Empire 8 Prep League Enters Year 2
For an inaugural 2024-25 season, a group of Greater New York City prep school/post grad programs organized themselves into a new league, the Empire 8 Prep League.
The league went well. They ran a successful regular season, had a post-season championship tournament, selected their All League teams, and most importantly, placed a lot of student-athletes into college programs.
The Knox School had the best run of the bunch. In only its first year as a post grad program, Knox went unbeaten in the conference regular season and tournament and climbed up to #26 in the national prep program computer rankings.
For 2025-26, the Empire 8 are kicking off their league play on November 1 by holding the Empire 8 Prep League Tip Off Classic, see the schedule above in this articles title photo.
The 2025-26 league results and standings will be found here.
The primary objective of the league's members is to recruit, prep and showcase college basketball prospects. As is very clear from the player profiles below, they have clearly achieved the recruiting piece of that process for the 2025-26 season.
B.A.C.E. Academy (Be A Community Educator) from Queens, NY
Head Coach: Charlie Coleman (917) 309 9534
2025-26 game schedule and results
Sirpatrick Livingston (2026) 6'3 guard - Played his high school ball at South Bronx Prep. Livingston is a very good rebounder and can score.
Jacen Bacon (2026) 5'10 point guard - Played his high school ball at Baldwin High. Bacon is a true point guard that plays good defense.
Justin Blackett (2026) 6'3 guard - Played his high school ball at Boys & Girls High. Blackett has good leaping ability and can play the 1, 2 or 3 position.
Zahir Bucio (2026) 5'9 point guard - Played his high school ball at Summit Academy. Bucio has very good speed and is a very good shooter.
Davien Chance (2026) 5'11 guard - Played his high school ball at Eagle Academy-Queens. Chance can score on anyone. He is very fast and plays with a lot of heart.
Ryan Delgardo (2026) 6'1 guard - Played his high school basketball and football ball at Bayside High. He is a strong rebounder and can score in traffic.
Tyler Jimence (2026) 6'3 small forward - Coach Coleman feels that Jimence will be the strongest player on B.A.C.E this year. He can really rebound the ball and is powerful under the basket.
Adam Njim (2026) 5'11 guard - Played his high school ball at Bayard Rustin Campus. Njim is a shooting guard with good defensive skills.
Marquis Parker (2026) 6'1 point guard - Played his high school ball at John Adams High. Parker is very strong as a lead guard and he can shoot. He plays great defense.
Rainiel Pena (2026) 5'10 point guard - Played his high school ball at Richmond Hill High. Pena is a very fast point guard who can score and play defense.
Tee Jay Sellier (2026) 6'6 small forward - Played his high school ball at Presentation High in Trinidad and Tobago. Sellier is a good rebounder with defensive skills.
Broome Street Academy from Manhattan, NY
Head Coach: Curtis Jackson (917) 435 4251
2025-26 game schedule and results
Mohammad Bah (2026) 6’3 wing- From Bronx, NY, Mohammad Bah is an athletic, high-motor player who thrives on both ends of the court. Defensively, he uses his elite speed, strength, and physicality to stay in front of opponents and disrupt plays. His athleticism allows him to guard multiple positions and make an impact in transition. On offense, Mohammad is explosive attacking the basket—finishing well at and above the rim with power and control. His quick first step and relentless energy make him extremely difficult to contain off the dribble. With his combination of speed, strength, and defensive intensity, Mohammad brings toughness, versatility, and a dynamic presence to any lineup. 3.3 gpa RTB profile
Isaac Foster Jr. (2026) 6’1 point guard - 2024-25 Power 5 AA Defensive Player of the Year, 2024-25 Power 5 AA Second Team All- League, 2024-25 Empire 8 Prep League Honorable Mention. From Brooklyn, NY, Isaac is a two-way standout who anchors his team with toughness, energy, and leadership. He’s a vocal presence both on and off the floor, setting the tone for his teammates through accountability and passion for the game.One of the team’s best defenders, consistently taking on the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s top player. Foster is a reliable shooter with range — knocks down the three and the mid-range jumper with confidence. Isaac is a true floor general and motivator who communicates effectively, keeps teammates locked in, and leads by example. 2.8 gpa RTB profile
Louikenson Exantus Boiron (2026) 6’2 guard - From Brooklyn, NY, Boiron is an athletic, versatile wing with a college-ready frame and skillset. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most complete players on the court. Boiron is a lockdown defender who can guard multiple positions with size, quickness, and toughness. He is a consistent outside shooter, knocking down the three at a high percentage and has a smooth pull up jumper. 3.2 gpa RTB profile
