Island Garden Emerging Stars

Photo: Prep Hoops

Frank Mantesta April 22, 2021 @ 05:00 PM

This wraps up our coverage of March Madness from the Island Garden. It was an outstanding 3 weeks of basketball. With the high school season shut down for most of these schools, it was a welcomed event. Showcasing an abundance of talent in each age group. Tafari Plummer 6”1. 2023. Holy Cross HS A combo guard. Excellent mid-range game. Has great vision in the open floor. Finishes strong at the rim. Good feel for the game. Did not play at this event but I have seen film on him and he was praised by opposing coaches as a nice talent. Naz Simmons 6”1. 2024 Cardinal Hayes HS Excellent shooter. Tremendous skill set. Protects the ball with his body which helps him to get into the lane and score. Eric Mejia. 6”3. 2024. Cardinal Hayes HS Excellent competitor. Bulldog-type player. Has great vision. Good feel for the game. Hard to guard. Finishes through contact at the rim. [player_tooltip player_id="1141998" first="Jireej" last="Cole"]. 6”5. 2023. St. Rays HS Very strong athletic player. Plays above the rim. Runs the floor well. Good in transition finishing on the break. Good mid-range game as well. High motor. Eric Acker. 6”0. 2023. Eagle Academy Brooklyn Can score the ball. Fearless on the break or in the halfcourt. Really good shooter beyond the arc. Elijah Mohammad. 6”10. 2023. Eagle Academy Brooklyn Rim protector. Can block shots without fouling. Nice player to clean up the boards and alter shots. Excellent soft touch for a big man. [player_tooltip player_id="1141999" first="Jaiden" last="Williams"]. 6”4. 2023. Cardinal Hayes HS Big frame. Strong bulky player. Flat out scorer of the ball. Can get up and dunk it with authority.