2016 Upstate Scouting Service Throwdown Recap

 

Top 20:

Mike Wynn (2018): Liberty Heights Athletic Institute, Charlotte, NC

The highly touted 6’6 wing proved his worth. Wynn demonstrated his ability to score in a variety of ways, and was the best player on the court at all times. He is an exceptional passer/playmaker and constantly makes those around him better. He took home this year’s MVP honors.

 

Michael Ortale, Jr. (2019): Bethlehem Central HS, NY

Ortale came into the event with a lot of buzz after a strong performance at the NYS Top 24. He quickly made it very clear that he is well-deserving of the recognition. Ortale is a lethal shooter with sneaky athleticism. Look for him to be a standout in Section II hoops this season.

 

Joey Atkins (2018): Watervliet HS, NY

Atkins was one of the most physically-gifted players in the gym. Standing 6’4, he rises high and finishes above the rim with ease. He can knock down the three and mid-range jumper, too. His uncanny length and athleticism allowed him to be the ultimate defensive anchor for his team.

 

Ray Evans (2018): La Salle Institute, NY

Evans epitomizes the term “pass-first point guard.” His first look was to try and get his teammates involved. All day, he was the motor behind his team and displayed his ability to run an efficient offense. He was one of the better defenders in the gym, as well.

 

Michael Henderson, Jr. (2017): Guilderland HS, NY

Henderson is well-built for a guard and uses his strength to overpower his opponent. He gets to the rim with ease and scores with consistency once he gets inside the paint. He can knock down outside shots and is a very good rebounder for his position.

 

Tobias Holmes (2018): Green Tech Charter High School, NY

Holmes is a silky smooth playmaker who can score in multiple fashions. There’s virtually no stopping him once he decides to go to the rim. And, make no mistake, he can pass the ball extremely well, too. All that said, he undoubtedly was one of the toughest individuals to guard in the gym. He’ll be a force in Section II this year.

 

Cameron Bleibtrey (2018): Queensbury HS, NY

Bleibtrey made a name for himself at the Throwdown. He plays with a remarkable toughness and demonstrated his high basketball I.Q. and feel for the game. He can score or dish out assists and does all of the little things for his team. Another player to keep your eyes on in Section II.

 

Marcus Filien (2018): Albany Academy, NY

The 6’7 big man made his presence known early on. He is adept at scoring around the rim and rebounding the ball–both offensively and defensively. In addition, he has a knack for blocking shots. He was the rim protector for his team.

 

Jacorey Nixon (2017): Albany HS, NY

Nixon is a talented three-point shooter with athleticism. He is excellent in transition and can finish at or above the rim. At every chance, he showed his ability to dunk the ball.

 

Marcus Friend (2017): Green Tech Charter High School, NY

Friend showed his ability to play from the outset. He’s skilled in seemingly every facet of the game. He can score the ball, create for his teammates, defend, rebound, etc. He was the best player on his team and one of the best in the gym. He’ll be the “go-to-guy” on a very talented Green Tech squad. Look for him to lead the Eagles back to the Section II title game.

 

Michael Wine (2017): Guilderland HS, NY

This marks the second year in a row that Wine has been selected to the event’s Top 20 All-Star game. And he showed why. He is the perfect floor general and is always looking to get his teammates involved. However, he is an exceptional scorer. Wine impacts the game in many ways and brings a winning mentality to whatever team he’s on. One of Section II’s finest.

 

Jorr Norgaisse (2020): Green Tech Charter High School, NY

Norgaisse was one of the most impressive players at the Throwdown, which is mind-boggling considering that he is just a freshman. He’s a talented guard with skills in all aspects of the game. He plays hard on both ends of the court and has a deadly array of dribble moves. Norgaisse is a very promising prospect.

 

Jair Currie (2019): Green Tech Charter High School, NY

Currie has a great feel for the game and made it very clear that he had something to prove. He’s an all-around scorer and could not be stopped. He’s sneaky on the defensive side of the ball, too. He stands 6’3 and uses his length and quickness to his advantage. Above all else, he elevates well and finishes. An excellent decision maker with a bounty of potential.

 

Dashawn Westbrook (2017): Schenectady HS, NY

Westbrook was one of the most athletic individuals in the gym. He plays with a bounce in his step and has great quickness to go along with it. He rebounds the ball well and can perform well in any role.

 

Isaiah Moll (2018): Colonie HS, NY

Moll’s presence was felt immediately. Well-built and defined, heuses his physicality and aggressiveness to get easy baskets down low and already possesses a body built for the collegiate game.He is a true matchup nightmare for any team. Put a big on him, and he’ll use his quickness and exceptional ball-handling ability to blow right by them.  Put a smaller guard on him, and he’ll get to the rim and score with ease.  He’s a very capable mid-range shooter as well. One of the area’s best.

 

Anthony Jean Pierre (2018): Shaker HS, NY

Above-average defender with very good physical tools. Does all of the little things for his team. Plays with great poise and provides consistent scoring.

 

Jordan King (2019): Christian Brothers Academy (Albany), NY

King was one of the standout performers at the Throwdown. He plays with a “no-fear” attitude and has an exceptional ability of breaking down the defense. He is adept at getting his teammates involved and is a lights-out shooter from deep. Perfect player for any system.

 

Benjamin Eke (2019): The Masters School, CT

Impressive young player. As quick as they come with a nice pull-up jumper. Solid defender, as well. Real high motor and not afraid to take it right at the defense.

 

George Varmah (2019): Green Tech Charter High School, NY

Varmah is a tad bit undersized at 6’4, but provides you with everything you want in a big man: strength, rebounding, athleticism, etc. He’s great in the screen and roll game and blocks shots with ease.

 

Argenan Imeri (2018): Nottingham HS, NY

Imeri is a crafty guard with a variety of skills. He has a great feel for the game and plays with an intelligence beyond his years. He gets to the right spots and is an ideal point guard at 6’2.

 

Rodney Johnson II (2017): The Masters School, CT

Without question, the most athletic player in the gym. Possesses some serious jumping ability and had many highlight-reel dunks to show for it. Showed his ability to contribute in several ways.

 

Outside the Top 20:

Kieran Donohue (2018): Albany Academy, NY

Donohue, a tough, 6’4 guard, played well at the Throwdown and provided stability for his team. He can score at the rim and is a capable three-point shooter. Underrated passer.

 

Joe DeLollo (2018): La Salle Institute, NY

DeLollo, at 6’7, had a great showing and was one of the best back-to-basket players in the gym. His polished post skills and exceptional passing ability paved the way for his team’s success. He displayed his ability to step out and shoot the three if given space, too. Look for him to dominate opposing defense in Colonial Council play this season.

 

Dominick Parker (2017): La Salle Institute, NY

Knockdown shooter with deep range. Does all of the intangible things well. One of the most vocal players in the gym from start to finish. Plays with an energy and fire that cannot be matched.

 

Matthew Larkin (2018): Saratoga Springs HS, NY

Larkin is undersized at 5’7, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in sheer toughness and passion. He passes the ball well and sets his teammates up well. He can hit the three with consistency.

 

Josh Pazkowski (2017): Colonie HS, NY

Another great floor general. Hardly ever looks to score, although he can if need be. Would rather see his teammates thrive. Scrappy guard who is the driving force behind his team’s success. Plays with a toughness that simply cannot be taught.

 

Brendan Mulson (2017): Colonie HS, NY

Mulson rounds out the list of the top performers at the 2016 Upstate Throwdown, and for good reason. He’s a skilled wing who will succeed in whatever role he’s placed in. Skilled shooter from any spot on the court and a solid finisher in transition. Great physical tools.