Madness Island Garden Edition (2021)

The Island Garden facility played host to this extremely well-run event.  68 teams participated in this tournament. We witnessed amazing talent on display. From high D1 to D3 ability. It was great to be in the gym for two weekends of fast-paced, up and down but extremely well-coached hoops. For pulling off this basketball spectacular special recognition goes to Nicholas Tsikitas Heat Elite it was his idea and work to get it started. Jim Fox from Island Garden. Ralph Fornoles from referee rant, Lucky Brannon from Manhattan sports. Assistant Director of Heat Elite Isiah Wilson worked tirelessly to make sure the event ran smooth and it did. Tremendous work by all to get the ok to play, and allow fans to watch in a safe environment. This should be a yearly event. This installment will highlight the class of 2021.

Malachi Smith Malachi Smith 6'0" | PG St. Rays | 2021 State #188 Nation NY .   6”1.   2021.  St Rays hs

The future Dayton Flyer did not disappoint. Plays with fearlessness. Gets defenders on their heels and then can pop mid-range jumpers or step back threes. Explosive to the rim. Displayed a nice step through in transition converting layups. Changes speed and direction with his dribble. He is going to be a force in the A10.

Todd Rochelle Todd Rochelle 6'2" | PG St. Francis Prep | 2022 NLG .   6”2.  2021.   St Francis Prep hs (pictured)

The winners of the whole tournament were the talented squad from Queens NY. The Terriers are a complete team. With many weapons, but Todd is the guy. A leader and winner. He is used to playing against the top talent in the city and this showcased him even further. He was exceptional in every facet of the games. Against the aforementioned Malachi Smith Malachi Smith 6'0" | PG St. Rays | 2021 State #188 Nation NY he was just as good. He showed his elusiveness with the ball. A lefty who is very crafty and explosive to the rim. Handles the ball with either hand and can finish as well.  Good in the open floor on transition. This player is not only extremely talented he is a a winner and fierce competitor. D1 coaches need to get more involved with this young man. Currently holds an offer from D2 St Rose college. He is a D1 talent and against a D1 signee, he was even with him.

Patrick Healy     6”1.  2021.    Northport hs

Fresh off a Suffolk conference championship, Northport showed off their skilled team to other parts of New York. Patrick might have surprised coaches and fans from the city but not hoop guys who have seen him play. The future Hobart college player was very skilled. He showed his range hitting threes and also his mid-range game. He was able to get into the lane and create his own shot off the bounce. The people in attendance might not have known him going in but they know his name now. 

Dallis Dillard.   6”3.    2021.    St Rays hs

Another player who might have been hurt by no basketball this season in the city. Because surely if he played a whole season he would have his future team already. Showed his ability to defend on and off the ball. He was able to drill the three-ball from deep on the catch. Excellent spot-up shooter. He now displays a nice mid-range game off the shot fake. Would be a nice rotation piece for a low D1 or a D2 program.

Zaire Williams Zaire Williams 6'1" | SG Eagle Academy For Young Men Ii | 2021 State NY .   6”2.   2021.  Eagle Academy Brooklyn

Zaire was has strong with the ball in his hands as anyone in the gym. Gets into the lane and can dish it off or finish. He is an excellent shooter. Unlimited range. But I was most impressed with his overall skill set. Has interest from low D1 but more teams should get involved.

Robby Kennedy.  5”11.   2021.     Northport hs

Played with incredible energy. Was unflappable against constant pressure in extremely fast-paced games. Showed his athleticism in this setting. He can rebound the ball in traffic against bigger players. Would be a nice piece for a D3 program.

Jamir Primer.       6”2.   2021.  Portledge hs

It doesn’t matter where you see Jamir play he’s the same. A player who does a little bit of everything. Especially when the game calls for it. He can score inside or out. Makes the right play. He always seems to do something to influence the game positively. After the game, you always know he played well but when you look at his stats you realize how good he was 11 points 6 rebounds 5 assists 3 steals are not uncommon. A nice addition to a college program. 

Eric Londis Eric Londis 6'3" | SF St. Peters | 2021 State NY .    6”6.      2021.   St. Peters hs

Showed a prescense on the boards. Rebounds in traffic on both ends. Excellent in pick and roll sets. Can connect from 15 feet and in. The big man showed he could play in fast-paced games. He is an athletic big. He will be a nice piece for any of the D3 programs involved with him.

Uriah Logan.      5”11.    2021.     St. Peters

Excellent defender on the ball. Physical, athletic player. Tremendous court vision. Very quick off the bounce. Knows when to zip the pass or get the angle to make a bounce pass. Point guard skill.

Our next report will be on the players from the class of 2022 who played at “Madness” .