Melisizwe Lark (2026) 6’3 wing - From Brooklyn, NY, is a high-level defender who sets the tone with his intensity, toughness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His athleticism and competitive edge make him a constant presence on the court. He locks down assignments with quickness, anticipation, and energy, attacks the basket aggressively and converts consistently at the rim and continues to expand his game with an improving jump shot that adds another layer to his scoring. RTB profile
Jasper Meissner (2026) 6’2 guard - 2024-25 PSAL City Championship MVP. 2024-25 All State New York. From Brooklyn, NY, Meissner is a high-level guard with elite shooting ability and strong leadership qualities. A skilled ball handler and playmaker, he controls the pace of the game while keeping his teammates involved and energized. Meissner is deadly from beyond the arc and is capable of knocking down threes at a high clip in both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble situations. He has exceptional control and creativity and is able to break down defenders and open up scoring chances. 4.3 gpa
Brian Castillo (2026) 6’1 guard - 2024-25 NYC Prospects First-Team AllCity. From New York, NY, Castillo is a dynamic high-level scorer who can impact the game at all three levels. A versatile offensive threat, he combines elite shot-making with creativity and toughness, making him one of the most reliable scoring options on the floor. Castillo is crafty with the basketball and able to generate his own looks in isolation or within the offense. He knocks down threes at a high percentage and stretching defenses. He finishes strong at the rim with both craft and control. Brian also takes pride in locking up his matchup and competing on every possession. 3.0 gpa RTB profile
Devin Oden (2026) 6’5 wing - From Brooklyn, NY, Oden is a high-level defender who uses his length, athleticism, and energy to control games on the defensive end. With the ability to protect the rim and guard multiple positions, he provides a strong presence that elevates his team. Oden attacks the basket with strength and control, converting efficiently around the rim. Devin continues to grow as a perimeter shooter, adding another layer to his offensive game.
Mariano Mateo (2026) 5’11 Guard- 2024-25 NY State Sports Writers Assoc Class B Player of the Year.From New York, NY Mariano Mateo is a skilled and efficient three-level scorer who consistently produces on offense. He’s a proven shooter with deep range, able to knock down threes with confidence, hit smooth mid-range jumpers, and finish through contact at the rim. Crafty with the ball in his hands, Mariano combines strong fundamentals with deceptive quickness to create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Defensively, he takes pride in being a high-level on-ball defender—using strength, positioning, and awareness to contain opponents. Mariano plays with poise and maturity, rarely forcing shots and maintaining an impressive shooting percentage. A milestone scorer with over 2,000 career points in high school, he brings leadership, experience, and scoring versatility to every game. RTB profile
Naim Rivera Jr. (2026) 5’11 guard - 2024-25 All State New York Honorable Mentioned. From Bronx, NY, Rivera is a strong and tough guard who excels on both ends of the floor. With a complete offensive package and a hard-nosed defensive mindset, he consistently makes winning plays and brings energy to his team. He has a college-ready body. Rivera finishes through contact and traffic with strength and control. He has a smooth pull-up jumper that makes him a consistent scoring threat inside the arc. Rivera is a hard-nosed defender who takes pride in locking down his assignment. Has been offered by Thomas College (ME). 4.0 gpa RTB profile
Aiden Taylor (2026) 6’5 wing - From Harlem, NY, Taylor is a versatile wing who impacts the game on both ends with his strength, skill, and hustle. He combines finishing ability, shooting touch, and rebounding to give his team a reliable presence every night.
Dimarco Dixon (2026) 6’4 wing - 2024-25 PSAL Champion. From Brooklyn, NY, Dixon is a dynamic three-level scorer who thrives in both half-court sets and transition. His ability to create offense, combined with a defensive edge, makes him a valuable two-way player. Dixon can score from deep, mid-range, and at the basket. He is excellent in the open floor, using speed and decision-making to capitalize in fast-break situations. 4.0 gpa
Jahiem Barnwell (2026) 6’7 forward- Member of 1 Play International. From Georgetown, Guyana, Barnwell is a super athlete who impacts the game with energy, mobility, and above-the-rim play. His high motor and physical tools make him a force on both ends of the floor. He is an explosive finisher who consistently plays above the rim. Barnwell’s motor, athleticism, and versatility give him the tools to dominate inside and in transition. His ability to defend, rebound, and finish makes him a difference-maker every time he steps on the court.
