Jakai transferred to Eagle Academy for his senior season and led them to a PSAL city championship and a spot in the first ever overall NYC championship where they lost a tight battle to Stepinac. Jakai is a player I have praised his talents since the first time I saw him in a spring CHSAA team camp event. Explosive strong  guard. Has good size. Can get into the paint and score through contact. Outstanding vision and ball handling ability. A three level scorer. Strong with the ball. The PSAL player of the year. Did it all averaging 17 ppg 10 assists and 6 rebounds a game. He has committed to Sienna.

We have to start this article with their captain and go to guy 6’3″ PG Jakai Sanders Jakai Sanders 6'2" | PG Bishop Loughlin | 2024 State #187 Nation NY who just wrapped up his Senior season. He came to Eagle for his final year after making a big time name for himself in NYC at Bishop Loughlin where he was named an All League player. Eagle lost their star point guard to transfer and picked up the best availble who took off the second the ball starting bouncing. His stats were near a triple double all season, he hit so many game winners, signed the first PSAL NIL deal plus signed with Siena until their Head Coach was recently fired. Sanders did it all this season for the Eagles and will go down as one of their best in our opinion plus who isn’t excited to see him play at the next level.

Sanders is a versatile scorer, capable of putting points on the board in various ways, whether it’s driving to the basket, knocking down jump shots, or finishing in transition. His efficiency on the court sets him apart, consistently making the most out of his scoring opportunities. Sanders excels at playing downhill, using his speed and agility to attack the rim and create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Additionally, he showcases strong facilitation skills, able to read defenses and distribute the ball effectively to keep the offense flowing smoothly.

After De-committing from Siena following a coaching change, Sanders returns to being one of the best available players left in 2024 from NYC. A 6-foot-3 guard who wants to play with the ball in his hands and can create off the dribble, Sanders will bring leadership, toughness, and slashing ability to whatever college program he ultimately lands at.

Eagle vs South Shore was a classic all the way up to the fading out-of-bounds over two defenders banked three that Sanders hit at the buzzer to win the Brooklyn championship. The 6-foot-2 floor general was fantastic all game, often getting to the rim and scoring or finding JoJo Jacobs for easy baskets. He was clearly up to the challenge on Saturday and helped Eagle capture the title.

Eagle Academy II is a deep and talented group with a number of division one prospects up and down the roster. They’ll need everyone to step up, as it feels like they’re going into the post season with a target on their backs. Sanders is a senior guard who can get to the rim seemingly at will, creates off the dribble and defends at a high level. He’s brought his trademark edge to Eagle and will hope to capture a Brooklyn and potentially a city championship before he’s done

The senior guard has made strides as a decision maker over the past year and now looks in control of the Eagle Academy offense. He got into the lane seemingly at will and his strength and athleticism allowed him to finish over and through defenders. Siena, Marist, FDU and St. Bonaventure were all on hand for their tilt vs Stepinac.

Sanders and his Eagle Academy teammates won the game of the day in thrilling fashion. A physically imposing guard, Sanders stood out for the ways in which he impacted the game outside of the scoring column. He’s a solid athlete who does a great job using his strength to his advantage on the defensive end. He rebounds in traffic and competes for every loose ball. Offensively, he has good floor vision, makes solid reads in ball screens, and is a willing ball mover. Sanders already holds an offer from Iona, and I wouldn’t expect that to be the last one his receives this winter.

In a recent game against Broom Street, Sanders showcased his versatile skill set with an impressive stat line, recording 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 13 assists. His exceptional performance not only highlighted his scoring ability but also demonstrated his proficiency as a playmaker on the court. Sanders’ agility and speed as a point guard make him a key aspect, allowing him to navigate through defenses and contribute across all three scoring levels.