Brooklyn may not have won a citywide boys’ hoops championship this season, but the borough was still home to some of city’s best squads.
Xaverian reached its first diocesan final since 2010 and first Catholic city championship game since 2005, but fell to Christ the King both times. Thomas Jefferson, which won the borough crown, failed to earn a berth in a third consecutive Public School Athletic League Class AA championship game after falling to eventual state Federation winner Wings Academy in the semifinals.
An inexperienced club still kept Lincoln among the city’s elite teams, but Boys & Girls upset the Railsplitters to reach the semifinals. Bedford Academy was again among the top Class A programs.
All these great teams produced plenty of top players. Here are the ones we picked as the best in Brooklyn:
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year: Shamorie Ponds, Thomas Jefferson
The explosive junior took the next step in his career this year. Ponds became the Orange Wave’s leader and go-to scorer. He averaged 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists per contest. The lanky wing scored in bunches, at the rim, and from the outside. Ponds’s best game was a 37-point night in an early season win over Lincoln.
All-Brooklyn Boy’s Basketball Coach of the Year: Jack Alesi, Xaverian
Xaverian had one of the best seasons in program history despite not having a true star. Much if that success can be attributed to the confidence, continuity and unselfishness Alesi got out of his players. His Clippers tied a school record for wins with 22, and reached the diocesan and city title games.
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Basketball First Team
Forward Sayon Charles Xaverian
The senior was a relentless competitor. Charles’s motor kept him constantly attacking the basket and the glass. He was the Clippers’ most consistent playoff performer and averaged 12 points in the regular season. Charles had 19 points and nine boards in the semifinals against Iona Prep.
Guard Gianni Ford, Boys & Girls
Ford was the engine to a relentless Kangaroos team. The dynamic guard was a handful for opponents. He averaged 19.7 points and 6.5 assists during the regular season. The junior dropped in 17 points to help upset Lincoln in the quarterfinals.
Forward Najee Larcher, Xaverian
Larcher gave everyone a good look at the quality player he’s matured into. The senior was a shot-blocking threat on defense and has a great shooting touch around the hoop. Larcher, who averaged 13.2 points a contest, could quickly change the momentum of a game.
Guard Jaquan McKennon, Thomas Jefferson
The senior proved he is among the elite guards in New York City. McKennon’s strength and speed make him a tough cover and a lockdown defender. He pushed his scoring average up from 10 to 17 points in the postseason and dished out six assists per contest.
Forwards Jahlil Tripp, Abraham Lincoln
Tripp returned to form after an injury-plagued season last year. He was Lincoln’s most consistent performer and a double-double threat each time he took the floor. Tripp averaged 17 points and 11.5 rebounds, while making some of the biggest plays of the year.
All-Brooklyn Boys’ Basketball Second Team
Forward Eziekel Charles, Abraham Lincoln
The senior provided plenty of leadership and one of the city’s best jumpers to the Railsplitters. Charles averaged 12 points and nine rebounds a contest.
Guard Doyin Isaac, Xaverian
Isaac was one of the quickest and smartest guards with the ball in his hands. The senior averaged 13.2 points per contest and made sure each of the Clippers’ talented pieces got involved.
Center Cori Johnson, South Shore
There were few big men who could impose their will like Johnson. The senior averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per contest to help keep the Vikings among Brooklyn’s top clubs.
Forward Jaquan Lightfoot, Boys & Girls
Lighfoot was an unsung hero of the Kangroos’ playoff run. His play inside complemented Boys & Girls guards. The junior averaged a double-double and had 13 points and 14 boards against Lincoln.
Guard Gerald Williams, Westinghouse
The junior was Westhinghouse’s unquestioned lead and a dual threat on the court. Williams averaged 17 points and 12 boards a contest for one of the city’s up-and-coming programs.
Honorable Mention
Guard Tyler Bourne, Abraham Lincoln
Forward Jimmy Council, Berkeley Carroll
Forward Rasheem Dunn, Thomas Jefferson
Forward Craig McKenzie, Brooklyn Collegiate
Guard Anthony Munson: Bedford Academy
Guard Cheyenne Nettleton, South Shore
Forward Ian Roach, Bedford Academy
Forward Najee Taylor, Poly Prep
Forward Jordan Thomas, Bishop Loughlin
Guard Keith Williams, Bishop Loughlin