Justin Barkley (2026) 5’10 point guard- From Brooklyn, NY, Barkley is a quick, dynamic guard who uses his speed to control the pace of the game. A confident scorer and disruptive defender, he makes an impact on both ends of the floor. He pushes the tempo and creates problems for defenses in transition. Barkley is a reliable shooter from deep and is capable of stretching the floor. Barkley’s energy, quickness, and competitive edge make him a spark for his team. His ability to score efficiently and disrupt opponents defensively makes him a valuable all-around guard.
Knox School from Dix Hills, NY
Head Coach: Jared Grasso (401) 767 0574
2025-26 game schedule and results
Chase Beasley (2026) 6’4 wing - Beasley starred in his high school career at NYC PSAL powerhouse, Eagle Academy-Brooklyn. He is super skilled with the ball, bouncy, and he shoots it well. He can play on or off the ball. Has been offered by Caldwell. RTB profile
U’Mier Graham (2026) 6’9 small forward - From Albany, NY, Graham is a skilled forward with an elite motor. He can score it inside and step out to make 3’s. He is a good athlete whose perimeter skills are continuing to blossom. He is currently being recruiting by multiple schools, including Western Carolina, Central Connecticut State, SUNY-Binghamton and La Salle. RTB profile
Chris Eldredge (2026) 6’3 guard - 2024-25 Empire 8 Prep League Second Team. From McLean, VA, Eldredge is an elite 3 point shooter with range out to 28 feet. He can shoot it off the catch or the bounce. He handles it well enough to play some point. He will have Ivy League, Patriot League recruitment. 3.7 gpa RTB profile
Diing Maiwen (2026) 6’6 wing - From Auburn, ME, where Mawien was ranked by The New England Recruiting Report as Maine’s #1 prospect, before reclassing as a post grad. He is a freakishly athletic wing with great length. He is a good catch-n-shoot guy from 3. He can attack close outs and get to the rim. He can also defend 1-4. Has received D1 offers from Manhattan, Tennessee State and is getting heavy interest from Monmouth. RTB profile
Brandon Varlack (2026) 5’11 point guard - 2025 ZG National Finals Standout. 2024-25 All State New York. From Dix Hills, NY, Varlack is a smooth point guard who is at his best in transition. He does a great job changing pace and keeping defenders off balance. He is also a terrific on-ball defender who will defend 94 feet. Has received multiple D2 offers. RTB profile
Rob Phelps Jr. (2026) 6’5 wing - 2025 Big Apple Report All Tri State Area Team. From Far Rockaway, NY, Phelps is a lefty wing who is wired to score. He has good speed and is at his best in attacking close outs. He is crafty with ball and can create his own shot. He makes jumpers from mid-range and from 3. Has been offered by Monmouth. RTB profile
Kamryn Salters (2026) 6’3 guard - 2024-25 Connecticut Coaches All State Team. From Norwalk, CT, Salters is a strong, smart combo guard who can score at all 3 levels. He is a crafty finisher who can score it through contact. He has a college-ready body. RTB profile
Jordan King (2026) 6’6 wing - From Brooklyn, NY, King is a skilled wing player with great upside. He is a tough shot maker with good stroke beyond the 3 point line. He is a good athlete who finishes above the rim. Has been offered by Holy Family and Molloy College. RTB profile
Freddie Crawford III (2026) 6’1 guard - From Northridge, CA, Crawford is a lefty combo guard with great stroke. He plays a clean game and makes teammates better. High academic. RTB profile
Dell Mance (2026) 6’4 wing - From West Babylon, NY, Mance is a talented wing who can score at all 3 levels. He has a great nose for the ball and is a terrific rebounding guard. RTB profile
Malik Gasper (2026) 6’8 small forward - 2024-25 LoHud Westchester/Putnam Player of the Year. NY State Sports Writers Assoc All State Class AAA, Third Team. From New Rochelle, NY, Gasper is a skilled forward who can play inside and out. He is a fluid athlete who will block shots. Tremendous upside. RTB profile
Nadon Dean (2026) 6’3 wing - From Brooklyn, NY, Dean has a great motor. He is a tough kid who will not back down from anyone. He is a capable 3 point shooter.
