s Christian (MD) 47

  • Down big early, KCA mounted a 2nd half comeback but fell short at the buzzer.

    • PRIME MVP: Mohamed Diaby ‘23

Day 2 - Sunday, January 29th

• Game 6: Adlai Stevenson HS (NY) 53 def. The Knox School (NY) 50

  • This one was tight throughout as host Stevenson held on for the narrow victory.

    • PRIME MVP: Francisco Demers ‘23

• Game 7: Our Saviour Lutheran Prep (NY) 81 def. Rocktop Academy (PA) 72

  • Down early once again, Rocktop would briefly lead in the 2nd half only to fall late.

    • PRIME MVP: Skylar Winick ‘23

• Game 8: SCA Regional (MA) 78 def. King’s Christian (MD) 57

  • SCA’s scrappy crew were too much for KCA to handle from the get-go.

    • PRIME MVP: Yderrick Gonzales ‘26

• Game 9: Campus Magnet HS (NY) 67 def. Thurgood Marshall (NY) 55

  • A tale of two halves as CM went from down double-digits to a 12-point win.

    • PRIME MVP: William Lodico ‘23

• Game 10: Benjamin Cardozo HS (NY) 63 def. John F. Kennedy HS (NY) 50

  • The Judges ruled this one from the get-go and never relinquished their lead.

    • PRIME MVP: Jordin Walker ‘24

• Game 11: Wings Academy (NY) 58 def. Brooklyn Collegiate (NY) 54

  • Argurably the game of the showcase, two NYC powerhours battled as Wings prevailed.

    • PRIME MVP: Bryce Simmons ‘24

• Game 12: Rocktop Academy (PA) 79 def. Bridgeport Prep (CT) 74

  • Rocktop secured their first win of the event in this battle of out-of-town programs.

    • PRIME Co-MVPs: Ejay Greer ‘23 and Ryan Archey ‘23

Full statistics, game-film and highlights will be published soon.

Thank You to all the players, coaches and schools that participated in the 2023 Gotham Hoops Classic presented by PRIME. We also appreciate all of the fans, media and scouts that came out to support our showcase.

For any questions, please contact us directly at info[at]gothamhoops.com.