Over the weekend of June 24-26th, teams from all over New York headed over to Iona Prep for the CHSAA June Team Camp. This event brought out a number of college coaches & scouts. I took a drive just about over an hour to New Rochelle, and these four players made it worth the trip.
- AJ Rodriguez AJ Rodriguez 6'5" | SF Iona Prep | 2023 State NY | 6’6 185lb Guard | Iona Prep Gaels
As soon as i walked into the gym, it wasn’t hard to miss this kid. AJ was clearly the first option for his team, as he led his team in scoring in the first game over weekend. He also made the assist for the game winning shot that game. He is a great example of defense turning into offense. He’s able to stay in front of his man most of times, and if the rebound isn’t his, you might turn around to find him at the other end waiting for the fastbreak pass.
- Makhaya Moore | 6’8 185 F/C | Bishop Loughlin Lions
The Lions made it look like they were in a league of their own this weekend. One of the main reasons for that is because they have an athletic defensive minded rim protector. There wasn’t a game where he didn’t record a block. He showed capability of also guarding wings, not just staying in the paint. This is a high-school kid with a college frame. Heading into his senior year, I’ll definitely be attending more games to witness this defensive monster.
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Elijah Moore
Elijah
Moore
6'2" | SG
Cardinal Hayes | 2024
State
NY
| 6’5 165 G | Cardinal Hayes
Fresh off receiving offers from Mississippi State and UConn, Elijah showed us just why he is on collegiate scouts’ radars. The Cardinal Hayes have talent all around their team, so it didn’t look like anybody stands out. Then all of a sudden you look at the stat sheet you see 20+ points and 3+ assists and you’re thinking how did I miss that? Elijah was a silent killer this weekend. He took on more of a leadership role. Simply creating shots from separation. as well as elevating over defenders with ease to release that beautiful jumper he has. Going into the 11th grade, Elijah may be considered one of the top Juniors in the country, but for now he is still unranked.
- Jayden Mercado | 5’8 140 G | Sacred Heart Irish
Jayden looks like your average kid, not as big as other prospects. That doesn’t mean he isn’t able to do the same thing they can. The first thing I noticed when watching this team play this weekend, they had no bench players! They showed up with five players and played teamed like that. Although this didn’t produce the results they want, Jayden was clearly the alpha on his team. Handling point guard responsibilities, Jayden’s shifty handles and deep range jump shots kept defenders on edge. The conditioning and hustle shown throughout this weekend certainly keeps me asking myself, what would he be able to do with some bench time and a full squad. He certainly is an intriguing prospect to watch as he is only entering his Sophomore year.
