Mr. New York City
Being raised in East Harlem, NYC is not an easy task at all. Like every hood you have all the negative things surrounding you. The drugs, the gangs, and the guns are the dangers that lurk around in these neighborhoods. Kids scramble to find an outlet from these dangers, and for Markquis Nowell that outlet is basketball. The junior Point Guard for Bishop Loughlin has dreams of making it to the Pros and proving the doubters wrong every day. His passion for this game is incredible and he’s putting the basketball world on notice, it’s his turn to shine.
The 5’8 guard has been working hard to improve his game and has been making nothing but progress. Teamed up with Cincinnati bound (CHSAA Player of the Year) Keith Williams, Nowell has been on a tear lately. His play has earned him a spot on the CHSAA First Team and I don’t think he’s satisfied yet. A few weeks ago the highly anticipated showdown between Bishop Loughlin and St. Raymond’s drew a crowd which included New York Knick stars such as Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Jennings. The game was really competitive throughout and had its fair share trash talk, which later spread to Social Media. This game of basketball can see friends turn to foes instantly, and there was no love lost between these two teams. St. Raymond’s won the game but the battle between Nowell and St. Rays standout Isaiah Washington is what everybody came to see. Nowell finished the game with a game high 33 points with 10 dimes but was obviously bothered about losing the game.
I had the opportunity to see Nowell on a few occasions and his game looks polished. He has a great feel for the game and natural instincts that help him excel. Only a Junior in High School, Nowell looks to improve the mental part of his game for his Senior season. I caught up with Nowell at the Slam Dunk to the Beach Showcase in Lewes, Delaware and asked what aspect of his game he felt he needed to work on for the next level. He replied that he wants to work on his passing, time management, and being a more efficient all around player.
The catch phrase “Heart Over Height” is taking shape and gaining steam. We asked what the phrase means to him. “Just setting a trend to show that the little guard is still dangerous. Isaiah Thomas, Tyler Ulis, and guards like that can still thrive and Height doesn’t truly matter” Was his response. We stand behind Nowell and wish him the best of luck. He has been getting some attention from some big name Division 1 programs such as Georgetown, Michigan, Syracuse, Louisville and Seton Hall to name a few.
The Bishop Loughlin Lions are poised for run into the post season. Currently at 18-5 they look to make a strong push to bring home a borough championship. Once the borough title is secured then they can set their sights on the State championship.
AllThingsHoops.com wishes Nowell and the rest of the Bishop Loughlin basketball family success. We look forward to watching Nowell wrap up his high school career and move forward with the next phase of life on the basketball court.