High school basketball is starting to get into full swing so, I want to break down some of the top boy’s basketball players from the New York area. My list is base on the individual stats of the players. So their scout ratings, recruiting, and how well they play the game goes into account. Mind you, some of the players on the list are not going to high school in New York but they are from the state.
Rawle Alkins, Guard
High School: Word of God Christian Academy (NC)
247sports.com ratings: five-star, No.15 in the nation and No. 1 in New York
ESPN ratings: five-star, No.15 in the nation and No. 1 in New York
Offers: NC State, Kentucky, St. John’s, North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Indiana, Kansas, and more
Out of Brooklyn, New York, Rawle Alkins was known as the “King of New York,” before taking his talents to North Carolina this season. According to Ricky O’Donnell of SB Nation, Rawle is the best product from New York since Lance Stephenson. Alkins led Christ the King High School to three straight New York state championship victories. Over the summer, Rawle Alkins participated in the Addias Nations where he averaged 21.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Alkins has the size and strength to play both guard positions. He is a great scorer in transition and forces his way to the rim. There are a lot of great guards in this loaded 2016 class and Alkins is one of them.
Ty Jerome, Guard
High School: Iona Prep
247sports.com ratings: four-star, No. 47 in the nation, No. 2 in New York
ESPN ratings: four-star, No. 52 in the nation, No. 4 in New York
Offers: Committed to Virginia
Ty Jerome is a combo guard that is known for his basketball IQ. According to an article from the New York Post, a college coach said Jerome “is smarter than most of the coaches recruiting him.” Jerome is not the type of top prospect that will blow you away by his dunks or ankle-breaking crossover. But his long range shooting and good court vision makes up for it. New Heights coach Chris Alesi said Jerome is an “old school” kind of player. Before pledging to Virginia, Jerome had offers from schools like Davidson, Rutgers, Stanford, Temple, and George Washington.
Shamorie Ponds, Thomas Jefferson HS
High School: Thomas Jefferson HS
247sports.com ratings: four-star, No. 54 in the nation, No.3 in New York
ESPN ratings: four-star, No. 41 in the nation, No. 3 in New York
Offers: Committed to St. John’s
When Shamorie Ponds committed to St. John’s, he became the first top local prospect in the Chris Mullin era and the highest rated local player to join the Red Storm since Maurice Harkless. During his time in high school, Ponds led Jefferson to the city finals. Last year, Shamorie helped his team reached the semifinals where he averaged 25 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Ponds can handle the basketball very well. He is a solid shooter and knows how to create his shot. Shamorie’s ability to change speeds helps him be good in transition.
Kevin Huerter, Guard
High School: Shenendehowa HS
247sports.com ratings: four-star, No. 63 in the nation, No. 4 player in New York
ESPN ratings: four-star, No. 40 in the nation, No. 2 in New York
Offers: Committed to Maryland
The 6’5″ guard out of Clifton Park, New York said he models his game after NBA star Stephen Curry. Huerter’s ball handling skills makes him good enough to play point guard but he is normally a shooting guard. Kevin has a small frame but his strength is scoring from deep. When he played AAU for the Albany City Rocks over the summer, Kevin shot 43.9% from the three point line while averaged 13.2 points per game. Huerter led his high school to their first ever state title in 28 years. He scored 25 points in the win.
Mamadou Diarra, Power Forward
High School: Putnam Science (CT)
247sports ratings: four-star, No. 133 in the nation
ESPN ratings: four-star, No.88 in the nation, No.5 player in New York
Offers: Committed to Connecticut
Even though Diarra is playing basketball in Connecticut, he is from Queens, New York. Diarra is a very explosive player around the rim. He is a player that rebound well offensively and defensively. Diarra plays the game with a lot of energy and knows how to compete. Before committing to play basketball for Kevin Ollie and UConn, Mamadou had offers from VCU, Kansas State, Rider, Minnesota, Temple, and Drexel.
Ryan McFadden is a freshman at Iona College and the founder of Inside The Locker Room. He is also the beat writer for the Iona College men’s basketball team. Follow him on Twitter @RMcFadden15
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