Newsday's Top 100 boys basketball players on Long Island for the 2022-23 season
Newsday's annual list of the top 100 high school boys basketball players across Long Island for the 2022-23 season, listed in alphabetical order.
Syosset, 6-0, G, Jr.
AbuSaab was the starting point guard for the country of Jordan’s U16 national team this past summer. He becomes a full-time starter after a strong finish to last season when the team made it to the Nassau Class AA semifinals and went 20-1. He’s aggressive and can score and defend.
Bay Shore, 5-11, G, Sr.
Adderley can play both guard positions and comes off a season in which he averaged 14.6 points and made 42 three-pointers. “He plays with a high IQ and he plays hard,” coach Kenny Parham said.
Port Washington, 6-1, G, Jr.
Amalfitano was the team’s go-to player as a sophomore, leading in scoring at 15.1 points per game and averaging 4.1 rebounds and one steal. The shooting guard can make threes and finish around the basket.
Clockwise, from top left: AJ Abusaab of Syosset, Terrell Adderley of Bay Shore, KJ Anderson of Ward Melville, Tommie Braxton of Longwood, Samir Bell of Bellport, Caleb Aurelien of St. Anthony's, Trevor Amalfitano of Port Washington.
Farmingdale, 6-6, F, Jr.
A transfer from Ward Melville, Anderson can play both forward spots but is more of a power forward. Coach Jim Pastier described him as a player with a presence down low but can play an inside and outside game, and has good court vision.
St. Anthony’s, 6-3, G, Sr.
Aurelien is the Friars’ best defender, top returning scorer (8.8 ppg.) and lone returning starter. The fundamentally sound Swarthmore commit is strong at the free-throw line, too.
Bellport, 5-8, G, Sr.
The Clippers are taking a jump this year to League II, and Bell will be leading them at point guard. He averaged 14 points last season.
Longwood, 6-1, G, Sr.
Braxton consistently closed games out for Longwood last season, draining multiple game-winning baskets. He averaged 12 points, often creating his own shot.
Baldwin, 6-3, F, Sr.
He is an athletic player with a great three-point touch who also can to the rim. He averaged eight points off the bench for the reigning Long Island AA champ.
Buckley was a critical contributor in Manhasset’s run to the Class A state championship, averaging 13.1 points and nine rebounds. He is a physical and relentless competitor.
Central Islip, 6-1, G, Jr.
Bumpers is a quick guard with the ability to finish strong at the rim. He’s a floor spacer who led Central Islip in three-pointers a season ago.
Top row, from left: Jaylen Brown of Baldwin, Liam Buckley of Manhasset, Tashawn Bumpers of Central Islip. Middle row, from left: Patrick Burke of Smithtown West, Jaiden Butts of Central Islip, Brendan Carr of Northport. Bottom row, from left: Ryan Connolly of Floral Park, Liam Connor of Manhasset, Luke Cronin of Great Neck North.
Smithtown West, 6-8, F, Sr.
The Adelphi commit was a Newsday All-Long Island first team selection a season ago after averaging 20 points, 14.3 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 2.9 assists.
Central Islip, 6-7, F, Sr.
Butts is an athletic lefthander who can finish above the rim and shoot from distance. He is a strong rim protector with great shot-blocking ability.
Sayville, 6-1, F, Jr.
Carmody is a skilled offensive player with a tough shot to block, which helped him average 10.7 points last season. He was named the League V Rookie of the Year last season He also averaged five rebounds.
Northport, 6-3, G, Sr.
Carr has an excellent three-point touch but can also score in a variety of other ways. The second-year starter averaged 18 points.
Connetquot, 5-9, G, Sr.
Catalano doesn’t have the height advantage that his four 6-2-plus teammates have, but he’s the outright leader of the squad. He’s entering his third year on varsity after averaging 9.6 points and four assists. He will play at St. Joseph’s (LI) next year.
Floral Park, 5-11, G, Jr.
The second-year starter has the ability to play fast, spread the floor and knock down shots from the perimeter.
Manhasset, 6-4, F/G, Sr.
Connor was a Newsday All-Long Island first-teamer after averaging 17.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals as Manhasset captured the Class A state championship. He’s a lacrosse commit to Colgate.
Great Neck North, 6-8, F, Sr.
