Next Up: Brooklyn-Queens CHSAA Breakout Candidates

The CHSAA annually provides opportunities for new names to emerge, and the 2026-27 season should be no different. Whether it's a talented freshman jumping directly into a varsity rotation, a young player making the move up after impressing at the lower levels, or a returner finally getting the minutes and touches to showcase what he can do, every program has someone capable of taking a significant step forward. We go team by team through the CHSAA AA Diocese, made up of Brooklyn and Queens programs, to identify one player from each team who could be poised for a breakout season.    Jackson led Loughlin in scoring last season, and to a certain extent, is known locally. The still 16 year old senior has taken his game to a different level over the Spring and Summer months. The rangy score is good from the midrange and in, and if he develops further consistency from the mid-range- look out.     A big and versatile wing guard, Williams-Law saved his best basketball for the post season, and looks poised for a breakout junior campaign. His ability to put the ball on the floor and create as well as space the floor as a shooter make him an ideal fit next to seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2234123' first='Terrence' last='Belizaire'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2351298' first='David' last='Duncan'].     The junior guard transfers into the Queens program after being one of the top scorers at the 16U level of 3SSB play this season. Pierre-Charles is dangerous as a shooter, but equally capable of getting to the rim as well. He fits into a guard rotation with plenty of talent while also bringing a set skill that should help him to find the floor early into his Holy Cross career.     With the departure of Kelly Griffin and fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='3758300' first='Matt' last='Machado'], there is little question of who the primary option will be for The Stanners this season. The now 6-foot-3 guard has good vision, but will likely be asked to shoulder a good bit of the scoring load as well. The lanky and athletic guard will likely be one of the leading scorers in the league after scoring double digits his sophomore season.     I touched on it a little two weeks ago after his Smartball performance- but Narcisse is in line for one of the biggest rises/debuts in the next version of the 2029 rankings. A legitimate 6-foot-3, he is as dangerous a passer as he is a slasher. A good frame and quick hands make him just as effective on the defensive end as well. He changed games in limited minutes last year- and looked great with [program_tooltip program_id='2078609' first='New' last='Heights'] during the AAU season. This is one I feel good about being out in front on.     Samake arrived into the states in April- and if anything he's shown in recent months with the NY Lightning are any indication, the Royals have a division one big entering the fold. With the ability to attack out of the high post and a motor that never quits, Samake will alter games with his effort on both ends alone. College programs would be wise to get eyes on him.     What a difference a year can make. When Prizzi first arrived on campus at St. Francis Prep, he didn't look physically up to playing varsity basketball in the CHSAA. Ten months later and the big man has transformed his body and unlocked his game in the process. He has soft touch around the rim and looks to finish through contact. Emerging as a shot blocker and has certainly shown good timing. D3s are pushing for him to commit as a member of 2027, but don't be surprised if D1 programs come calling with a good senior season.

The CHSAA annually provides opportunities for new names to emerge, and the 2026-27 season should be no different. Whether it's a talented freshman jumping directly into a varsity rotation, a young player making the move up after impressing at the lower levels, or a returner finally getting the minutes and touches to showcase what he can do, every program has someone capable of taking a significant step forward. We go team by team through the CHSAA AA Diocese, made up of Brooklyn and Queens programs, to identify one player from each team who could be poised for a breakout season.