QUEENS, NY — Team Gotham Hoops prevailed in their first game of the 2023 IS8/NIKE Spring HS Classic with a hard fought 55-52 victory over Spartan Elite.

The group found balanced scoring with three players (Jean Aranguren, Ryan Leonardo and SirPatrick Livingston) finishing in double-digits and another (Andre Bowles) adding eight points.

Despite a back-and-forth affair, Team Gotham Hoops faced a five-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter. The team picked up the defensive intensity, only allowing one made field goal attempt, and converted off forced turnovers to complete the comeback and hang on for the three-point win.

Aranguren, who’s signed to play at Iona next season, led Team Gotham Hoops with 14 points. Leonardo, one of New York City’s best unsigned seniors, finished with 13 points and Livingston, a standout junior from South Bronx Prep (NY) scored all of his 11 points in the first half.

Senior guards Aaaron Goldstein (College of Staten Island commit) and Damjan Stanisic (The Knox School) played well on both ends of the floor to aid the victory.

Team Gotham Hoops returns to action next Sunday (4/23) with games at 9am and 11:30am at IS8.