Eastern Gems: 2021 Pt. 1

<p>New York basketball, much like the rest of the country, is still on a slow start, but the schools, especially ones in suburban areas like Eastern New York, are just starting to open up. With that in mind, let’s take the time to review the best players who are looking for big seasons after making the Prep Hoops rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048175" first="Jadon" last="Cummings"] | Troy</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1048175" first="Jadon" last="Cummings"] has shown off an elite wing/guard skillset as a 2021 junior last season. Cummings was able to be a go-to scorer on a Troy team that wasn’t exactly lacking talent, so Cummings was not only receiving opportunities but earning them and making the most of them. Cummings was able to effectively drive and take on contact and defenders while also being to pull back for a rehearsed jump shot.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048142" first="Dominic" last="Hirschoff"] | Maple Hill</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1048142" first="Dominic" last="Hirschoff"] may be the smallest guy on the court at some times, but he has shown that being undersized is by no means a deterrent of success. Hirschoff has a soccer background, and he uses that to his advantage on the hardwood. His endurance and acceleration are his greatest assets, as he is able to make competitive moves to the basket and open the floor for his team.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048162" first="Jahsier" last="Roberts"] | Colonie</strong></p> <p>It wouldn’t do Robots justice to call him a basketball player, as a more useful term would be something like ’athlete’. Robot’s agility, strength, and jump give him his edge in basketball, but really could be compatible in any sport. That being said, he has managed to make his pop work for him as he is able to be a rock and the wind on the court, even while showing off dunking prowess to the crowd every so often.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1048197" first="Michael" last="Rogan"] | Saratoga Springs</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1048197" first="Michael" last="Rogan"] should be classified as a fastbreak specialist. His hands and feet on defense can keep up and force turnovers from the average player. Once he does get the ball, he doesn’t let the fact that he is in the backcourt deter him, as he can easily push it to the other end for the easy layup, or, depending on the situation, the practiced pull up which nets a good amount of contact.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1047775" first="KJ" last="Allison"] | Lansingburgh</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1047775" first="KJ" last="Allison"] has just come off a monster season for Lansingburugh which finally put him on the state map. Allison earned Class A All-Star honors for Section II this year, and for good reason too. Allison was able to swiftly get the ball into the paint where the scoring percentage increases dramatically for him or his teammates, while he was also able to get multiple clean shots off per game and shoot at a very efficient clip.</p>