Bronx Rankings: #21-#15

The rankings are starting to get to the top, but the players at this level are definitely Division 1 caliber. These are players who have the ability to take control of their own team, and most commonly do. Without further ado, here are players #21-#15.

Elijah Avila | Sophomore | South Bronx Prep

Elijah Avila has not had much varsity experience for South Bronx Prep, but he didn’t take years to show off his skill. Avila got off to a fast start, making a Bronx name for himself through his shooting, coming both off his own dribble and off a pass. Avila has done his damage on fastbreaks, having winning 94 foot races with defenders to get down to the offensive end and score.

 Elijah Gonzalez | Junior | Bathgate

As we move further up the rankings, the players start to look more from stars on a team to superstars who carried the team, and Gonzalez here is no exception. Gonzalez has consistently made his way to the rim, and made sure any shot within fifteen feet was converted, while he was more than solid from beyond the arc.

Jake Okon | Junior | Fordham

The lanky shooting guard out of Fordham, Okon really learned to use his build to his advantage. Okon has shown an elite ability to embrace and play through contact, leading him to much more success within the basket, while his shot constantly makes him a threat all over the offensive end.

Maalik Ellis | Sophomore | Bronx Studio

Out of Bronx Studio, Maalik really stepped into the empty void of the go-to scorer, and he was definitely made use of. Maalik Ellis made sure to use every offensive weapon in his arsenal, from contact with defenders to floaters in traffic, to pull up jumpers that were very carefully executed that they usually converted.

Aneudy Torres Acevedo | Freshman | Archimedes

Only a freshman, Aneudy Torres Acevedo did a fantastic job disguising himself. He really was a beginner to varsity play, but he seemed like a veteran on the court. He rarely didn’t know what to do on both ends of the floor, and had much more command on the game than a freshman is expected to. It’s rare for a freshman to be a key player in the Bronx paint, but that’s exactly what Acevedo did.

Trashawn Reynolds | Sophomore | Albert Tuitt

For a player of Trashawn Reynolds caliber to be ranked at this spot on the list, it speaks volumes of the games on the players ahead. That being said, Reyonlds distinguished himself as one of the All-Stars of the PSAL this season and still has two years to keep it going. His outside shot is coming along, but it is his court vision, guard instincts, and his headfirst mentality to the rim that makes his game.

Jaden Kempson | Sophomore | All Hallows

In a deadly Bronx CHSAA setting featuring not only future Division 1 players but future professional basketball players, Jaden Kempson was not deterred one bit. Kempson still excelled at running the All Hallows offense and even attempting the more risky, but more fruitful passes, which usually succeeded. His handles would break apart defenses and create opportunities for the whole team.