401 Phoenix Putting Rhode Island on the Map- Pt. 1 class of 2023
It was just another Saturday afternoon walking into the Dana Barros Center in Stoughton, MA for yet another Zero Gravity Tournament. Little did I know that I would uncover a hidden gem from Southern New England. A blur…
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Continue ReadingIt was just another Saturday afternoon walking into the Dana Barros Center in Stoughton, MA for yet another Zero Gravity Tournament. Little did I know that I would uncover a hidden gem from Southern New England. A blur of red jerseys and three point shots introduced me to the 401 Phoenix program based out of Providence Rhode Island. In just its first year in existence Coach and Program Director Stephen Capua has assembled some of the best high school talent in the state of Rhode Island. Since my first encounter with the freshman team I have gone on to attend practice and games of all three teams and let me tell you this, they do not disappoint. Let’s start with the incoming senior class of 2023.
Malik Matanmi – SF/PF – Shea High School – Pawtucket, RI – Class of 2023
This 6’5” athletic specimen has the other team worried just by entering the gym. A long, strong and athletic frame let you know you are going to be in for a long night if its your assignment to stop Malik. He is an explosive leader which has him playing way above the rim. This lends to him being an excellent rebounder and shot blocker while also electrifying the crowd with powerful dunks on the offensive end. Very good passing ability and an ever improving mid range jumper round out his game on the offensive end. On the defensive end he works hard and has the ability to use his strength to body up as a defender. HIs uncanny leaping ability lead to just as many highlights on the defensive end as the offensive. Make sure to check him out this coming season, I know it will be worth it.
ELI DIALLO – PG – BURRIVILLE HIGH – BURRIVILLE, RI – CLASS OF 2023
If you don’t know where BURRIVILLE, RI is you better find out and check out a game this season. Eli Diallo is setting RI high school hoops on fire. A strong and smooth lefty has excellent handle and a killer floater. His court vision is to be envied by most point guards. I found myself asking where he was throwing the ball and then his teammate was scoring an easy bucket. He is a great playmaker that can affect a game without even scoring. I true floor general that keeps the offense efficient and the defense hungry. His hardworking winner mentality and advanced basketball IQ make him a terror to face whether you are a player or a coach.
KANZ GIWA – SG – DAVIES TECH HIGH SCHOOL – LINCOLN, RI – CLASS OF 2023
Kanz is what I call a “high motor player”. He has two speeds, stop and go, but never stops. An absolute bull dog on defense, he makes creating turnovers looking easy. Then he is able to dribble past the defense and score a tough contested bucket, usually leading to and and one situation. He is opportunistic at both ends of the floor and quick to take advantage of any mistake the other team makes. For a 6’1” shooting guard he fills his stat sheet with rebound both offensive and defensive. His no quit attitude rubs off on his teammates lifting the ability of those playing around him. Whether is diving on the floor for a loose ball, knocking down contested jumpers or hounding his opponent on defense, Kanz’s game is true grit and determination. His strong fundamentals and work ethic are a throw back to players I loved watching as a kid. This kid is one of the reasons why basketball is a great game.
JAIDEN PERRY – PG – CUMBERLAND HIGH – CUMBERLAND, RI – CLASS OF 2023
This 6’0” point guard has great length and strength which lends itself to a fantastic ability to finish around the rim. Plays the position like a quarterback, knowing when to take a shot and when to be conservative, he always seems to find his teammates easy scoring chances. His quick first step doesn’t have to get him all the way to the hoop. He has an uncanny ability to stop on a dime and rise up with a deadly mid range jump shot that leaves his defenders shaking their heads. A great free throw shooter, there is no issue putting the ball in his hands at the end of a game to put it away. Excellent three point range and soft touch round out his offensive game. He takes pride in defense and stays with even the most elusive ball handler.