IS8 is a place for many players in the New York area to showcase their individual talents while competing against some of the best prep school talent. It's also a place for reporters like us to get a better view of these players.
Such was the case for us here at Scout.com's High School New York website when watching Thomas Manzano a couple of years ago. He was a player you immediately recognized due to his lack of fear in challenging the big bodies inside the paint.
His fearlessness in going to the rim with the rock is the characteristic that strengthens his chance in playing for a division one basketball program someday.
For now, Manzano has a great opportunity in playing for Bill Barton's respected Notre Dame Prep program in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Here is a profile on Manzano:
PROFILE: Thomas Manzano
HEIGHT: 6-foot-2
HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, N.Y.
PREP SCHOOL:Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Massachusetts
WHAT MANZANO SAYS ABOUT NOTRE DAME PREP: "It's very competitive there. There are a lot of great players on the team so you have to fight and earn your playing time. The practices are great too."
WHAT BILL BARTON SAYS ABOUT THOMAS MANZANO AND HIS GAME: Thomas "He's a good player. He can get to the basket and score against anyone."
SCHOOLS MENTIONED BY MANZANO AND BARTON: Kansas State and Providence