Lucky City Pt. 3: Morning Standouts

Basketball has finally returned to New York… sort of. While school leagues have still not started, small tournaments have popped up. Today, Manhattan Sports took up the mantle of organizing something, and they gave us nine games of high school basketball, creating the perfect Saturday. Here, we take a look at the morning session of the slate and review which players stood out the most.

Zena Edosoman | NT Elite

To open the day’s action at 10am, Zena Edosoman and the NT Elite faced off against Go Hard Go Home, and Edosoman’s impact could definitely have been felt in the game. Edosoman made himself a threat from all over the offense. He would consistently head to the rim and create positive opportunities against the defense, and would be a force on the perimeter, even with hands directly in his face.

Shemani Fuller Shemani Fuller 6'9" | PF Cardinal Hayes | 2021 NY | Vision

Shemani Fuller Shemani Fuller 6'9" | PF Cardinal Hayes | 2021 NY has been a force all throughout high school, and today was no difference. His athleticism suprised opponents with well placed dunks, but his tall frame didn’t deter his agility, as he could still take the ball from the perimeter to the interior quickly and efficiently. His finishing was on point but it was his defense in the paint which really helped his team edge out a one point win.

Todd Rochelle Todd Rochelle 6'2" | PG St. Francis Prep | 2022 NLG | Metro

Todd Rochelle Todd Rochelle 6'2" | PG St. Francis Prep | 2022 NLG stepped up today when his team needed it, dropping a 30 bomb in a one point loss against Vision. Despite the loss, Rochelle was still on fire on the court. His three point and mid range games were sufficient, but it was his handling and finishing which made a mark today. Rochelle was too crafty on his way to the rim, and the opposing team definitley felt it.

Carlos Santana | Metro

Carlos Santana had a stunning morning for Metro at Lucky City today. His finishing was elite as he made defenders miss and easily found holes to the basket, while he knew what to do off ball as he cut to the cold zones of the floor. His mid range game definitley helped his team and his defense was nothing to laugh at. However, it was his playmaking that defined his outing. He didn’t shatter the assist numbers, but he always made the smart decision with the ball. Plus, there was this pass that left defenders looking silly.

Check out this behind-the-back pass from Carlos Santana to leave the defense dazzled and a quick finish for Messiah Bright.#LuckyCity Pt 3 looks better than some #NBA games. pic.twitter.com/kzfkvu3SVC

— Emmanuel Abayev (@AbayevEmmanuel) December 26, 2020

Zaire Baines | Heat Elite

Zaire Baines has been seen all over the court today. On defense, his tenacity knocked at least ten points from the opponent, Family First. His finishing was on point  with him being able to get under the defense. To complement his finishing, his shooting made sure to show up today, with Baines knocking down six three pointers, making him a high level threat from beyond the arc.

Look at this crazy finish from @BainesZaire at #LuckyCity this morning. The ball goes in a full U movement and gives Baines an unguardable layup. pic.twitter.com/2t8vkgSly5

— Emmanuel Abayev (@AbayevEmmanuel) December 26, 2020