BY ZACH SMART
Featuring an array of top tier signed and still available recruits, the 11th annual Shooting Stars Showcase is slated for this Sunday at St. Francis Prep in Queens.
One of the more heavily anticipated events of the winter, the all day event provides tremendous exposure with a barrage of college coaches expected to be on hand.
Fresh off a commitment to Duke and subsequently giving the Blue Devils the top ranked 2026 class in the country, Blair Academy (NJ)’s electrifying 6-foot-2 guard Deron Rippey Jr. is one of the headliners.
Rippey Jr. scored 17 points, dished out seven assists and pick pocketed five steals during Blair’s 78-52 mauling of Our Savior Lutheran (NY) during the Jordan Hoops Holiday Classic.
The reigning Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year is a dazzling finisher who is known for his extravagant above the rim game.
This season, Rippey Jr. has been the stabilizing influence who gives Joe Mantegna’s high powered offense direction and creates for the pieces flanking him.
In the process, Rippey Jr. has opened up a reliable 3-point shot which he is able to extend beyond the NBA 3-point line.Jaen Chatman, who is headed to University of Rhode Island, is another high level recruit at Blair.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound guard has been a confrontational defender who has catalyzed Blair with his outside shot making and knack for finishing at and above the rim.
Preston Merrick, a high end and well-built 6-foot-5 guard from the Hotchkiss School, is another player to keep tabs on during the event.
The Harvard-signee is a powerful finisher and three level scoring source who is headed to the Ivy League after entertaining offers and interest throughout the country following a breakthrough summer with the NY Jayhawks.
Here is a look at several other noteworthy players throughout the event:
Oesoemana Sacko, St. Francis Prep–The Fairfield-bound and versatile 1,000+ point scorer is a menacing inside-outside presence. Sacko has emerged into one of the city’s best rim protectors as well, with fly swatter-esque tactics.
He is coming off a 35-point, 19-rebound, and four blocks showing during a recent win over St. Raymond’s.
Justin DeSena, St. Francis Prep–The smooth stroking guard is one of the best outside shooters in the city and beyond. As he showed during last year’s city championships week, DeSena can cook in a hurry when he sticks consecutive shots and seizes the hot hand.
Eli Murray, St. Francis Prep–The 6-foot-6 freshman possesses an advanced skill set and levitates above the rim. He has authored an instant impact in the CHSAA “AA,” with promising performances such as a recent 18-point, five rebound showing against Holy Cross.
Will Higgs, Northfield Mount Hermon (MA)–The 6-foot-11 Center and Princeton-signee is a versatile threat with scoring proficiency and an inside-outside game. He’s a thunderous finisher who also provides adequate rim protection.
Will Brunson, Rutgers Prep–The long 6-foot-6 Class of 2028 prospect has a unique offensive arsenal as a lefty with a deft touch from the perimeter and a knack for getting to the rim and finishing in crafty fashion. A four star recruit and big, ultra skilled guars, Brunson holds offers from NC State, Villanova, Auburn, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Seton Hall, and a handful of others.
Tyrease Hunter, Roselle Catholic (NJ)–The well built 6-foot-2 guard has an adeptness for finishing and embracing contact. He has become a proficient outside shooter with a knack for sticking timely 3-pointers. He brings defensive tenaciousness and positional uniqueness with his ability to rebound. He currently holds offers from the likes of Seton Hall, Ole Miss, Auburn, Illinois, UCF, and a barrage of others.
Trey Lewis, Roselle Catholic–The 6-foot-4 guard is a seasoned scoring presence with spurt-ability and knack for reeling off points in quick hit fashion. He is capable of scoring it at all three levels and really soars to the rim.
He guards both on and off the ball and is able to rebound with the workmanlike grit of a big.
Isaiah Carrol, Blair Academy–The 6-foot-7 wing is a multi-positional defender who plays with sustained relentlessness and urgency. He has become a vital floor spreader at Blair, with a knack for deep 3-pointers and a polished touch from mid range. He committed to Penn prior to the season.
Peter Rosta, Blair Academy–The highly skilled 6-foot-10 left handed forward is a deft shot maker with deep range.Rosta has turned in multiple games of four 3-pointers or more thus far. The 2027 combo forward is sneaky explosive and brings good concepts of the game.
Kamsi Awaka, Blair–A physical, back to the rim Class of 2027 scoring presence with interior grit, Awaka has a high motor and a traditional big skill set at 6-foot-10.
Awaka changes floors, moves fluidly at his size and is a constant presence on the offensive and defensive glass.
He currently has offers from Maryland, Fordham, Rhode Island and others.
Aiden Carter, St. Joseph’s–The 6-foot-7 point guard is an elite level scoring and dishing presence. With a three-level arsenal and an innate ability to spark runs with his buckets in clusters scoring hinges, Carter is ahead of his time in the Class of 2028.
Joel Patrick, St. Joseph’s–The long 6-foot-10 big is a shot blocker and shot manipulating defensive backbone who steers the driving lanes clear. He’s steadily blossomed into a double double threat.
Andrew Kretkowski, St. Joseph’s–The hard slashing 6-foot-6 combo guard/ wing is a ferocious above rim finisher with a lob finishing aptitude and an ability to score in traffic and through contact.The four star Class of 2027 recruit has taken game changing matters into his own hands this season, with a recent 30-point game.
JJ Addison, Wings Academy–The 6-foot-6 guard/wing is a strong and versatile double double threat. He constantly crashes the glass and has turned in multiple games of double digit rebounds. Addison thrives with space creation off the bounce and has significant elevation on his shot.
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