Cronin averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks last season. He has committed to George Washington.
Patchogue-Medford, 6-0, G, Sr.
Deabreu had a strong junior season averaging 17 points and six assists.
Chaminade, 5-11, G, Sr.
A Newsday All-Long Island second team selection, DeBusschere averaged 15.1 points while making 50.2% of his shots. He also averaged four rebounds and 2.5 assists for a Flyers team that reached the CHSAA title game.
From left: Dave DeBusschere of Chaminade, Marquese Dennis of Brentwood, Drew Feinstein of Mt. Sinai.
Holy Trinity, 6-1, G, Sr.
Defalco was the sixth man on last season's CHSAA championship team. A strong slasher with an improved jumper, Defalco could be the go-to guy for the Titans.
Brentwood, 6-4, G, Jr.
Dennis is an athletic and versatile scorer who can attack the rim and shoot it from behind the arc.
Clarke, 5-9, G, Sr.
De Simone is crafty in the lane and averaged 14.3 points last season. The third-year varsity starter was the focal point of most opposing defenses.
East Meadow, 6-6, G, Sr.
Destefano averaged 15 points last season. Coach Tom Rottkamp labels the shooting guard as “a pure shooter” and a player who can score from inside or outside.
Bethpage, 5-11, G, Jr.
A strong outside shooter with the ability to get to the rim, Diaz averaged 13.6 points and 3.2 assists last season.
Port Jefferson, 6-5, F, Sr.
Dickhuth is an athletic player who can impact the game at both ends of the floor. He averaged 14 points and eight rebounds last season.
Long Island Lutheran, 6-4, G, Jr.
Edgecombe’s arrival brings even more athleticism to the Crusaders. A great transition player with a solid three-point shot and a passion for defense.
Syosset, 5-9, G, Sr.
Eisenberg was a part-time starter last season who showed a smooth outside touch with 33 threes. The shooting guard and third-year varsity player is being counted on for more on the offensive end and is expected to provide his tough defense.
Long Island Lutheran, 6-11, F, Jr.
Erheriene is an athletic big man with a passion for crashing the boards and blocking shots. The Nigerian import also is a capable scorer, either with his back to the basket or facing up. He’s a potential high-major recruit.
Sachem East, 6-6, F, Sr.
Crafty in the post, Esposito averaged 14 points and nine rebounds last season.
Mount Sinai, 6-3, G, Sr.
Feinstein does it all, and the stat sheet proves it. He averaged 24.3 points, nine rebounds and 3.5 assists as a junior. He has scored more than 1,300 points.
Portledge, 6-4, G, Sr.
Follett becomes the go-to scorer after the graduation of Newsday Player of the Year Zaire Baines. Follett averaged 17.6 points last season and is as dangerous on the drive as he is from the arc.
Hicksville, 6-2, G, Sr.
Fortuno is an “athletic combo guard who can score from anywhere and guard multiple positions,” coach Frank LoCascio said. The second-year starter and captain averaged 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds.
Glenn, 6-3, G, Sr.
Franzese averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and four assists as the primary ballhandler last season.
Kings Park, 6-3, G, Sr.
Garside averaged 20.4 points and earned Newsday All-Long Island first team honors a season ago as he led Kings Park to the Suffolk Class A championship. He already has a 40-point game this season.
Clockwise, from top left: Anthony Follett of Portledge, Matty Garside of Kings Park, Marcus Harris of Wyandanch, Nate Gordon of Deer Park.
Commack, 6-2, G, Sr.
The Hartwick commit is a third-year varsity player who averaged 17 pointse and made 67 three-pointers last season.
Deer Park, 6-2, F, Sr.
Gordon helped the Falcons win their league and reach the Suffolk A final by averaging a double-double — 13.8 points and 10 rebounds. He’s a scorer who can drive, hit pull-up jumpers and make threes.
Wyandanch, F, 6-4, Sr.
Harris averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks last season.
Valley Stream North, 5-10, G, Jr.
Harrison returns after spending last season at Christ the King. He is a talented guard who can shoot and has an exceptional basketball IQ. Look for him to orchestrate the Spartans’ offense.
Smithtown East, 6-0, G, Jr.
