Several former NYC high school standouts made their college basketball debut on Friday night, led by former Christ the King standout and 2016 Miss New York Basketball Dominique Toussaint. Toussaint scored a game-high 16 points in her debut for Virginia, as the Cavaliers defeated Middle Tennessee 63-51. Speaking of the Virginia Cavaliers, former Iona Prep star Ty Jerome saw 9 minutes of action and scored 2 points in his first game at Virginia, a 76-51 win over UNC Greensboro.
Toussaint's former Christ the King teammates Sydney Zambrotta and Kaela Kinder both saw action in their debuts for Louisville and Virginia Tech, respectively. Zambrotta had 7 points and was perfect from the field and the line in Louisville's 100-57 rout over Tennessee-Martin. Kinder played 13 minutes and scored 3 points in the Hokies' 71-52 win over UNC Asheville.
Yet another former Christ the King star made his college hoops debut on opening night, as Rawle Alkins started for Arizona and saw 26 minutes of action, scoring 3 points in the Wildcats' 65-63 win over Michigan State.
Former Thomas Jefferson star Shamorie Ponds started in his debut for St. John's, scoring 8 points in 26 minutes of action, as the Red Storm started the season with a 100-53 win over Bethune-Cookman.
Former Cardozo standout Aaron Walker saw 19 minutes of action in his debut for Manhattan, grabbing 6 boards in the Jaspers' 76-64 loss to Bucknell. As a side note, Iona Prep alum Thomas Capuano led the Jaspers with 11 points.
Finally, former Monsignor Farrell star Nick Corbett started in his debut at Molloy College, playing 32 minutes and scoring 3 points in an 86-57 loss to Rutgers. As another side note, Bishop Loughlin alum Mike Williams led Rutgers with 17 points.
Best of luck to all former NYC high school hoopsters launching their college careers. We are rooting for you.
As a postscript, we will close by pointing out that Loughlin alum Khadeen Carrington had a game-high 27 points and Lincoln alum Desi Rodriquez had 12 points for Seton Hall in its 91-70 win over FDU.