Next Up: PSAL 4A Queens I Breakout Candidates

The PSAL 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 4A PSAL Queens I division to identify one player from each team who could be poised for a breakout season.    After being one of the better players on JV last season, Innocent is poised to step into a lineup that loses 5 of its 7 top scorers and top three playmakers and top rebounder from a team that finished 5th in their division a year ago. A jitterbug point guard who uses a lightning quick first step, good shooting, and vision to his advantage- he likely allows top returnee Trevaughn Little to slide off the ball and score a bit more than he did his junior year as well. If the Judges are going to have a bounce back season, it will be because a bevy of new faces such as Innocent take a large step forward in their first varsity year.     The past two years, Forest Hills' perimeter attack has been it's strength. Now with Pregnon Titi and Zion Hamilton both gone to graduation- it's up to the class of 2028 to carry the torch for the upstart Queens program. Dulin averaged 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists- good for 3rd or 4th on the team last year. The lanky combo guard has range out past the three point line and when he's feeling it, is a dangerous scorer. Fellow junior and backcourt mate [player_tooltip player_id='3684243' first='Aaron' last='Tutt'] again will be in the conversation for MVP of the PSAL- if Dulin can play at an All-PSAL level himself, Hills likely captures it's third Queens title.     The Francis Lewis guard was one of the better freshmen in PSAL play last season, averaging 7.5 points and over 8.5 boards as essentially a small ball three at times. A smooth shooter who can score around the rim or from deep, his offensive arsenal allows him to play a number of roles for Francis Lewis.     The quick and crafty lead guard is able to make defenses pay from beyond the arc or the midrange- and is a surprisingly good finisher around the basket despite his diminutive frame. Sanoh's ability to run offense and create off the dribble will be highly important for a team looking to climb the standings. Bowne finished 6th in their division last year as a younger group taking their lumps. He and senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='3594192' first='Devin' last='Thomas'] will look to lead a resurgent Wildcat squad that unlike a majority of the PSAL- returns a large majority of it's production from a year ago.     Coulibaly makes the move to Martin Van Buren after leading Benjamin Cardozo in rebounding coming off the bench last season. The 6-foot-5 forward is highly athletic and built more like a football player than an out-and-out wing. That being said, his ability to score from multiple spots while remaining an elite rebounder and plus defender make him a great pick for this list. The later-blooming forward could be in line for a monster final year in the PSAL- and most small colleges and prep programs would be wise to get eyes on him now.     Another senior wing who small colleges and preps alike should be paying close attention to, Bentinck had his PSAL breakout last season. The athletic slasher averaged 17 points and 8 boards, leading his team in both- but the talented Queens native has yet to see much on the recruitment front. A big senior year might just be what he needs to break through.

The PSAL 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 4A PSAL Queens I division to identify one player from each team who could be poised for a breakout season.