Haug starred for the varsity last season when he averaged 14 points. He’s now taller and stronger for a team that has moved up into League II.
Babylon, 6-1, G, Sr.
Hoffman is a four-year starter who averaged 15 points per game a season ago.
Greenport, 6-5, F/C, Sr.
Horton is an athletic, high-rising big man who has moved into the role of go-to scorer as the Porters shape up to be very competitive after a move to Class D.
East Rockaway, 5-11, G, Sr.
Hyland, a key contributor on the 2020 Long Island Class C championship team, is beginning his fourth year on the varsity and third as a starter after having improved his average from 12 points as a sophomore to 16 as a junior. Coach Paul Collins labels him as a leader and a very intelligent player who “can play on the break and in the half court.”
Calhoun, 6-0, G, Sr.
This point guard averaged 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The third-year starter, in the view of coach Jay Kreutzberger, is a playmaker and a physical player who handles pressure well.
Mepham, 6-5, F/C, Jr.
Kehoe, who averaged 12 points and eight rebounds, should make a big impact at both ends with his size and versatility. Coach Bob Kaible cited the second-year starter’s ability to score from all over as well as block shots and protect the rim.
Floyd, 5-7, G, So.
Entering his third season on varsity, King is a top three-point shooter as well as a floor general. He averaged 11 points and four assists as a freshman.
Sachem East, 6-4, F, Sr.
Kozlowski has the ability to penetrate off the dribble but also knock down three-pointers. He averaged nine points and five rebounds last season. He slots next to teammate AJ Esposito to form a strong interior presence.
Sachem North, 6-0, G, Sr.
Lally has established himself as a top guard in Suffolk after averaging 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals as a junior. Lally will play at St. Joseph’s (LI) next year.
Clockwise, from top left: Justus Horton of Greenport, Chris Lally of Sachem North, Malachi Moore of Copiague, Caden Morra of Plainedge, Logan Mott of Friends Academy, Jermaine King of Floyd.
Longwood, 6-1, G/F, Sr.
Lamont’s strengths are energy and defense. He plays with intensity, which forces turnovers and creates havoc for opposing players. He averaged 11 points as a junior.
Wantagh, 6-4, F, Sr.
Lester averaged 12.5 points, nine rebounds and three blocks last season. His shot-blocking also makes him a crucial piece of the defense.
Westhampton, 6-1, G, Sr.
McCormack is entering his second year as a varsity starter and serves as a great team leader. He averaged 13 points last season.
West Babylon, 6-0, G, Sr.
McGuire averaged 13 points and scored 23 in a playoff win over Harborfields a season ago.
Long Island Lutheran, 6-8, F, Jr.
Michael is a relentless rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. The import from the United Kingdom is also a good finisher at the rim.
Copiague, 6-3, G, Sr.
Moore is a five-year varsity starter who averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. He scored his 1,000th career point last season.
Plainedge, 5-10, G, Sr.
An athletic four-year starter, Morra averaged 14.3 points last season, including 31 in a win over Lynbrook. He will play lacrosse at Cortland next year.
Comsewogue, 6-3, PG, Sr.
Morris-Gray hit11 threes and scored 49 points in a win over Floyd in the second game of this season. He averaged 15 points, five assists and three steals and totaled 44 three-pointers last season.
Friends Academy, 6-4, G, Sr.
Mott, who has the capability of scoring from all over the court, averaged 10 points and eight rebounds and stood out guarding the top opposing player on the team’s run to the Class B state final last season. He is committed to Holy Cross for track and field.
South Side, 6-2, G, Sr.
With a great set of tools, including a strong outside shot and finishing potential at the rim, Murphy averaged 10 points, six rebounds and three assists to help the Cyclones reach the Nassau Class A semifinals last season.
Long Island Lutheran, 6-10, F, Sr.
A high-rising, athletic big man who can run the floor, Ndiaye excels at protecting the rim and is capable of stretching a defense with his three-point range.
Manhasset, 5-10, G, Jr.
Notias averaged 6.4 points last season, but emerged as an essential cog in Manhasset’s run to the Class A state championship. He averaged 9.4 points in seven postseason games.
