Rumble in the Bronx notebook: Rio wins title, players warm up for July

Rumble in the Bronx notebook: Rio wins title, players warm up for July

By Robert Alfonso Jr. ARSLEY, NY – As always the Rumble in the Bronx did not disappoint. Teams traveled from far and near rolled into New York in order to play in one of the country’s more competitive tournaments. The talent was a plenty with teams from the Midwest, Texas, Canada and everywhere in between. It did not matter if you were affiliated with a sneaker company or not, teams were lacing them up against the best. Let’s take the opportunity to see what took place from the Rumble. Championship round-up Many times when teams look to play up it is an opportunity to be challenged. Team Rio National, a 14U team, not only accepted the challenged but walked away champions. The New Jersey-based organization dominated the 15U division like it was a video game. It beat ICC Truth 72-50 at the House of Sports on Sunday. Team Rio averaged 75 points through pool and bracket play. The top eighth-grade team in the country held opponents like NY Rens, City Rocks and the New York Lightning to 57 points on its way to winning the championship. After starting the travel season by winning Boo Williams in the first session of the EYBL Circuit, Albany City Rocks collected another prestigious title capturing the 16U championship in a 77-65 win over the NY Lightning 2017. As one of the top teams in the country, the Albany-based organization knocked off some more notable teams in SportsU and NY Rens. Look for City Rocks to make a run at the 16U EYBL championship in Peach Jam. NJ Got Game captured the 17U Silver title with a win over in-state foe Ocean Elite 54-48. The talent pool was so deep in the 17U the Gold championship came down to two of New York City’s notable travel programs in Juice All-Stars and NY Rens. Both are also two of the nation’s top programs. If it were not for the Rumble championship neither team would really play each other since Juice is an Under Armour sponsored program and Rens is sponsored by Adidas. On this particular championship game, Rens held off Juice 87-77. However, there were many who were surprised Rens made it to the championship game. Many of its notable players Rawle Alkins, Mustapha Heron and Devonte Green were not with the team on the weekend for various reasons. While their contribution was used sparingly throughout the entire weekend or not at all, those who did play took advantage of the extra attention and time on the floor. One of those players was Tyrn Flowers was named the tournaments Most Valuable Player after dominating many moments for Rens victory. He wasn’t the only one to take advantage of the spotlight. Christ the King’s Jose Alvarado showed plenty of grit and toughness. Look for these players to make an impact the remainder of the summer. Tryn Flowers (2016) – Sacred Heart, CT/ NY Rens – took advantage of the weekend to standout. The 6-foot-7 wing showed is ability to be a matchup problem while knocking down jumpers from deep along with rebounding well out of his area. He finishes plays above the rim, while also erasing opponent’s attempts at the basket. His offers are Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Ohio with many more interest on the horizon. Howard Washington (2016) – Montverde Academy, FL/Albany City Rock- is an orchestrator on the court. The Buffalo native gets teammates in the right position and knows how to control the team. He is a true extension on the floor to any coach. Xavier, Wake Forest, Miami, Boston College Memphis, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Dayton, Pennsylvania, Boston U, Canisius, George Washington, Siena, Buffalo and Rice have extended offers with the hopes of landing this floor leader.

EJ Crawford (2016) – St. Thomas Moore, CT/USAD – is one tough nut to break. The 6-foot-5 combo guard is strong/mobile player who can score from the inside and outside. He currently holds offers form Bryant and Sacred Heart with interest from Quinnipiac, Iona, Canisus and Western Kentucky. Expect more to come after his performance this past weekend.

Quinton Rose (2016) – Bishop Kearney, NY/Albany City Rocks – continues to have a good spring. The Rochester product showed his versatility in handling the ball and knocking down jumpers. Defensively, he showed the ability to be a solid defender. The 6-foot-5 guard has offers from Minnesota, Wake Forest, Miami, Penn State, Rhode Island, Seaton Hall, Northwestern, SMU, St. Joseph’s, Richmond, Memphis, Providence, George Washington, Buffalo, Temple and St. Bonaventure’s.

