Rising Stars Showcase Hidden Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>By Josh Ebrahim</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4-26-26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New York City's top basketball talents took the floor at the Rising Stars Showcase in Queens, NY. The event brought together some of the city's best players, competing at a high level and showcasing their ability on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a competitive atmosphere throughout, the showcase provided a glimpse at the next wave of talent ready to make an impact next season and at the next level. From elite scorers to versatile playmakers and defensive standouts, the future of basketball in New York City was on full display.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1826334' first='Tiana' last='Thompson']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Mary's","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ddb8c138306"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson is a LaSalle commit who excels in many areas. She is confident both on and off the ball, showing a nice touch around the basket. She can put the ball on the floor, find openings, and get to the rim. She has an elite handle, can beat defenders, and consistently finds ways to score. She is very athletic and possesses great footwork that should translate well on both ends at the next level. She uses stop-and-go moves effectively, finishes with a one-handed scoop layup, and displays strong shiftiness and athleticism. She has a reliable crossover, loves to run in transition, and creates turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1104794"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ddb8c138376"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Challenor is a combo guard with an elite handle and the ability to slash to the basket. She was the top scorer in the PSAL this season across all divisions. She can play on or off the ball and create her own shot. She favors the pull-up mid-range jumper and looks to facilitate when defenses collapse. She is fearless with the ball in her hands and can beat defenders one-on-one. She plays with high energy on defense, disrupts passing lanes, and turns defense into offense. As she gains more confidence at the next level, she should continue to expand her impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260589"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ddba4cb2d10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas is a Quinnipiac commit who will look to take the next step in her development in New York. She has good size, a high IQ, and a strong understanding of the game. She can shoot the ball and get to her spots efficiently. She thrives in the mid-range with her pull-up game and can slash to the basket with ease. She has an elite handle and change of direction, can absorb and initiate contact, and creates space well. Her shot mechanics are smooth and fluid, allowing her to score from all three levels. She also has elite passing ability, consistently setting up teammates for easy baskets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137275"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ddba4cb2d9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zapata is a bruising forward heading to Coppin State. She had a strong senior season and continued to develop her game as she prepares for the next level. She operates primarily out of the low and high post, showing good footwork and a nice touch around the basket. She runs the floor well with the pace of the Nazareth guards and looks to get rewarded in transition. She is dominant on the boards on both ends and can be a difference-maker defensively, protecting the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1826131"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ddba4cb2e13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Simpson was one of the most prolific scorers in the history of PSAL basketball, and she didn't disappoint. She lit it up this season with several monster performances, including a 60+ point game in the PSAL semifinals. She is an elite shooter, both off the catch and when the ball is in her hands. A true team player and leader, she makes whatever plays are needed to help her team win. She thrives in isolation situations, where she can get to her spot and score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->