Team Preview: Stepinac Crusaders (Part I)

The Archbishop Stepinac Crusaders are among the top teams in the NY Catholic League this coming season expecting to make a run in both the NY playoffs and the Catholic League for the 2020-21 season whenever that may be. Stepinac returns Seniors A.J. Griffin (Duke) and Malcolm Chimezie (Boston U) but feature a handful of underclassmen for this season.

THE JUNIORS

First up, Samuel Gibbs a 6’2 Junior who can shoot the ball from anywhere and is a team leader both on and off the court. Gibbs has offers from Manhattan and Saint Peters and is drawing interest from the IVY’s along with Holy Cross and Bucknell.

Then there’s 5’11 Junior Francisco Mattei who can distribute the ball, a jump shooter and a vocal leader of his own both on and off the court. Mattei currently has been offered by Bryant and is drawing interest from New Hampshire, Brown, Fairfield, and Marist.

Joel Baez is another name to keep an eye out for as a 6’5 Junior who can pretty much defend 1-4. Baez currently has offers from Manhattan, LIU and Bryant and has received interest from Marist, Fairfield, Princeton, and Harvard.

The Crusaders have also added another key wing element to the program this year in 6’7 Junior Isaiah Alexander (Bethlehem Catholic-PA) who is as long as they come. The Brother of NBA player Kahlil Whitney currently holds offers from Mt St Mary’s and Western Illinois and has interest from Siena, Manhattan, Providence, Quinnipiac, Marist, Fordham, George Mason, and Fairfield.

COMING UP: SOPHOMORES & FRESHMEN