Island Garden Emerging Stars

<p>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.</p> <p><strong>Tafari Plummer       6”1.     2023.      Holy Cross HS</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Naz Simmons      6”1.       2024      Cardinal Hayes HS</strong></p> <p>Excellent shooter. Tremendous skill set. Protects the ball with his body which helps him to get into the lane and score.</p> <p><strong>Eric Mejia.     6”3.   2024.         Cardinal Hayes HS</strong></p> <p>Excellent competitor. Bulldog-type player.  Has great vision. Good feel for the game. Hard to guard. Finishes through contact at the rim. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1141998" first="Jireej" last="Cole"].        6”5.          2023.       St. Rays HS</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Eric Acker.        6”0.      2023.      Eagle Academy Brooklyn</strong></p> <p> Can score the ball. Fearless on the break or in the halfcourt. Really good shooter beyond the arc. </p> <p><strong>Elijah Mohammad.   6”10.       2023.      Eagle Academy Brooklyn</strong></p> <p>Rim protector. Can block shots without fouling. Nice player to clean up the boards and alter shots. Excellent soft touch for a big man.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1141999" first="Jaiden" last="Williams"].   6”4.    2023.      Cardinal Hayes HS</strong></p> <p>Big frame. Strong bulky player. Flat out scorer of the ball. Can get up and dunk it with authority. </p>