Best of the Best Upstate: Boys Notebook

Best of the Best Upstate: Boys Notebook

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

BUFFALO, NY – Western New York is no longer just a turbo rust destination. The region is beginning to develop some talented basketball players.

Several weeks ago, the inaugural Best of the Best Upstate showcase, presented by Bay Area Hoops and Last 1 Best 1, brought together the best boys high school and middle school basketball players from the area. This stage gave all the players a chance to showcase themselves in front of their peers and some national scouts.

Here are some of the players who made an impression.

Noah Fox | 2020 | North Tonawanda: had one of the best releases of everyone in camp. His jumper was locked and loaded from everywhere on the floor. Fox was deliberate with all his movements on the court. He has good court vision. 

Jaden Slaughter | 2021 | St. Joe’s Collegiate: is a long wiry prospect with plenty of upside. He hands the ball well at 6-foot-3. He plays going down hill on many plays. His ability to dictate the tempo on both end of the floor made allowed him to stand out. He is a solid defender too.

Max Schneider | 2022 | Williams East: plays like a player looking to make a point. He was all over the floor distributing the ball or just being a defensive menace. His competitive nature plays well into his game.

Desean Ashley | 2020 | St. Joe’s Collegiate: is a fluid athlete in the open court off the dribble. He knows how to change speed setting the tempo of the game. Showed the ability to be effective without having the ball in his hands. On the defensive end, Ashley shows flashes of locking down opponents. He just knows how to play.

Justin Glover | 2022 | St. Joe’s Collegiate: plays bigger than his 5-foot-10 frame. He can get to the basket against bigger and stronger athletes. His equalizer is the ability to extend the floor with his three-point shooting. He kept defenders off balance with his hesitation movements. This floor generals future is bright.

Aidan Horan | 2020 | Nichols: has the makeup to be a solid college prospect/player. Horan is a rebounding machine. He knows how to use his body to carve out space in the lane. Air Force has offered the 6-foot-5 forward, Citadel, Drexel, Boston University and Niagara have all expressed interest.

Deeclan Ryan | 2020 | Canisus: was the most interesting prospect at the camp. His imposing presence made it difficult for opponents to get around. Ryann’s recruitment will determine how his development comes along.

Jaylen Stewart | 2020 | Amherst: is a sleek point guard. This left-handed pushes the ball up the floor keeping defenders on their heels. He sets the table up for the to score. Stewart is uber athletic and never really looks out of position because of his natural athleticism. His toughness against aggressive defenders made it hard for him to be stopped. Schools like Georgia State, Elon, George Washington and the University of Buffalo have shown interested in Stewart.