Athletes of the Week Dec. 31

Tyrese Fortune

This 6-foot-5 senior forward from Seaford has flown under the radar of college coaches thus far in his career, receiving “no interest from anyone,” but that will change after his breakout performance Dec. 28 at Slam Dunk to the Beach. Taking on perennial power Our Saviour Lutheran from the Bronx, Fortune went off for 23 points, 15 boards and three steals, keeping the Blue Jays within five points until the waning minutes. “We let it slip a little at the end,” said Fortune, who went 8-for-14 from the floor and hit three three-pointers in an 85-74 loss. “We have to learn to play for four quarters if we’re gonna win the [state] championship.” What will Fortune tell coaches when they inevitably start calling? “I’ll bring leadership, D, rebounding and whatever it takes to win.”  

Dereck Lively

This 7-foot-2 senior center from Westtown (Pa.) did his best to keep his Moose in contention Dec. 28 against Arizona Compass Prep, the nation’s fifth-ranked team, at Slam Dunk to the Beach. Faced with a rotation of quick, athletic defenders, Lively didn’t get the ball much. He made the most of his opportunities, though, scoring 13 points, knocking down five of his seven field goal tries and swatting two shots. Lively is the top-rated senior in America and will suit up for coach Jon Scheyer at Duke next year. “I wanna be the modern big man [in college],” Lively said. “I wanna play inside and outside the paint and try to fill any role that they need. I’ve watched [Westtown alum and Orlando Magic center] Mo Bamba throughout his career and wanna have that versatility.”

Morgan Mahoney

Cape’s sweet-shooting forward poured in 14 of her team-high 17 points in the second half of the Vikings’ Slam Dunk to the Beach matchup with Westtown (Pa.) Dec. 27, the first girls’ game in tournament history. Cape fell behind the Pennsylvania powerhouse 30-14 at halftime, but the Vikings came to life after the break thanks largely to Mahoney, who scored almost at will underneath against taller defenders and canned two three-pointers. “I’ve been in the gym working on post moves because I’m the tallest on the team [this year],” said Mahoney, who added seven rebounds. “I’ve just had to embrace that role and get better in the post.” Morgan will suit up for Division II Millersville (Pa.) next season. She is averaging 11 points and eight rebounds per night this year.

Josh Ola-Joseph

This small forward from Arizona Compass Prep in Chandler, Ariz., played anything but small at Slam Dunk to the Beach. On a squad boasting 10 high Division I prospects, Ola-Joseph stood out from the crowd. The 6-foot-6 senior came off the bench against Our Saviour Lutheran (N.Y.) Dec. 27 and collected 15 points on 7-for-7 shooting in just 12 minutes. He scored from all three levels and delivered the tournament’s most memorable dunk, a vicious windmill over two defenders that nearly brought the game to a halt. Facing 19th-ranked Westtown (Pa.) a day later, Ola-Joseph scored 11 points and added two steals in 13 minutes. Josh will play college ball for his hometown Minnesota Gophers next season. “I’m a glue guy who can fit on any roster and guard one through five,” he said.