Here's four things we've learned from watching the SNY invitational
THE TOURNAMENT WAS STAR STUDDED
The SNY tournament featured four elite teams in the New York/New Jersey area, featuring a number of McDonald's All Americans and high major players. When these loaded teams locked horns, we learned a bit more about each team and their stars. As they approach the final stretch of their season, we are rooting for each of these teams to make noise in the playoffs and beyond. Here are four takeaways we've learned from the SNY invitational:
Jahvon Quinerly is worth the price of admission, plus tax
This is something that should be common knowledge by now, but every time JQ steps on the floor he confirms the fact that he is a big time player who only elevates along with the moment. The newly minted McDonald's All American was clearly the best player out of Hudson Catholic's three headed monster and is arguably the most college ready hooper in Jellyfam. He is always poised, cool calm and collected, and throws some added flair on top for good measure.
Molloy needs to step it up
Coming into the season we had Molloy as our undisputed #1 team. I mean how couldn't we? The team has a 7'2 McDonald's All American center for Christ sake! Not to mention the guy throwing him the ball is the number one point guard in his class. Throw in high major wing Khalid Moore and a solid supporting cast and we get....a 10-8 record?! This team needs to toughen up quick if they want to make our preseason rankings look decent and it starts with their big three. They need to be more aggressive and get after it from the jump ball.
Cardinal Hayes is TOUGH
Rule #1 about NYC basketball: DO NOT count Cardinal Hayes out. Hudson Catholic learned that the hard way. Hayes has veteran leadership and the biggest heart in all of NYC Hoops. They grinded out a victory on Friday and even in defeat against Lutheran, they fought until the final buzzer. This is a team you do not want to see in your playoff bracket.
Long Island Lutheran is the best team in the state
Lutheran is a team that often boast the most talent around, but always falls short in the state's to a scrappier tougher team. With Tykei Greene and Tyson Etienne on board this year, things are way different. They are the perfect mix of polish and grit and are loaded from top to bottom. They are all willing passers and happy for each other's success. Quite simply, Coach Buck has the Crusaders being ran like a college program and has the talent to match. The chip is far from a guarantee, but they are undoubtedly considered favorites.Best of luck to all four teams going forward!