Bronx Rankings: #56-#50

<p>The borough of the Bronx in NYC doesn't have the tourist feeling that Manhattan has, or the previous professional basketball history that Brooklyn has. However, the talent in the Bronx has steadily been rising, and it seems to hit an all-time high this year. It seems that abundance of prospects already are receiving college interest, and even the people at the bottom of the rankings have value on their team. Lets take a look at our first instance of rankings at #56-#50.</p> <p><strong>Jamir Watson | Sophomore | Kipp NYC (JV)</strong></p> <p>Starting off the Bronx rankings is Jamir Watson. Watson has spent his time in the Kipp NYC junior varsity system, but he has shown to be one of the premier JV players in the city, showing an aptitude for scoring and just willing the ball into the basket, whether it be directly from him or through his indirect playmaking. So far, we have had no indication that he will not be a solid varsity contributor coming into next season.</p> <p><strong>Larry Morse | Freshman | Taft  (JV)</strong></p> <p>Larry Morse is only a freshman, but looking at his game, it does not seem that way at all. Morse has been a great forward for Taft, and while it’s only the JV team, Morse has proved that he can be a solid double-double threat in the paint, which should translate nicely when he makes the jump to varsity. Morse has been a great defender too, and defenders with size and athleticism are at a premium in any level of basketball.</p> <p><strong>Jireej Cole | Freshman | St. Rays</strong></p> <p>Only a freshman, Cole hasn’t let that stop him as he already has begun contributing at the varsity level. Cole has carved out a role for St. Raymond’s in the CHSAA, with the team going up against stalwarts of the basketball community. Cole has proven to be an athletic guard/forward at 6’5”, and has shown that he can both defend any position while being able to take the ball to the rim consistently.</p> <p><strong>Xavier Camacho | Junior | Longwood Prep</strong></p> <p>Xavier Camacho doesn’t put up staggering offensive numbers, but he puts up enough to be a value player and efficient on the offensive end. Aside from his work defensively, where his grind and hustle allows him to become a quality defender, Camacho has been shooting efficiently from areas from the floor, and especially beyond the arc.</p> <p><strong>Jesse Addae | Junior | Harry S. Truman</strong></p> <p>As a junior for Harry S. Truman’s varsity, Addae proved to be invaluable for Truman as he, like so many other players across the country, continue to do the “dirty work” in the paint. Addae has been a rock on offense, securing second chance opportunities and proving to set picks reliably, while he deters guards and holds himself from a back-down opportunity in the paint.</p> <p><strong>Mohamed Kante | Sophomore | Bronx United</strong></p> <p>Mohamed Kante hasn’t made the stats sheet explode in his time at Bronx United, but as only a sophomore, Kante has demonstrated loads of potential. His build draws similar comparisons to modern day point forwards like Kevin Durant, who have found success in all levels of basketball. Kante’s size and reach allows him to continuously pound the box on offense, while his aim gives him a reliable shot from beyond the arc.</p> <p><strong>Stephen Estevez | Sophomore | Walton </strong></p> <p>Stephen Estevez has shown promise for the Walton squad as only a sophomore. Coming into varsity from junior varsity, Estevez has done a great job adjusting, and preformed as well if not better than he did in JV. Estevez has not seen a drop in scoring, and has shown that he can be as good of a defender as he was at a lower level. Coming into his junior season, expect Estevez to finally be accustomed to varsity and produce at a much higher level.</p>