Photo courtesy of News 12 Varsity/Damion Reid
By David Cordova
For the last two years, the Apparel Challenge at Christ the King was filled with plenty of great games, which featured star-studded talent from programs from New York City and Long Island. The third year was no different as many teams from the area went out and showcased their talent, and although the weather was around 15 degrees, it still made for great action.
In front of college coaches from schools such as St. Francis (NY), LIU Brooklyn, Seton Hall and LIU Post, respectively, there were a couple of close games and also matchups in which teams were run out of the gym.
In the first game, Chaminade beat Boys and Girls, 57-50. Then, Archbishop Molloy defeated Queens High School of Teaching, who was 14-0 before the game, by the score of 92-60. Long Island Lutheran then routed Cardozo, 80-53 in the third game. In the fourth game, Bishop Loughlin steamrolled the defending city and state champions, Thomas Jefferson, 94-77. In the main event, despite being down for most of the game, Christ the King came back and defeated Wings Academy.
All in all, it was a great showcase for New York City, in which teams and individual players were able to show off their talent and provide excitement for the Middle Village crowd.
Notable Players from Apparel Challenge:
Jahmier Pugh, Boys & Girls, Class of 2018
A speedy guard that can move with or without the ball in his hand. Also a good facilitator.
Donatas Kupsas, Long Island Lutheran, Class of 2018
A forward that is tough as nails and physical, but also skilled. Shows a lot of hustle and attacks the glass ferociously.
Brandon Jacobs, Long Island Lutheran, Class of 2017
A dangerous shooter from the outside, and also an efficient guard that can lead a team on the floor.
C.J. Kelly, Queens High School of Teaching, Class of 2017
A scorer that relies on going to the basket and makes powerful drives to the cup. Has plenty of explosiveness on offense.
Moses Brown, Archbishop Molloy, Class of 2018
The tallest player in the gym is versatile and is very dominant on both ends of the court. Makes his presence felt when it comes to defenders trying to get their shot up.
John Herring, Archbishop Molloy, Class of 2017
A player that gets to the basket efficiently and moves well off the ball.
Markquis Nowell, Bishop Loughlin, Class of 2018
A guard that makes plenty of shots and highlight-reel plays. Knows how to set up teammates for open shots.
Keith Williams, Bishop Loughlin, Class of 2017
The Cincinnati commit is a player who is great slashing to the basket, has plenty of explosiveness and can also shoot the ball.
Jose Alvarado, Christ the King, Class of 2017
The Georgia Tech commit is a player who is not afraid to get to the basket and score, and can also shoot from long distance. But what is his best asset is his defense.
Boubacar Kamissoko, Wings Academy, Class of 2017
A player that is a ferocious penetrator that can make plays at the basket despite his lithe frame.
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