2024 Northeast Preview Day 1 Takeaways


The 4th annual Northeast Preview kicked off on Saturday. Featuring some of the top programs from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast in attendance, the amount of talent in the gym was astounding. With that in mind, the MADE staff highlights some of the best performers from day one: 


Rutgers Prep is young and hungry 


Rutgers Prep is a young, talented and cohesive group that plays a very unselfish, high-octane brand of basketball. Rutgers returns all of their key players from a season ago, starting with Marist commit Myles Parker. Parker exhibited his senior leadership and shot making, converting timely baskets in the half court setting when Rutgers Prep was in need of a quality possession. 2027 G Jacob Canton constantly applied downhill pressure, along with 2027 wing Andrew Kretkowski running the wing and utilizing his size inside as an offensive weapon. Canton and Kretkowski bring high energy while 2026 Center Logan Franz is their anchor inside. Rocco Loomis and Nicolas Nsenkyire bring complimentary players at the guard positions who can bring energy, defense and shot making, while freshman guard Will Brunson gives them added depth on the wing and a star in the making. 



Bishop Mcnamara ready to make a statement in the WCAC


Bishop Mcnamara made the trip all the way from the DMV and didn’t disappoint, going 2-0 on the day against some tough competition. Mcnamara is headlined by top-25 2026 wing Qayden Samuels, who easily filled the stat sheets with his elite scoring. Samuels was assertive throughout gameplay, and converted some tough buckets to keep Mcnamara alive and ultimately, help put them over the top. Prince Alex-Moody has seemed to take on more of a vocal leadership role, and is transitioning from volume scorer to a balanced floor general. Moody kept the team relaxed throughout the heat of the game, and used his ability to attract multiple defenders as a way to get open looks for his teammates. Brendan Woodard made huge contributions inside with his athleticism, timing and positioning. Looked to rim run and get an easy dunk almost every trip down the floor. 



Young Burrs’ showing promise 


West Catholic will be extremely young this season, but they are deep and willing to use their scrappy identity to muck up opposing offenses. West Catholic’s best offense this upcoming just might be their swarming defense. They give a collective effort on that side of the ball, and the camaraderie is evident because the energy is high, they talk, sprint out of rotations and look to pick up ninety-four-feet after every made basket. Guard trio of Eric Scott, Saiid Lee and Jayvon Byrd all showcased the ability to knock down perimeter shots, and get paint touches. The 2026 Forward tandem of Kingston Wheatley and Jalen Hopkins are highly productive on both ends of the floor. Both proved to be switchable defenders, and reliable scoring threats from the mid-post area. On paper, West Catholic may not have the best or most talented team, but they are a disciplined, selfless and coachable group that is looking to take the PCL by storm. 





Sajid Continues Strong Form


After a breakout AAU season that saw him find his way into the national rankings at the last update, 2026 G Mani Sajid has continued his strong play well into the fall. The 6-foot-5 scorer was at it again, putting up points in bunches en route to 30 points in a closely contested loss. While the game itself didn’t end as the talented swingman had hoped, things are certainly moving in the right direction for one of the better shooters and best natural scorers in the Northeast. Expect a number of college programs to jump into his recruitment in the coming months. 



ISA Brings International Flavor to East HSA 


The International Sports Academy at Hoosac will again be dark horse contenders in the NEPSAC this season. Powered by the massive front court of Maruan Cicic, Aleksa Valjic, and Nicolas Mitrovic, ISA can play with three guys over 6’10 in their front court. It was wings Marko Pandiloski and Namisse Musonge who got hot from beyond the arc and carried a good bit of the ISA offense on their first day. A balanced and deep group, they’re a team to keep an eye on this season. 



Sacred Heart Has A Steal in DJ Brown 


After a strong spring on the MHC, things began to change for the West Nottingham Guard by the way of New York in a real way. A powerful and athletic 6-foot-2 combo guard, Brown is a high level athlete that plays with an intensity that reverberates throughout his team. West Nottingham was one of the most successful teams on day 1 and Brown was the engine for his team. There’s a line of thought that says he should bring that to his college program as well.


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