NYC Prospects Building Buzz this Fall Part 2
Preseason high school basketball is where coaches can figure out rotations and start to solidify lineups. As a player this is your opportunity to show the work you’ve put in over the summer and begin to take the next step…
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Continue ReadingPreseason high school basketball is where coaches can figure out rotations and start to solidify lineups. As a player this is your opportunity to show the work you’ve put in over the summer and begin to take the next step for your team. We’ve compiled a list of NYC Prospects who will continue to build on the buzz they’ve garnered this preseason.
Kevin Kearney
Kevin Kearney
Kevin Kearney picked up an offer from St. Joseph’s this preaseason and that most likely won’t be his last. At Smartball NYC this preseason, Kearney showed the ability to get to the basket using his handle and length effectively. We like that Kearney never wasted a dribble. It was either a quick pass or Kearney found a way to manipulate his body to the basket around solid defenders. On the defensive side of the ball, Kearney is just as active. Many times Kearney deflected attempts at the basket or forced opponents to adjust their shots. Kearney moves well with and without the ball. And utilizes his length well with long strides when running or getting into the lane. Expect Kearney to continue to generate a buzz throughout the season.
John Harrington
John Harrington
John Harrington recently transferred to Eagle Academy Bronx and made an impact at Smartball NYC in his new role. Instantly, what sticks out about Harrington is the aggressive manner he plays defense. While using his quick feet and active hands, Harrington kept opponents from driving the lane. However, when teams tried to get players the ball using screens. Harrington was still able to get into the passing lanes to create steals and easy buckets. At 6’2″ Harrington is also a strong player and finished through contact with creativity around the rim. On catch-and-shoot opportunities from behind the arc, Harrington shot exceptionally well. A feisty defender and competitor, we look forward to Harrington to build buzz throughout this season for Eagle BX.
Jacob Moreno Jacob Moreno 6’3″ | CG Holy Cross | 2024 State NY ended his Junior season on a tear and picked up right where he left off this preseason. At first sight, Moreno’s athleticism sticks out like a sore thumb. In layup lines, Moreno is pulling off Eastbay dunks with ease. When you take a closer look, you notice a player who has a good feel for the game on both ends of the floor. On defense, Moreno stays with his man but also seems to always be in the right spot when it’s time to help a teammate. Many fast break opportunities were created by Moreno picking up a loose ball and pushing ahead in transition. Or Moreno would snatch a defensive rebound and start the offense that way. This preseason, Moreno looks like an improved shooter from behind the arc. At one point, Moreno made 3 three-pointers in a row and had the Smartball NYC crowd in a frenzy. With Head Coach Billy Turnage taking over at Holy Cross, we expect Moreno to build even more a buzz throughout this season.
Josiah Salmon
Josiah Salmon
Josiah Salmon will be a force for John Bowne High School in the paint this season. When we seen Salmon at Smartball NYC he attempted to dunk every chance he got around the basket. Because of his quickness and length, Salmon was able to evade defenders closing out too quickly. And Salmon doesn’t force the action. Instead, he moves well without the ball to find spots where guards can find him. At his size, Salmon is a good rebounder and defender. Using his long wingspan to bother opponents, he collected defensive rebounds and got the ball out his hands quickly. If he continues to contribute at this level for John Bowne, the buzz around Salmon will continue to grow.
Harvin Guerra
Harvin Guerra
Harvin Guerra has the size to be a force in the PSAL for James Monroe High School. Standing at 6’10”, Guerra is a finesse big man. Super soft hands and smooth footwork, help Guerra maneuver around the rim for easy layups. But when he plays mad, he still plays with the same control. At Smartball this preseason, Guerra showed that he can bang in the paint when he needs too. And more importantly, Guerra remained efficient with defenders hanging on him or intentionally fouling. As a shooter, Guerra continues to improve every time we see him. On a couple of occasions, Guerra created his own shot by taking his defender off the dribble. On defense Guerra’s instincts shine. For a big his size, Guerra moves his feet well and was able to manipulate many shots at the basket. At times it looked like Guerra was everywhere, guarding his man on the perimeter, and then popping up to deflect a shot or grab a rebound in the paint. We expect Guerra to garner a lot of attention this season and build on his buzz.