LeagueFits

Brooklyn’s South Shore HS is the top hoops program in NYC, and this year’s PSAL Championships only cemented it.

victory over the Susan Wagner Falcons. In the second quarter, the Lady Vikings went on an offensive attack led by Ariel Little, Yahmani Mckayle and Natalia Williams—outscoring the Falcons 21-4. A strong defensive performance from freshman Isabela Grant (10 boards) also made it difficult for Wagner to get back in the game.

“It was hard, you know?” says head coach Anwar Gladden. “Like I tell people, our next game was the championship when the pandemic hit. To be able to pick up and have a full season this year and conclude at the Barclays [Center] was amazing. It was great for the kids. ”

South Shore’s Natalia Williams was named MVP, finishing with 13 points on 6-8 shooting to go with 8 rebounds.

The boys’ squad wasn’t too bad either, as they defeated Eagle Academy Brooklyn to win their third consecutive title. South Shore started the game strong, kicking things off with a 12-0 run led by Max Ragusa, who ultimately scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half, including 10 in the fourth quarter, to help seal the victory and grab the MVP hardware. Nivek Borden also provided a strong performance for the Vikings, finishing the game with 11 points and 8 rebounds.

“It feels great to win because it’s a different group of kids, ” says head coach Shawn Mark. “The feeling was actually different the third time—a lot of the city said we couldn’t do it without the guys we [previously] won two times with. They actually pulled it out. I’m very proud of this group. ” —Nate Derosena

The 21st JORDAN BRAND CLASSIC

was a showcase for the next superstars.

ultimately led her team to a 93-85 victory. Oregon State-commit Timea Gardiner won MVP for Team Flight after chipping in 12 points. Other standouts for the girls game included Team Air’s Janiah Barker (17 points, 7 rebounds) and Ashlyn Watkins (8 points, 13 rebounds), and Team Flight’s Lauren Betts (8 points, 14 rebounds), Raegan Beers (7 points, 10 rebounds) and Kiki Rice (11 points, 5 assists).

On the boys’ side, Team Air won after Michigan signee Jett Howard dished it out to Duke commit Dereck Lively on the break for the game-winning dunk. Texas signee Dillon Mitchell (18 points) took MVP honors back to Florida while Arkansas signee Nick Smith Jr (27 points) brought home the MVP hardware for Team Flight. Team Flight’s Chris Livingston (21 points) and Team Air’s Cam Whitmore (16 points, 9 rebounds) rounded out the competition. —Brooks Warren