CHSAA Intersectional Quarterfinals: Standout underclassmen

One of the standout days of the year on New York's high school basketball calendar, Sunday saw the eight top Catholic School programs in New York City battle it out at historic Rose Hill Gymnasium in the CHSAA Class “AA” Intersectional quarterfinals. While a number of committed seniors and highly-ranked juniors took top billing, here we'll dive into a handful of underclassmen who caught the eye while making an impact for their respective teams on the big stage.    Already considered one of the top young guards in the city, Bontemps has worked his way up the pecking order in a guard-heavy CTK lineup while showcasing an abundance of talent in a small package. A jitterbug who's a dynamic weapon getting to the rim off the bounce, he breaks the stereotype of NYC guards by working in a more-than-respectable perimeter jumper to keep defenses honest. As is a must for guards of his stature, Bontemps is a consistent pest on the defensive end and racked up 4 steals on the day, along with a chase down block off the backboard that was questionably ruled a foul. He won't be a fit for everybody at his size, but should undoubtedly have his share of D1 suitors in years to come.     The most productive underclassman of the day was far and away Callahan, as the southpaw swingman put Iona Prep on his back for stretches in a 20-point effort in a narrow loss. Known initially for his perimeter shooting during his breakout freshman year, Callahan failed to convert from long range but showcased an impressive set of auxiliary skills to still finish with an efficient and productive day. He used his size, strength, and footwork to take advantage of smaller defenders in the post for several key buckets. Callahan also looks to have added some wiggle off the bounce while showcasing a real passing feel when he draws an advantage. He figures to be tracked closely by academic D1s of all levels as soon as this summer.      Having generated consistently good reports throughout his freshman season, DeSena made a strong first impression during a first live look. Stepping right into the starting lineup, he plays with a poise and IQ that bely his experience level. It helps that he brings an easy plug-and-play skillset as a lights-out shooter off the catch with a high release and quick trigger that make him a real danger to opposing defenses as a floor-spacer. While he didn't generate much rim pressure, DeSena showed nice skill and IQ when attacking closeouts off the bounce as well. He also made some key deflections in the final minutes that helped seal an overtime win, with the toughness and stature that should offer some defensive versatility in the long run. It's clear DeSena checks many of the boxes at this stage for a future D1 guard, even before counting in SFP's strong track record of development.     The lone underclassmen contributor in one of the more talented lineups in the region, Rivera came off the bench with immediate aggression to help curb a slow Stepinac start. Always a dynamic threat as a floor-spacer, he knocked down four 3s for his 12 points as part of a 14-for-26 effort as a team while showing advanced mechanics and extended range that will translate seamlessly moving up in levels. Rivera also stands out with his feel and IQ in the floor game, where he could make an even greater impact in years to come as he adds strength and athleticism. While he bides his time behind a junior class of at least 5 D1 players, Rivera has staked his claim as “next up” from the powerhouse Stepinac program.     We were excited to get a first live eval on Wilson, easily the most productive among CHSAA freshmen this year, and he delivered with a double-double in a respectable loss at the hands of Stepinac. Wilson jumps out right away with his physical tools for his age, with a long and lean frame, great positional size already, and naturally fluid movement skills. He shows good activity on both ends with comfort operating from a variety of spots on the floor offensively. Most comfortable near the basket, Wilson stepped out for a couple catch-and-shoot 3s that certainly looked like they'll be a real part of his arsenal. There's a lot to build on for the young forward who brings an enticing blend of both upside and current production.     Despite being a freshman, Zelic was the biggest player to take the floor over the course of the day. He struggled to get going offensively with his guards doing all of the heavy lifting, but was a factor with his length to clean the glass and impact shots at the rim. There also looks to be a clear skill level and feel offensively that's rare to see from a prospect his age at that size. Zelic will have to adjust to increased speed and physicality moving forward, but the building blocks are there for the Serbian big man to blossom into a high-level prospect down the line.

One of the standout days of the year on New York's high school basketball calendar, Sunday saw the eight top Catholic School programs in New York City battle it out at historic Rose Hill Gymnasium in the CHSAA Class “AA” Intersectional quarterfinals. While a number of committed seniors and highly-ranked juniors took top billing, here we'll dive into a handful of underclassmen who caught the eye while making an impact for their respective teams on the big stage.