Basketball Spotlight took a drive up to Wayne, NJ to check out the Student Athlete Academy Evaluation Day. This event gave the S/A players the opportunity to play and showcase their skills in front of several scouts. Here’s a look at some of the top players we saw in Wayne, NJ.
Student Athlete Academy Evaluation Day Top Performers
Class of 2025
Shawn Spencer Guard (Norwood, NJ)- Spencer was the most talented floor general in attendance. He plays the game with grace and confidence. He glided to the hole for buckets and beat defenders off the bounce easily. He didn’t hit a lot of jump shots but his form looked good and he was willing to launch it from anywhere.
AJ Williams Forward (Elmwood Park, NJ)- By far the best long terms prospect in the building. Williams his 6’5 and still developing his offensive skill set. He’s willing to out it on the floor but his handle does need to get stronger. He looks good finishing at the cup when the lane is open and running the floor in transition. A reclass year for this kid could shoot his stock up the radar.
Saliou Diokhane Guard (Springfield, NJ)- Saliou is a natural scorer and showed it during the evaluation. He can score from all three levels (rim, midrange and three-point land). I also like the wiggle in his game and his ability to create space. He knows his job is to score the rock and he looked to do that often today.
Ty Carnegie Guard (Teaneck, NJ)- Carnegie best days of basketball are ahead of him. I saw him make some good plays but I also saw him attempt some moves that he will be able to complete once he gets stronger. He can shoot the rock for you or run the team if needed. I never seen him lack confidence on the floor as I saw him rock for years.
Micah Pierce Guard (Paterson, NJ)- Pierce was another interesting prospect. His long arms and wiry frame indicate he has tons of growing to go. I like his touch from the perimeter even in transition. With some work on his skills and strength he should be a good addition to a high school team next season. Reclassing could also be a viable option for this lad.
Luke Schorr Guard (Rumson, NJ)- Schorr is a heady point guard that understands using spacing and angles. He has enough bop in his game to avoid defenders and complete drives. He also isn’t afraid to pull the trigger from deep. He will be a future name to know in the Shore Conference.
Tatianna Collins Guard (Greenville, NJ)- I like this young lady’s length and outside shot. She understands where to be on the floor and was able to cash in on some opportunities. She couldn’t dominate physically for obvious reasons thus I would love to her against counterparts of her own gender.
Class of 2026
Jalen Maldonado Forward (Elizabeth, NJ)- Jalen muscled his way to the hole and either score or collected his own rebound to convert. I have seen an improvement in his outside shot and in his confidence to take it off the dribble. He’s a strong kid and a load to slow down.
Class of 2027
Alex Mazella Guard (Mahwah, NJ)- Mazella played with that intensity that I saw last season. He was fierce in attacking the lane and dished the rock when needed. He also got at it on the defensive end by moving his feet well and pressuring the rock. He now seems comfortable playing in his new class.
Michai White Guard (Hackensack, NJ)- I was impressed with youngest player in the building. White showed a lot of poise and skills. He wasn’t afraid to handle against the older defenders and his jump shot proved to be money at times. This experience will certainly help him out.
Jalen Maldonado Forward (Elizabeth, NJ)- Jalen muscled his way to the hole and either score or collected his own rebound to convert. I have seen an improvement in his outside shot and in his confidence to take it off the dribble. He’s a strong kid and a load to slow down. 
Alex Mazella Guard (Mahwah, NJ)- Mazella played with that intensity that I saw last season. He was fierce in attacking the lane and dished the rock when needed. He also got at it on the defensive end by moving his feet well and pressuring the rock. He now seems comfortable playing in his new class.
Michai White Guard (Hackensack, NJ)- I was impressed with youngest player in the building. White showed a lot of poise and skills. He wasn’t afraid to handle against the older defenders and his jump shot proved to be money at times. This experience will certainly help him out. 
