By David Cordova
Every year in June, there is one tournament in which the elite programs and the underdog programs who plan to prove themselves meet up head to head. It is an event where competition is at a must. That event is Rumble in the Bronx.
Over the weekend, many teams in three divisions all battled for one goal, which was to win the title, as well as prepare for the month of July. Another new aspect of the event was international competition. Both the Dominican Republic & Chinese national teams, both preparing for FIBA competition, played against two programs from the Nike EYBL, Expressions Elite and the Albany City Rocks.
In the end, three teams in three divisions walked away with the hardware: SportsU in the 17U division, the City Rocks in the 16U division and the New Jersey Playaz in the 15U division. All in all, it was a great weekend of hoops in the New York City area.
Outstanding Players for Rumble in the Bronx:
EJ Anosike, St. Thomas More School (CT)/The Firm, Class of 2017
Anosike is a big two-guard that can power his way to the basket as well as run the floor efficiently. He is a player that is prone to getting above the rim.
Jaheam Cornwall, Putnam Science Academy (CT)/NY Jayhawks, Class of 2017
Cornwall is a player that is an automatic threat from three-point range. He is a player that knows how to control a team, playing the point guard position, but is aggressive when trying to get his points.
Rheaquone Taylor, Barringer High School (NJ)/NY Jayhawks, Class of 2017
Taylor is a forward that plays bigger than his size. He is player that carries athleticism as well as a high IQ when it comes to rebounding and taking the ball into the cup.
Taruike Jianiyou, Chinese National Team
Jianiyou is an undersized center that plays very aggressive and can bang in the paint. He is a player who will block shots as well as finish around the rim.
Jordan Nwora, Vermont Academy (VT)/NY Rens, Class of 2017
Nwora is a player with size that has a great shooting touch from the outside and can also dominate above the rim. Also has great defensive instincts and is good at getting steals.
KJ Riley, Standard of Excellence Academy (NC)/CM3 Elite, Class of 2017
Riley, an unsung player, is a crafty guard that can play the two or three and can run the floor well. He is a player that has unlimited range on his jumper and will go to the hole if he is not contained.
Omar Silverio, St. Raymond High School (NY)/Dominican Elite, Class of 2018
Silverio is a guard that is a threat from long-range and very versatile when going into the lane. He is also very good at moving off the ball.
Cartier Bowman, Immaculate Conception (NJ)/New Jersey Playaz, Class of 2019
Bowman is a tough player that is very skilled and knows how to make strong drives to the basket and also uses his solidly-built frame to get to the cup.
Jordan Cintron, DeWitt Clinton (NY)/Playtime, Class of 2016
Cintron is a guard that has good ball handling skills and makes great drives to the basket. Has a great jumper and is effective at passing.
Damarri Moore, George Westinghouse High School (NY)/NY Jayhawks, Class of 2016
Moore has plenty of skills, but what stands out about him is his athleticism. He has great leaping ability and can block shots and make highlight-reel dunks.
Hamidou Diallo, Putnam Science Academy (CT)/NY Rens, Class of 2017
The highly-recruited Diallo has a high-motor and tremendous upside, and is strong at going above the rim. He is also an aggressive shot blocker on defense.
Nate Pierre-Louis, Roselle Catholic High School (NJ)/Sports U, Class of 2017
Pierre-Louis was a dominant force over the weekend as he brought plenty of athleticism and great moves to the basket. Is a very potent scorer and also a hard worker on defense.
Highlights:
Courtesy of FloHoops.
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