MADE Hoops 2024 NYC Clash: Power Rankings, Superlatives, Trending Teams from 17U Division
May 3, 2024 by Brian Flinn
Below are some of the most impressive teams and players from the 17U division that competed in the 2024 MADE Hoops NY Clash.
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3 Superlatives
Sniper Alert
Leo Ryott has made an early claim as one of the best shooters in the entire MHC and backed that up over this past weekend. Whether it was coming off catch and shoot scenarios or off the dribble, Ryott knocked down three after three. He hit a few in transition and broke games open with his shooting. At 6-foot-6 he is able to shoot over his defender and has a quick release. To quote Ryott “It’s what I do”.
Hi my name is…
Nalajah Christopher is new to the Expressions program this year and has really just begun to ingratiate himself into this team. That being said, at 6-foot-3 he showed that he can play either on or off the ball, kept it moving, and made a number of winning plays. He’s yet to lose a game at his high school through his first two years, so it’s safe to call him a winner. Look for him to continue to emerge as he earns more time with a deep and talented Expressions 2026 team.
Unsigned Senior Special
Simply put, Matt Shelton has seen his recruitment turned upside down by the coaching carousel and a couple of staffs being let go. The 6-foot-5 wing guard is a solid shooter, rebounds the ball like a 6-foot-8 player, and defends at a high level. Now he’s playing with Mid Atlantic Select looking for the right program to call home. After a good showing through four games in Queens College, there’s little doubt that he’s one of the best available players left in the Mid Atlantic.
3 Stock Risers
Ethan Johnston and Rens 2026 EYBL played up in the 17U division over the weekend and looked more than comfortable doing so, going 3-1. With some roster changes, Johnston was able to play off the ball a bit more and show what he can do as a scorer and secondary creator. He’s a bigger guard who handles it well, rarely turns it over, and makes smart plays. He also shot 37% from three during his high school season. While he remains one of the more underrated 2026s in a special NY class, that should change shortly.
It was the first weekend with the East Coast Cyclones for Isaiah Thomas but watching him play you’d never know it. A heady combo guard at 6-foot-3, Thomas looked just as dangerous of a creator as he did a scorer. He explodes into his jumper and was especially effective in the mid-range
Parby Musongela enrolled at South Kent (CT) this past season, coming over from the NBA Academy team in Africa. The 6-foot-7 combo forward looks like he will be one of the biggest stock risers on the MADE Hoops Circuit this season thanks to his toughness, scoring ability, and defensive versatility. Mid-Major programs would be wise to get eyes on him sooner rather than later.
3 Trending Teams
Rens United
Through the first month of MHC play, there have been few, if any, teams that have been more consistent than Rens United. The backcourt trio of AJ Mickens, David Dix, and DJ Brown will be tough for anyone to match up with and with a number of scholarship level guys on the wing and Jakub Lomicka in the post, they might be the most balanced roster as well.
NY Jayhawks
The first week of MHC play for the Jayhawks led to them announcing themselves as contenders for the title. While they went 2-2 on the weekend, both wins were in MHC play and set the tone for the rest of circuit play moving forward. The backcourt of Bryceson Dobie and Jayden Ramirez is tough and versatile, and wing Parby Musongela appears poised for a breakout Spring.
Kips Bay
After a slow start at East Warmup there were questions about how Kips Bay’s first year on the MADE Hoops Circuit would go. Behind 2024 guard Carlos Rodriguez, they answered those questions in resounding fashion. Coached by Kenny Satterfield, this group brings signature NY toughness in spades each time they set foot on the floor.
Power Rankings
1. Team Takeover National MHC (4-0): One of three undefeated teams with 2 MHC wins, a victory over Rens EYBL 2026 group was the difference maker for Takeover National finishing first in this week’s power rankings
2. Rens United MHC (4-0): Yet another positive weekend for Rens United, who also picked up two MHC victories on the weekend. The emergence of AJ Mickens gives the Rens yet another talented and dangerous weapon.
3. East Coast Cyclones MHC (4-0): The final undefeated MHC team on the weekend, the Cyclones have the talent to compete with anyone in the league. They won both of their MHC matchups and new guard Isaiah Thomas appears to be a real difference maker in the early going.
4. Kips Bay MHC (3-1): An impressive 3-1 weekend including an important MHC victory has Kips moving in the right direction. 2024 guard Carlos Rodriguez continues to produce as well as get his teammates involved
5. NY Jayhawks MHC (2-2): It was an up-and-down debut weekend for the Jayhawks, who are still coming together as a team. With two big MHC wins, including one over CM3, it looks like they have the talent to contend for the title
Editor's note: Due to team roster discrepancies, some players appear without full identification. If readers have full player identification and would like to issue an update, please email [email protected] and include the player name, player team, and division within which they competed.