The 2019 Battle in the Apple
Six of the nation’s top high school basketball teams returned to the Barclays Center for the 2019 Battle in the Apple.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – BARCLAYS CENTER: LA Laker Guard Danny Green is partly responsible for organizing the Battle in the Apple, an annual Basketball Classic that hosts some of the best talent in the country. Photo courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
The Battle in the Apple is a yearly event organized by New York high school basketball Legend Danny Green and his childhood friends, Kevin Spann, and Darren Duncan.. Green is coming off an impressive Championship win last year with the Toronto Raptors and is currently playing on the 23-3 Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Legends Juwan Howard and Rod Strickland came out to watch the immense talent that was on the court.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – BARCLAYS CENTER: Jimma Gatwech is one of the main attractions at the Battle in the Apple at the Barclays Center. Photo by Cal Griffin/ATH
Some notable players from tonight included NBA prospect Jimma Gatwech, Kentucky commit Terrance Clarke, and Arizona Commit Dalen Terry and many more.
Jimma Gatwech was one player many were eager to see from his 278k Instagram followers and his spectacular dunks making him a sensation on social media. Jimma was able to bring his team to a 100-87 win and proved to doubters that he is more than just a dunker as he put his diverse skill set on display.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – BARCLAYS CENTER: Terrence Clarke is a major talent who is expected by many to be a NBA lottery pick next year. The 5 Star recruit has committed to the University of Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
Brewster Academy and Hillcrest was the closest game as Brewster was able to escape with a 78 -76 win over a very gritty Hillcrest team. This matchup was a back and forth affair as Hillcrest forward Michael Foster and Kentucky Commit Terrance Clarke went back and forth eventually ending in a missed last second attempt from Hillcrest. Clarke was able to show that he deserves to be #7 prospect in the class of 2020.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – BARCLAYS CENTER: Mayfair guard Dior Johnson is one of the best High School basketball players in the country. The Five-star class of 2022 point guard Dior Johnson is currently being recruited by several high major division 1 programs. Photo courtesy of CalGriffin/ATH
The main event of the night concluded with South Shore humbling the Mayfair Monsoons beating them 70-64. Mayfair’s offense mainly comes from the duo of combo guard Dior Johnson and Shooting Guard Joshua Christopher. Dior got into early foul trouble leading Mayfair to have to rely on their porous bench. Without Johnson more of the weight switched to Christopher as he looked to do everything on both the offensive and defensive end.
Josh Christopher is one of the best talents coming out of the 2020 high school class of basketball players. Kentucky, Missouri, UCLA, Michigan and Arizona State Are all in the runnings for his services next year. Photo courtesy of Cal Griffin/ATH
Christopher did not disappoint with his electrifying play and thunderous dunks. Michigan coach Juwan Howard must be impressed as his potential 2020 recruit put on a show on one of the biggest stages. Christopher is currently ranked as #11 in ESPNs top 100, and is yet to decide on a school.