Preseason Game Changers: Eagle Bronx vs. Monsignor Scanlan

There are a few preseason tournaments in New York City this year. One of the main causing a lot of buzz in basketball circles is, City is Mine. For high level, Catholic school and Public school teams, this is an opportunity to sharpen their swords against the best the city has to offer. We had a chance to check out the Eagle BX vs. Monsignor Scanlan contest, and picked out a few preseason game changers at the same time.    Akeem McLaren let it be known that he is a freshman to watch this upcoming season. While facing a top PSAL team in Eagle Bronx, McLaren looked up to the challenge. With the ball in his hands, McLaren made good decisions, while showcasing his strong handle. At the City is Mine preseason tournament, McLaren kept defenders off balance with his shot making ability and vision. As a new addition to the CHSAA, McLaren will quickly be known as a player to game plan for during the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1880464' first='Dior' last='Anderson'] is even more of a deadly shooter going into this school year. Because Anderson is a threat from outside it was always imperative for his inside game to improve. And at the City is Mine tournament, Anderson showed how difficult he will be to guard because of the additions to his game. With the ball in his hands, Anderson doesn't waste dribbles and uses his body to assist in getting by defenders. And when in the paint, Anderson showed the footwork and quickness to play off two-feet, while getting to his shot. Anderson is a Junior guard you need to have on your watchlist.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961733-crop-1365x897-1729021433.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961733-crop-1365x897-1729021433.jpg?w=800" alt="Preseason game changer [player_tooltip player_id='1880464' first='Dior' last='Anderson'] at the free throw line." class="wp-image-2623023" /></a></figure>    Troy Scott is one of those players that improves greatly every time you see him. Scott showed flashes as a scoring facilitator in preseason action for Monsignor Scanlan. Scott is aggressive with the basketball, and looks like a freight train when driving with a full head of steam. For Scanlan, Scott changes the tempo, constantly pushing the pace and pressing on defense. Opposing defenders, are already having a hard time staying out of foul trouble when tasked with defending Scott.     [player_tooltip player_id='2207303' first='Johansel' last='Cruz'] is a fiery PG who isn't afraid of contact. For Scanlan, Cruz hit timely buckets and got his team under control in chaotic moments. As a shooter, Cruz looked confident knocking down a momentum swinging three in the clutch. And Cruz is a vocal leader on the floor, getting his guys in the right spot to set up plays. Setting the tone as one of the preseason game changers to watch when the season begins.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961705-crop-1365x897-1729022425.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/P1961705-crop-1365x897-1729022425.jpg?w=800" alt="[player_tooltip player_id='2207303' first='Johansel' last='Cruz'], preseason game changer, bringing up the ball for Scanlan." class="wp-image-2623033" /></a></figure>    Jordan Randolph has bloomed into a dynamic scorer heading into his senior season. On the perimeter, Randolph is a problem from behind the arc. But when Randolph puts the ball on the floor, he's just as deadly. Against Monsignor Scanlan, Randolph hit shots from the outside, and embraced contact around the rim finishing over everyone. For Eagle Bronx, Randolph will be an important factor in their quest for another Bronx PSAL title. And his intention on being one of our preseason game changers is evidence he's ready for the role.     [player_tooltip player_id='2234320' first='Elijah' last='King'] is one of the best shooters in the PSAL, without question. From the corner, King knocked down long distance jumpers and made it look easy at City is Mine. Because of a pure and quick release, a defender needs to stay tethered to King. Or else, they won't be quick enough to close out leading to an open look. As King continues to develop his off the dribble game, the sky is the limit at Eagle Bronx.     Richard Walker is a shifty quick point guard running the helm for Eagle Bronx this season. As the floor general, Walker looked to get the shooters involved early. And also made sure to get the ball to the hottest hand at pivotal moments. On defense, Walker plays just as smart. Using his quick feet and active hands, Walker bothered opposing ball handlers during the entire contest. But driving downhill, is where Walker looked unstoppable at City is Mine. Finishing with both hands around the rim through a myriad of defenders. If, Eagle Bronx plans to capture the elusive City Title this year, Walker's shifty abilities will be a main cog in the machine.

There are a few preseason tournaments in New York City this year. One of the main causing a lot of buzz in basketball circles is, City is Mine. For high level, Catholic school and Public school teams, this is an opportunity to sharpen their swords against the best the city has to offer. We had a chance to check out the Eagle BX vs. Monsignor Scanlan contest, and picked out a few preseason game changers at the same time.