Manhattan PSAL Teams & Players to Keep an Eye on
We have seen some stellar matchups this season and there are many more to come in the PSAL. Now that the first game jitters are behind them many teams are in full swing and beginning to look like contenders in…
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Continue ReadingWe have seen some stellar matchups this season and there are many more to come in the PSAL. Now that the first game jitters are behind them many teams are in full swing and beginning to look like contenders in their respective divisions. Here are a few Manhattan PSAL teams to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.
Murry Bergtraum
Behind Coach Eddie Lau, the Blazers of Bergtraum always have a chance in their division. This season they have a combination of guards who can all score and distribute the basketball. Because team defense is a focus point for Bergtraum, I’m not concerned with their lack of size. All opposing guards will have trouble trying to dribble around these perimeter defenders. So again, Bergtraum expects to be a strong Manhattan PSAL team by the end of the season.
Notable Players
Andrew Parrish
Andrew Parrish
Andrew Parrish is a strong floor general physically and mentally. When the ball is in his hands, Parrish doesn’t allow defenders to speed up his game. Utilizing his strength Parrish can get to the rim and finishes well through contact. And we like how often Parrish is able to bait opponents into fouls. Plus, he makes those free throws.
Taquil Edmonds
Taquil Edmonds
Taquil Edmonds is a dynamic ball handler and scorer at the guard position. What stands out is Edmonds creativity with the basketball and around the basket. Edmonds is a shifty player and uses this to get to his spots on the floor.
Notable Matchups:
vs Graphics Campus December 14th
vs Brandeis January 11th
Brandeis
In the Manhattan PSAL, Brandeis is looking forward to a big season behind their senior core. At first sight, they are a feisty bunch on the defensive end and the glass. Because of their length at the forward and center position, Brandeis will be a handful in the lane. In addition, they have capable shooters on the perimeter. So defenders will have to worry about Brandeis guards kicking it out to the open man.
Notable Players
Alexis Ramirez
Alexis Ramirez
Alexis Ramirez possesses the ball handling skills and quickness you expect from a NYC point guard. On many occasions, we witnessed Ramirez use his quickness to get to the basket for acrobatic finishes at the rim. Even when teams understand what Ramirez wants to do, he is difficult to contain off the dribble. Because he garners so much attention, Ramirez becomes the focus point for defenses. When this happens Ramirez is a willing passer and encourages his teammates to take open shots.
Jadyn Lopez
Jadyn Lopez
Jadyn Lopez is a tall and long forward who can shoot the basketball. Lopez is most effective on catch and shoot attempts. But has shown the ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. At his size Lopez is an interesting prospect we will watch as the season continues.
Notable Matchups:
vs West 50th St Campus December 21st
vs Mckee Vocational/Tech February 3rd
Graphics Campus
Graphics Campus are a fast-paced high volume shooting team. So opposing defenders will not be able to relax, as Graphics feature some lethal shooters from long range. Although they don’t have a lot size, they rebound well as a team and are relentless defensively. Without a doubt, we expect this fairly young Manhattan PSAL team upset a favorite in this years playoffs.
Notable Players
Brian Castillo
Brian Castillo
Brian Castillo is a handful at the lead guard position for Graphics Campus. On defense, Castillo is aggressive when it comes to getting into passing lanes. His teammates feed off of his energy on both ends of the floor. When the ball is in his hands Castillo is a threat from both the outside and inside the paint. But he doesn’t waste dribbles, he gets to his spots and elevates.
Thurgood Marshall Academy
Thurgood Marshall is a team featuring dynamic guards who can put the ball in the basket. However Marshall will be put to the test facing some of teams on their schedule. Still as one of two Manhattan PSAL teams in the newly formed Manhattan/Bronx Division, Marshall looks up to the task.
Notable Players
Terrell Hood
Terrell Hood
Terrell Hood is an athletic guard, who can put the ball in the basket. When driving in the lane, Hood doesn’t shy away from contact. But Hood does look to finish over or around defenders not just get fouled. With his speed and athleticism, Hood is a tough cover on the perimeter and in transition.
Notable Matchups
vs JFK Campus December 14th
at Stevenson January 16th
Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning Schools (WHEELS)
Washington Heights are led by the play of their guards. However, we do expect to see some growing pains throughout the season. Mainly, because one of their starting guards is a recent transfer and is still learning his teammates. Still it will be interesting to watch the noise Washington Heights can create in their division and establish themselves as a strong Manhattan PSAL team in the future.
Notable Players
Sincere Henderson
Sincere Henderson
Sincere Henderson is lightning quick at the lead guard position. This allows Henderson to get into the lane and create shot opportunities around the rim. And Henderson keeps defenses honest with the threat of the long ball. With the rock in his hands, Henderson is always looking to score. But if his teammates are open, he will feed them the basketball.
Notable Matchups
at Eagle Academy I December 21st
vs JFK Campus January 16th