Top row, from left: James Murphy of South Side, James Notias of Manhasset, Dominic Obukwelu of Valley Stream North. Middle row, from left: Joshua Petion of Baldwin, Malachi Polson of Friends Academy, Emmett Radziul of Northport. Bottom row, from left: Derek Reed of Southampton, Jayden Reid of Long Island Lutheran, Jesse Roggendorf of Great Neck South.
Valley Stream North, 6-3, G, Jr.
Obukwelu is a two-way player who is an accurate shooter and has a major impact on defense. Last season, Obukwelu averaged 10 points, including a 19-point game in the Nassau Class A semifinals against Garden City.
Stony Brook School, 6-7, F/G, Sr.
Onana Awana transferred in from the NBA Academy in Senegal in the fall, and the Cameroon import gives the Bears a considerable weapon who can score both on the interior and from three-point range.
Islip, 5-11, G, Sr.
Oztimurlenk is a combo guard who sank 43 three-pointers and averaged 10.1 points a season ago. . He opened this season by combining for six threes and 34 points over two games at the Anil John Tip-Off Classic and being named tournament MVP.
Mount Sinai, 6-2, G/F, So.
Pennzello was the League VI Rookie of the Year after averaging 12 points and six rebounds.
Hampton Bays, 6-5, G/F, Sr.
Pensa-Johnson averaged 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three 3 steals. The captain can stretch the floor as well as attack the rim.
South Side, 6-3, F, Sr.
Perciolosi averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds and three steals as the Cyclones reached the Nassau Class A semifinals.
Baldwin, 6-2, F, Sr.
Petion averaged 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals for a team that won the Long Island Class AA championship, set a program record with 22 wins and fell in the state semifinals. The lone returning starter is described by coach Darius Burton as an “athletic, undersized big” with the ability to pass, rebound and defend all five positions.
Hempstead, 6-3, F, Sr.
Pink averaged 12 points, six rebounds and three assists. Coach Jared Weir believes he’s a big who can handle the ball, calling him an “extremely versatile” player who "will be a matchup nightmare for many teams."
Friends Academy, 6-0, G, Sr.
The point guard averaged 12.5 points, seven assists and five rebounds in helping Friends reach the Class B state final. Coach Matt Johnsen praised the second-year starter’s ability to get to the rim and finish, his court vision during those drives, his defense and his leadership.
Northport, 5-11, G, Sr.
Radziul is a captain who averaged seven points per game a season ago and orchestrated the offense. He will take on a bigger offensive role this season. He opened the season with a 25-point game that included seven threes.
Southampton, 6-0, PG, Sr.
Reed is strong on both sides of the ball as the point guard showed last season when he averaged 20 points, seven assists and four steals and made All-Long Island second team. The third-year varsity starter helped his team claim league and Suffolk Class BCD titles last season.
Long Island Lutheran, 5-11, G, Sr.
The Westbury product and returning Newsday All-Long Island first-teamer averaged 17.6 points, 3.8 assists and three rebounds. A big-game player with a fearless style.
East Islip, 6-1, G, Sr.
Rodriguez averaged 19 points a season ago, including 31-point games against Eastport-South Manor and Westhampton.
Great Neck South, 6-0, G, So.
Roggendorf has grown about 3 inches from last season when he averaged 14 points and four assists. He offers a big three-point threat, hitting on 60% of his shots as a freshman starter and nailing five threes on the way to 27 points in his sophomore opener.
Long Island Lutheran, 6-8, F, Sr.
The UConn commit can burn defenders with an accurate three-point shot or take them in the low post. The Maryland native is also a nuisance on defense with his length and tenacity.
Bay Shore, 6-foot, G, Sr.
Samuda is the team’s top returning scorer after averaging 14.9 points last season. The third-year starter made 52 three-pointers and can stretch a defense.
From left: Michael Samuda of Bay Shore, Christian Smiley of Amityville, Jakkai Stith of Hempstead.
West Babylon, 6-7, C, Sr.
Schwartz is a strong rebounder who averaged a double-double a season ago, with 12 points and 17 rebounds per game.
Pierson, 6-4, F, Jr.
Seltzer has spent the past two years in Ireland, but he will play a big role this season for Pierson after a summer in which he played for the Irish National U16 team.
Mount Sinai, 5-11, PG, Sr.
Shechter, a fourth-year varsity starter, is coming off a season in which he averaged 15 points and 5.5 assists.
