A Fresh Look at the CHSAA’s Top Contenders
The annual NYC CHSAA June Team Camp served as a preview of the upcoming 2026‑27 basketball season, bringing together the league’s most storied programs under one roof. Among the participants, Iona Prep and Stepinac stood out, each showcasing a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers eager to shape the next chapter of New York high school basketball.
For Stepinac, the spotlight fell on senior forward Josh Rivera, the lone senior on the roster and now the marquee player for the Crusaders. Standing at 6‑7 with a mobile frame, Rivera has honed his game by attacking the rim more aggressively, raising his scoring average to 8.1 points per game last season. His improved performance has attracted college interest from St. John’s, Fordham, Seton Hall and several other schools, signaling a bright future beyond the city limits.
Across the borough, Iona Prep’s shooting guard Tommy Wolf entered the camp with a linebacker‑style mentality that has defined his approach on the court. Wolf led the Gaels in scoring last year and now returns as one of two core players alongside Mike Kmetz. He believes the team can compete with anyone in the league, expecting tightly contested games that will test their depth.
Coach Pat Massaroni of Stepinac emphasized development and selective recruitment during the camp, noting that the program will add size and complementary scorers to keep defenses from honing in on Wolf. The coaching staff also highlighted the emergence of players such as Jourdan Archevald, Larry Jenkins, Elijah Novotny, Tristan Robinson and Ethan Riullano, who are slated to assume larger roles as the roster evolves.
Larry Jenkins, a standout forward, recently received offers from Wagner, Florida A&M, Arkansas Little Rock and Brown, underscoring the growing national attention on Stepinac talent. Both schools anticipate finalizing new additions before the 2026‑27 season, a move that could reshape the competitive balance within the CHSAA AA Intersectional bracket, where Stepinac has claimed four consecutive championships.
The broader landscape of college recruitment also reflects the caliber of these prospects, with schools like Bryant, Northwestern, Mississippi State, Illinois, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, Boston College and others actively scouting the talent emerging from the camp. As the league prepares for another season of intense rivalry, the blend of experienced leaders and fresh blood promises to keep the CHSAA at the forefront of high school basketball excellence.