Maksym Shepel (2026) 6’8 forward, - Ukranian National 18u Team. From Ukraine, Sheppel is a skilled post player who can step out to 3. He is a fluid runner who excels in transition. Good passer. Has been offered by Molloy College. 3.9 gpa RTB profile
Alex Baumbach (2026) 6’0 guard - From Sayville, NY, Baumbach is a sniper who can really get it going from 3. He is a great spot up shooter with deep range.
Amon Innis (2026) 5’10 guard - From Holbrook, NY, Innis is a quick and crafty combo guard. He has good speed with ball and gets to his spots.
Ahmad Giles (2027) 6’1 point guard - 2024-25 Long Island All Sophomore Team. From Amityville, NY, Giles is the only underclassmen in the roster. He is a skilled scoring point guard who is very good with ball in his hands. He makes 3’s and mid-range jumpers. His frame starting to fill out, which means his best basketball is ahead of him. RTB profile
Prestige Prep Academy from Linden, NJ
Head Coach: Branden Ceaser. (908) 922-5067
Director: Cas Wade (908) 361 5032
2025-26 game schedule and results
Noah Moses (2026) 6'6 small forward - Moses has a uber athletic, strong and lean body. He gets downhill and can finish at the rim with thunderous dunks or finish with either hand. He has a good mid-range game, rebounds well and can guard 4 positions.
Mark Davis (2026) 6'5 small forward - Davis is an athletic forward that can play inside or out. He can knock down 3's ala a stretch 4. He is a good rebounder, a good defender and can pass the ball well.
Jarrett Rivera (2026) 6'1 combo guard - Rivera is a knock down shooter that scores in bunches. He can get to the basket and finish with either hand and he can make plays for others. He pays rough and tough, and he defends at a high level.
Carmine Cordones (2026) 6'4 shooting guard - Cordones is a knockdown shooter that can also get to the basket. He plays very hard, plays defense and is a good passer.
King James (2026) 5'11 point guard - James is a great facilitator who sets the table so everyone can eat. He gets to the basket and finishes with either hand. He is a good mid-range shooter. He is also a scrappy defender.
Jace Scott (2026) 5'11 point guard - Scott is a defensive minded player. However, he also knocks down shots and gets to the basket. He make plays for others, plays hard and is a good foul shooter.
Bangley Bility (2026) 6'7 forward - Bility is uber athletic, and a great rebounder. He plays inside and out, with the ability to score in the post or get to basket off the bounce. Bility is also a good shot blocker.
Shots with Patience Prep from Long Island, NY
Head Coach: Andre Edwards (631) 681 4949
2025-26 game schedule and results
Joel Beard (2026) 6’4 small forward - From Canarsie Educational in Brooklyn, Beard brings unmatched strength and grit. A true two-way threat, he lives in the paint, bullies defenders, and never takes a possession off. He’s the heart of the hustle. He rebounds very well for his size, a walking double-double. RTB profile
Jayden Brister (2026) 6’3 guard - From John Bowne High in Queens, Brister is a smooth bucket-getter — crafty, composed, and confident. A three-level scorer with natural feel,hen adds balance and scoring punch on any lineup. RTB profile
Jaire Conner (2026) 6’0 guard - From Bushwick Leaders High in Brooklyn, Conner is a zone buster with his pure shooting stroke. He is also tough in the open floor and brings the kind of length and energy that changes games. His skillset and mentality fit right into the SWC style of play.
Raymond Gillespie (2026) 6’5 wing - Gillespie brings size, versatility and toughness. An athletic wing that can stretch the floor, rebound and guard multiple positions. He can play the 2, 3 or 4, attacking the basket strongly or creating for others with his passing ability. Gillespie will be a major piece for SWP. RTB profile
Josh Hall (2026) 6’8 forward - From Franklin K. Lane High in Brooklyn, Hall brings size and toughness on the interior while also stretching the floor with his perimeter game. He is more than just a big body. He is a high-character young man who embodies what it means to be a great teammate.
Khaleel Mitchell (2026) 6’4 point guard - A returner from last year’s SWC team, Mitchell is a high-IQ floor general who controls pace, makes winning plays, and leads without needing to say much. His bounce, court vision, and calm-under-pressure game elevate the team instantly. RTB profile
Emmanuel “Manny” Pascual (2026) 6’3 guard - From of Franklin K. Lane High in Brooklyn, Pascual brings toughness, and a relentless work ethic that fits perfectly into the SWP culture.