Lynbrook, 6-0, G, Sr.
Sherman-Murphy averaged 10.8 points, five rebounds and five assists last season. The third-year starter is a dynamic player who can score both inside and outside the paint.
East Meadow, 6-3, F, Sr.
Singh has good shooting range, and coach Tom Rottkamp also sees a “knack for offensive rebounding.” The small forward averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Amityville, 6-4, F, Jr.
Smiley averaged 15 points last season. He is a high flier who can play all five positions.
Herricks, 6-0, G, Sr.
The fifth-year varsity point guard has shown passing prowess and the “ability to knock down big shots,” according to coach Tom Kinsella. Sosnik averaged 12.2 points and 2.4 assists
Hempstead, 6-1, G, Sr.
The fourth-year varsity starter brings his scoring touch, court vision and leadership Stith averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Bay Shore, 6-4, G, Sr.
Swinson is a new addition to an already strong Marauders team. He uses his size and athleticism to get to the basket but also can be an outside threat.
North Shore, 6-5, F, Jr.
Triantafyllou is a third-year starter who averaged 12.3 points, eight rebounds and two blocks last season. He helped North Shore win the program’s first conference title in 30 years.
Malverne, 6-4, G/F, Sr.
Ulysse averaged 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists last season. The third-year varsity player has been praised for his shooting ability, including his three-point touch from the head of the key and the corners, and his ability to handle the ball. Ulysse is being counted on for even more rebounding.
Clockwise, from top left: Farvens Ulysse of Malverne, Leonidas Vlogianitis of Garden City, Fabian Wheatley of St. Dominic, Maksim Vukcevic of Knox.
Jericho, 6-1, G, Sr.
Varghese averaged 15.5 points last season. Coach Wally Bachman praised the combo guard’s three-point shooting and his “outstanding ballhandling,” and believes he’s “one of the quickest guards I’ve ever had at Jericho.”
Garden City, 6-2, G, Sr.
Vlogianitis averaged 15 points – and made 43 three-pointers – as the Trojans made a run to the Nassau Class A title game.
Knox School, 6-3, G, Sr.
First-year coach Navro Allen said, “He’s a strong offensive player who can score it on all three levels.” The Serbian import is also a strong defender.
North Babylon, 5-10, G, Sr.
Washington is a three-level scorer and strong defender who averaged 17 points, four assists and three steals a season ago.
Port Washington, 5-10, G, Sr.
Welker averaged seven points and four rebounds last season. He should be more of a scoring factor this season. Coach Sean Dooley believes the third-year varsity player has “matured both physically and as a player,” and he can get to the rim and finish or score from midrange or from beyond the arc.
St. Dominic, 5-10, G, Jr.
Wheatley has all the qualities one wants in a point guard — capable of slashing to the basket or pulling up for a jumper, and a mind to involve everyone in the offense.
Glen Cove 5-10, G, Sr.
Wheeler scored in double figures in every game last season en route to averaging 17.7 points along with six assists.
Southampton, 6-2, G, So.
Williams averaged 14 points as a freshman. He forms a strong backcourt with Derek Reed.
St. John the Baptist, 6-0, G/F, Jr.
Williams struggled with injuries last season but still averaged 11 points and is the top returning scorer on a young team that reached the CHSAA semifinals.
St. John the Baptist, 5-9, G, So.
Wilson was promoted around midseason last season and emerged as the starting point guard. He averaged 9.4 points. “He runs the show with a very cerebral game," Coach Jake Ellis said.
From left: Carter Wilson of St. John the Baptist, Bradley Wyckoff of Chaminade, Marcus Wynter of Harborfields.
Half Hollow Hills West, 6-6, F, Sr.
Wilson is a three-year starter who averaged 25 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks a season ago.
Chaminade, 6-4, G/F, Sr.
Wyckoff moved from the front line to point guard and is called by Flyers coach Dan Feeney “the most irreplaceable guy on the team.” He gives a little bit of everything — scoring, passing and rebounding.
Harborfields, 5-9, G, Sr.
Wynter can score and get teammates involved. The third-year starter averaged 12.5 points and 5.5 assists a season ago. Wynter nailed five threes on the way to scoring 40 this season in a win over Calhoun.
