Test the Waters: Players of the Game Breakdown

The two-day event, “Test the Waters,” offers teams a valuable opportunity to evaluate their collective progress. Matchups are intentionally designed to pair programs against unfamiliar opponents, creating fresh challenges and unique competitive experiences. After each game, a Player of the Game is named, highlighting a prospect who delivered an exceptional performance.    His stamina was impressive, he never showed signs of fatigue, even running the floor while leading transition breaks or coordinating the offense as a ball handler. He consistently finished through contact at the rim, but what stood out most was his ability to catch and finish above the rim without putting the ball on the floor. He also knocked down a spot-up three from the wing, adding to his versatile scoring display.     DeSena, who recently earned an offer from UAB, impacted the game with his strength and high basketball IQ. The respect he commanded from defenders due to his deep shooting range opened up other areas of his offensive arsenal, most notably his midrange game, where he consistently found clean looks and converted.     Boyd was impressive from start to finish, showcasing his versatility to get to his spots and knock down jumpers from the baseline. He gets excellent lift on his shot, and his fluid release allowed him to connect on multiple threes, off the pull-up, on the move, and from a standstill. Beyond scoring, he created opportunities for teammates off the dribble and consistently made the right reads. He was clutch throughout the weekend, including a momentum-shifting and-one three at the end of the shot clock. He also drove baseline for a powerful dunk and hit several go-ahead jumpers in key moments.     He used his athleticism effectively on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he was able to catch away from the paint and attack off the bounce, finishing through contact and showcasing his versatility with post touches. Defensively, he leveraged his length and quickness to protect the paint and alter shots, making a strong impact around the rim.     He consistently got downhill by exploiting tight angles, using his body control to finish around the rim with touch. As a cutter, he was a reliable outlet, timing his movements well and converting efficiently. He also showcased his shooting touch from the perimeter, adding range to his offensive game. Defensively, he competed with intensity and demonstrated the versatility to guard multiple positions effectively.    Day 1 Tyree Horne - Brooklyn Collegiate [player_tooltip player_id='2960380' first='Omari' last='Reede'] - Eagle Academy Harlem Justin Mompoint - Saint Mary's Dabra Kio Amieyeofori - Mount St. Michael [player_tooltip player_id='2303121' first='Kamryn' last='Boyd'] - Brandeis Day 2 Yohansel Castro & Elier Malenciano - Aldai Stevenson Noah Charles - Eagle Academy Queens Preston Titi - Forest Hills [player_tooltip player_id='2780638' first='Justin' last='Desena'] - St. Francis Prep Juan Quiones - St Raymond's Myles Perry - St John's Prep Branniel Salas - Brandeis [player_tooltip player_id='2303123' first='Ryan' last='Edwards'] - Eagle Academy Bronx

The two-day event, “Test the Waters,” offers teams a valuable opportunity to evaluate their collective progress. Matchups are intentionally designed to pair programs against unfamiliar opponents, creating fresh challenges and unique competitive experiences. After each game, a Player of the Game is named, highlighting a prospect who delivered an exceptional performance.