Scottie Lewis (2019) – Ranney School, NJ/Team Rio National – is easily one of the more athletic players in the Class of 2019. The 6-foot-4 baller has grown man bounce on both ends of the floor. He can put the ball on the floor, hit the jumper and runs the floor extremely well. The frustrating thing for teams is also his uncanny vision.

Bryan Antoine (2019) – Ranney School, NJ/Team Rio National – won the 15U Most Valuable Player award after a strong performance. The Class of 2019 prospect showed why his name is college coaches will need to jot down early. He is an athletic wiry young man with a jumper to boot. His ability to score from all three levels on the floor makes him a matchup nightmare at times.

Tariq Ingraham (2019) – Salesianum, DE/Team Rio National – is not difficult to spot on the floor. The 6-foot-8 post player is all of that size both vertically and physically. He is a monster as such a young age with his back to the basket. The Class of 2019 prospect is a mobile space eater. He does not shy away from contact regardless the size of the opponent.

Kevin Huerter (2016) – Shendendowa, NY/Albany City Rocks – is a knock the lights out shooter. His ability to get shots off comes from his relentless effort to move well without the ball. A shooter is a luxury college programs are looking for in a player which is why he holds offers from Siena, George Washington, Xavier, Rice, Marquette, Maryland, Miami, Texas Tech, Penn State, Baylor, Iowa, Creighton, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Duquesne and Albany.

Samson George (2017) – The Patrick School, NJ/Juice All-Stars – is a coach’s dream. His effort on both ends of the floor is one of a player looking to leave everything out there. The 6-foot-7 forward runs the floor, dives for loose balls and a defensive anchor. It is no surprise his style of play has earned him an offer from VCU, Fairleigh Dickinson, Quinnipiac and Monmouth. He will finish the summer with Expressions on the EYBL circuit.

James Leible (2018) – St. Joseph’s Prep, PA/NY Lightning – has an upside that could be something to track. The 6-foot-6 forward has a high motor and a nice touch. He can rebound well on both ends of the floor.

Jordanny Cuevas Marte (2018) – Ithaca HS, NY/Ithaca Elite Basketball Club – is a crafty guard with a knack for scoring. The southpaw gets to the basket by shifting his body in ways to create contact. He responds well for a 6-foot-1 perimeter player.

Klay Brown (2017) – Christ the King, NY/NY Lightning – is an athletic freak. He can get to and play above the rim. Whenever he is not doing that he will knock down the open jumper. He is also solid in the open floor.

Jared Rivers (2016) – Christ the King, NY/NY Rens – is a scoring point guard. He makes it difficult for defenders to guard him. His aggressive approach and nature is fitting for a team that plays so hard. He currently holds offers from Maine and Appalachian State.

David Kalhelries (2017) – Emmaus, PA/SportsU – always has the trigger finger loaded. The 5-foot-10 guard is a sniper. He is also a tough nosed kid who is not afraid to mix it up on both ends of the floor. A shooter with some toughness is always a coach’s desire. Fordham and Binghamton have offered the sharpshooter.

Nate Mensah (2017) – Redemption Christian Academy, NY/NY Lightning – is a raw offensive talent who is a shot blocking machine. Once the offense catches up with the defense this prospects future will have a clearer focus.

Jeenathon Williams (2018) – U-Prep/ICC Truth) – is a scoring machine. On the weekend for the Rochester based club, the 6-foot-6 forward go to the basket at will. He dominated both ends of the floor and really understands how to use his body to get buckets. He is a name one to look forward to hearing about down the road.

Jose Alvarado (2017) – Christ the King, NY/Albany City Rocks – is the utility knife of guards on the circuit. If there is anything you need him to do he will do it with everything in him to do so. He can see the floor, knock down the open jumper, get to the basket and lock down an opponent at critical times. VCU, Seton Hall, Hofstra, Iona and Fordham have all offered at this point.

About the Author

Alfonso

Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.