Upperclassmen ready to turn heads this upcoming season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were a ton of <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/10/nyc-prospects-building-buzz-part-2/">preseason tournaments</a> in NYC over the weekend. So we got a chance to look at some talented teams with upperclassmen looking to leave their mark on this high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2254768,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Andrew Kitch Jr. ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"John Jay High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Andrew Kitch Jr. did a little bit of everything for John Jay in preseason action. With this season, being Kitch's senior year, he's poised to help John Jay make a playoff run. When we were watching, Kitch showed the ability to do multiple things from the guard spot. At first, Kitch was spotting up for catch and shoot opportunities from behind-the-arc. Next, after a couple of substitutions, Kitch took on the role as facilitator. And looked comfortable controlling the offense as well as adjusting the tempo of the game. Because of his versatility, Kitch should gain the interest of college coaches throughout the season. A tall, strong guard who can shoot and dish is always a priority.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653969550e9fe"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716087402849001749","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716087402849001749 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1360124"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1360124' first='Carlos' last='Urena'] is a lightning rod of a point guard for Monsignor McClancy. Now entering his senior season Urena has a quick first step and finishes over taller defenders through contact. Because of his quickness, Urena often leaves defenders in recovery mode while he deciphers the best options. On defense, Urena moves well laterally and bothers ball handlers on the perimeter. There were times at NYC Prospects Division A tournament, where Urena bursted into the passing lane for steals and easy buckets. And Urena's determination to never give up on a play generated points for his team as well as momentum.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653969550ea7b"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716088826043441492","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716088826043441492 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2254876,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jadyn Lopez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Louis Brandeis ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jadyn Lopez is a wing player with a lot of potential and upside on the next level. Over the weekend, Lopez showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. And Lopez did this within the flow of the offense. Standing at 6'5u0022, Lopez has long arms which make him look a lot taller. Many times his length bothered opponents. Whether they were attempting shots on the perimeter, or trying to drive into the lane. In addition, to being a good ball handler, Lopez is an outstanding shooter. As we mentioned before, off the dribble, but also draining a couple of catch and shoot opportunities as well. Lopez will be an upperclassmen to watch this season at Brandeis High School.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653969550eb19"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716091126954729965","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716091126954729965 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2254880,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2260179' first='Daniel' last='Vavas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Xavier","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Jayhawks","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2260179' first='Daniel' last='Vavas'] comes off the bench for Xavier as a sixth man, and excels in his role. Vavas leads the Knights on the defensive end, with his energy and effort. Many times, Vavas would guard the opposing point the full length of the court. Because of his effort alone, Xavier was able to create chaos. On offense, Vavas is great at getting his team under control. Because he is unselfish the ball moves freely, and when he isn't finding a teammate for an easy bucket, they are finding him. One of the many attributes we liked from Vavas is his aggressiveness. This is evident on both sides of the floor, the moment he enters the game. For colleges in the market for a lead guard with strong defensive tendencies and a knack for getting in the paint, Vavas is an upperclassmen that should be on your radar.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653969550ebb6"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716086349516755432","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716086349516755432 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2254908,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Alexis Ramirez","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Louis Brandeis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Alexis Ramirez handles the ball way you expect a guard coming out of NYC to handle the rock. For Brandeis, the upperclassmen was an instant spark plug at the Division A tournament. It seemed like Ramirez got to the rim whenever he wanted. Either getting fouled and sent to the line or completing an acrobatic finish. Still, Ramirez continued to look for his teammates and get everyone involved. Because of the attention he garnered driving to the basket, Ramirez created a lot of open opportunities for his teammates. Ramirez plays with tenacity and will be a player to watch this season for Brandeis.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653969550ec40"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716089799562408234","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716089799562408234 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2254923,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Haris Liem","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Xavier","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Haris Liem is an intriguing player to watch this season because of his size and footwork. At the Forward position, Liem doesn't have the biggest body, but that doesn't seem to a problem. Where he makes up for this is his IQ and footwork. On Sunday Liem was able to get behind the defense several times where his teammates were able to find him for easy baskets. Liem catches and moves really well and finishes consistently around the rim. With his length he was able to grab rebounds and got the ball out quickly in transition. In only his Junior season, Liem is an upperclassmen to watch for Xavier.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65397982c830c"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716089362763456782","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/InsideTheSoleNY/status/1716089362763456782 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->