Queens College and several other gyms scattered throughout the city hosted the NYC Clash. This MADE Hoops event is a two day showcase of some excellent MHC teams, lots of local talent and a few big time prospects. Here are just some of the top storylines from Sunday’s games.
Loic Hoops Look Like Challenger Challengers
The Challenger Circuit competition is really heating up over the past couple of weekends and Loic Hoops look like real title contenders. Powered by a talented frontcourt that excels at scoring inside or out, they have proven to be able to create a mismatch at most positions on the floor. Keep an eye out for the Canadian program moving forward.
Nova Cavs 2028 Finishes 3-0
While it will be a couple of years before college coaches get familiar with them, the players on 15U Challenger Circuit are intriguing prospects as well. Nova Cavs are one of the more impressive groups, counting on a balanced effort to finish 3-0 on the weekend with wins over Metro United in Challenger play as well as Mount Vernon Elite and High Rise. Ryan Stemberger did a good job of running the show while big man Luke Jones was effective around the basket.
Jayhawks Pick Up Big MHC Win
After falling short against the Mass Rivals, Jayhawks bounced back in a big way on Sunday, knocking off fellow MHC front runner 6th Boro Hoops. The backcourt of Sincere Folk, Santonio Waide, and Josh Powell continue to be amongst the elite combinations in the MHC through the first month of play, and that bore out on Sunday as all three came up with massive plays.
Kapfer Continues Strong Run of Form
Brian Kapfer was one of the breakout performers of the CHSAA season regardless of class, ultimately picking up his first offer from Pepperdine just last month. A 6-foot-3+ shooter who can also put the ball on the floor and get his own shot at times, Kapfer’s offensive game is highly impressive. It will be interesting to see what he does with the rest of this AAU season. Coaches would be wise to start making inroads now.
Keep an Eye Out For Robert Gilmore
Kips Bay’s 15U team won the MHC championship last Summer and returns some integral pieces looking to make a run at a 16U title as well. Robert Gilmore is an intriguing forward at 6-foot-6 who can block shots and rebound, but has clearly spent a lot of time working on his perimeter game and looked more than comfortable putting the ball on the floor for someone who was a small ball center this time last year. The leap in his development is impressive, and he’s a player to watch in NY’s class of 2027 moving forward.
