2024 Jordan Holiday Classic Program Preview: Monsignor Scanlan

December 19, 2024 by Brian Flinn

The 2024 Jordan Holiday Classic is just around the corner. With some of the nation’s top programs making the trip to New York City to take on some of the Empire State’s top programs it may be cold outside, but the action will certainly be heating up Baruch Gymnasium. With that in mind, MADE highlights each program taking part in the JHC and takes a look at three things to watch heading into their time at Baruch. Next up is Monsignor Scanlan (NY): 

The Crusaders Go as their Backcourt Does

The conversation around Scanlan heading into this senior was centered around the backcourt of senior Eric Fagin and junior Dior Anderson and for good reason. Fagin leads the team in scoring at shade over 15 points a game in the early going, with Anderson averaging 14. Senior guard Erik Graves is going to be asked to guard up a bit this year while freshman point guard Akeem McLaren has been very good to open the season, both are averaging 9.7 points a game. They’ll need to outduel an equally talented Eagle Academy backcourt to come away with the first win of JHC. 

Scanlan Looks to Steady Itself Heading into JHC 

At 2-2 to start the year, the quarterfinalists are still figuring out what this new look team plays like together and are significantly younger than they were a year ago. With a strong senior class and some size on the roster gone from last season’s team, this Crusader group is finding it’s new identity. A tough test at the Smoky Mountain Classic in Tennessee this weekend is a good test with three non-league games vs quality competition. From there, it’s their game vs Eagle, so this road trip will be a good primer for the program.

Scanlan vs Eagle is a Family Affair

As two Bronx programs with relative post season success in recent years, as well as being two Jordan Brand programs, there’s some similarities between these two teams. This year’s edition has a familial touch to it as well. Scanlan SID and freshman coach Rudy King will see his son on the opposite side. Sophomore guard Elijah King is a starter at Eagle Academy and will be looking to best his father’s team. 

Interested in attending the 2024 Jordan Holiday Classic?