Gauchos Roundball Classic

Bronx, NY – Roundball Classic has been one of the premier Boys/Girls fall leagues in the Big Apple for well over a decade. NYGHoops Report goa chance to stop into the gym last week to catch three games prior to the playoffs.

SOUTH SHORE

South Shore won its lone game of the day. While playing without two key front court players, they looked like they were in mid-season form. The Lady Vikings, who have won six straights PSAL AA, city/ state titles, were lead by 5’6” Junior point guard Ariel Little who was the “leader of the pack”, but her back court mate junior guard, Yahmani McKayle, assisted in keeping “The Machine” a float by provided scoring and classic point guard leadership. Not to be outdone, South Shore’s front court provided scoring, rebounding, “muscle” and poise - lead by 5’10” forward Natalia Williams (2024). Although, Williams is “the Star” - Krystal Smith (2023) might be one of the most important players for the Brooklyn team. As a 5’6” forward, who plays bigger than her listed size, will be expected to score in the paint while helping Williams and others in controlling “the boards” and providing a high level of toughness.

HAMDEN HALL 

Despite a short bench, Hamden Hall (CT) lead by Jayda Johnson (2023) should be able to make a deep run this year in the NEPSAC Class C division. Johnson, a Boston College commit, does a bit of everything for the Connecticut program especially when it comes to perimeter play, but the inside is where UMASS - Lowell commit Rayne Durant resides. The 6’1” forward provides inside scoring and rebounding all the while maintaining a strong defensive presence for the Hornets. In addition, sophomore guard Emma Olausson 5’10, will provide perimeter shooting which will help Hamden Hall as they look to battle Connecticut best teams. Lastly, Eveani Okwuosa (2023) an uncommitted senior will look add athletic ability and senior leadership.

MURRY BERGTRAUM 

When one thinks of Murry Bergtraum they think of their historic PSAL / NYS Federation run in the 2000’s and their long history of producing scholarship worthy guards like current WNBA’s Epiphanny Prince. This year Bergtraum team will be led by the backcourt of Veralyn Aviles and Kadidiatou Diallo . Both will be asked by Head Coach Jeffrey Noel to provide scoring and leadership as the Lady Blazers look to compete in the newly revamped PSAL. Coach is Noel is blessed with two dynamic guards who “get it done” in different ways, Aviles (2025) is more of a shooter whereas Diallo (2024) is more of a slasher. Look for junior forward Briana Pellew, a 6’3” and Shekinah Thomas 5’11” to control the front court along with athletic wing Aniaya Burton-Hernandez who is someone college coaches should get familiar with. 

LONGWOOD PREP 

Longwood Prep finished in middle in the pack during the 2021/22 school year with a 9-5 record in PSAL A play. I did not know what to expect going into this game with them not having their leading scorer from last year available. After watching for a few minutes it became obvious that largely due to the Bronx school’s backcourt of Aniyah Robinson (2023), Amiya Carter (2025) and Beverly Williams (2024) not having Raziah Mitchell-Williams (2024) would not pose a problem on this day. The three scrappy - hard nose guards excelled in transition, attacked off the bounce and used their speed to create mismatches which allowed them to get to the rim with relatively ease. If senior Nafissatou Yattassaye can continue to “do the dirty work” and with Mitchell-Williams return look for this team to compete for the PSAL’s Bronx A division. 

GAUCHOS 

Isabella Wesley 5’9” W Dalton School 2025

 
Nice feel for the game which allowed her to play multiple positions. Displayed the ability to finish through contact, despite her size came up with multiple blocks in the lone game I got to see her. For sure a prospect I will double back to take another look at throughout the season.
 
Dagny Slomack 5’6 PG Newark Academy 2024

 
A combo guard with a nice stoke that extends to the arc. Makes you pay in catch and shoot situations. Does a nice job attacking the rim using floaters.