Daevion Sandoval (2026) 5’8 point guard - This fast and strong guard controls the game with speed, strength and IQ. A relentless on-ball defender, Sandoval can stretch the floor with the deep ball, create paint touches and finish tough at the rack. He brings toughness, versatility and another dynamic option to the SWP backcourt.
Jerimiah Webb (2026) 5’10 point guard - 2024-25 NY State Sports Writers Assoc All State Class AA, Second Team. 2024-25 Newsday All Long Island First Team. 2024-25 LI Sports Fanatic Long Island MVP. From Wyandanch High, this past winter season, Webb was one of Long Island’s top scorers, averaging 20.2 PPG and surpassing 1,000 career points. Webb lit up the court with big-time performances. He is a “Heart Over Height” crafty point guard who has a great feel for the game and makes players around him better. RTB profile
St Albans Prep from Queens, NY
Head Coach: Kaamil Dillard (347) 894 7705
Assistant Coach: Isaac Sanders (631) 838 4018
Assistant Coach: Mega Milton (917) 733 3127
2025-26 game schedule and results
Noel Acosta (2026) 6’3 wing - Acosta is a player who is eager to contribute to a team. He embodies the spirit of hard work and commitment. He is determined to earn his place in the rotation.
Elvis Asare Jr. (2026) 6’5 small forward - From Truman High, Bronx, NY. 2024-25 NYC PSAL 3A 1st Team. Asare consistently exhibits effort on both ends of the court, demonstrating his dedication particularly on the defensive side. He sets a strong tone from the very beginning of the game, contributing significantly as a solid post player and fulfilling his role for the Spartans. RTB profile
Daniel Chauvin III (2026) 5’10 point guard - Despite being perceived as an undersized guard from Lower Manhattan, Chauvin has truly stepped up his game. It's evident that he is embracing and trusting the system implemented by St. Albans. Moreover, his defensive skills have significantly improved, showcasing his dedication to becoming a more formidable player. In addition to his individual performance, Chauvin has been embodying strong leadership qualities, guiding his teammates by example and fostering a collaborative environment. Given his transformation, he could become a pivotal player for any college program at the next level.
Moussa Diaby (2026) 6’3 guard - An exceptional talent that should attract scouts this upcoming prep season. Diaby's impressive ability to rebound the basketball sets him apart. His hard work has also resulted in a noticeable improvement in his jump shot during his time with the Spartans. The St Alban's coaches believe that he possesses the skills and work ethic that every junior college coach would wish to recruit.
Diafarou "Jafar" Diakhaby (2026) 6’5 guard - 2024-25 Empire 8 Honorable Mention. Diakhaby is still in the process of adjusting to a new system and the pace of the game. Look for a mid-season breakout from this talented player.
Daniel Prince (2026) 6’7 small forward - A wiry wing with a smooth game. As Prince steps into a more significant role this upcoming season, his ability to score at all three levels is increasingly evident. He has not only developed a respectable postgame but has also shown impressive versatility on the court. His contributions will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the team's success this season.
Chancellor Tillman (2026) 6’1 guard - 2024-25 All Queens 4A Second Team. Tillman has a relentless motor and gritty mindset towards defense. He not only excels on the defensive end but also approaches offensive plays with aggressive intent, especially when driving to the rim. RTB profile
Deshawn Watkins (2026) 6’2 guard - Watkins, who has had an impressive preseason following his breakout senior year at Riverhead High, where he averaged 16.1 ppg and 8.5 rpg. His performance has been nothing short of stellar, particularly in recent games where he has demonstrated his capability by scoring over 30 points in consecutive outings. Watkins is not just excelling statistically, but he is also becoming the focal point of St.Albans Prep game strategy, with many plays and sets being tailored to his play style. He has the ability to be efficient on the court with minimal dribbles. RTB profile
Suleman Abdulrahman (2027) 6’4 wing - Abdulrahman has exceptional potential as an impact player, consistently shown dedication by giving 100% effort on the court.
Jacob Nazzario (2027) 6’3 guard - Nazzario holds significant potential for his development, as the coaching staff aims to provide him with invaluable mentorship under veteran players who have a wealth of experience and game repetition.
John Michael Serevino (2027) 5'11 guard - Servino is an underclassman who will be working closely with lead guard Daniel Chauvin III this upcoming season. As he prepares to step into the role of backup at the 1 position, he is eager to demonstrate his ability to lead the team effectively while putting his teammates in optimal positions to succeed.