SPRINGFIELD ― After dropping its first four league games of the season in the Nike Elite District, Long Island Lutheran (NY) were determined to right the ship.
“We started off 0-4 in the league, so we definitely (have) been trying, really honing in on winning games and doing whatever it takes to win,” Kayden Mingo said after being named the Most Valuable Player in the Crusaders’ win over La Lumiere (IN), 68-55, on Monday at the 2025 Hoophall Classic.
“I feel like that’s exactly what we’ve been doing over the two games this weekend and even the two games last weekend (at the La Porte Invitational). We’re definitely heading in the right direction and it feels real good to win at the Basketball Hall of Fame and become .500 in the league.”
The Penn State commit was one of four players in double-digits for Long Island Lutheran with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The No. 44 recruit in ESPN’s Class of 2025 noted the homework done by the whole team on “the scouting (and) the game plan”.
One player in particular that played a key role in the team’s gameplan was MJ Madison. The lanky, 6-foot-9 power forward had arguably the most difficult assignment of the game: guard Jalen Haralson, a 6-foot-7 point-forward and the No. 13 recruit in ESPN’s Class of 2025.
As if that wasn’t hard enough, Madison’s instructions were to guard the on-ball creator the whole length of the court right from tip-off.
Long Island Lutheran’s MJ Madison (#13) defending Jalen Haralson of La Lumiere (IN) at the 2025 Hoophall Classic in Springfield on Jan. 20, 2025.Kenneth Manoj
The four-star recruit did a commendable job in slowing Haralson down, showcasing his unique combination of strength, athleticism and quickness.
“I knew I had to guard a very talented, taller guard – I never really had to guard a 6′8″, 6′7″guard all the way (down the court), 94-feet whenever he catches the ball,” Madison said. “But I mean, normally when we play better teams, I try to take that on, to guard the best player. I take that with pride that I’m not (going to) let this player get (going).
“I feel really proud of myself – I mean, of course there’s more work to do, always. But I do feel really proud of myself, just fighting through whatever. I remember I was guarding him 94-feet and mid-drive I caught a cramp in my leg… ‘Keep going. I might be hurt right now, but keep going’. (Eventually) I came out the game, (but I) came right back and we good.”
Dylan Mingo added 12 points and nabbed two steals in the win as well. The No. 12 recruit in ESPN’s Class of 2026 relishes the opportunity to play alongside so many talented players – and of course, alongside his older brother.
Long Island Lutheran’s Dylan Mingo (#5) against La Lumiere (IN) at the 2025 Hoophall Classic in Springfield on Jan. 20, 2025.Kenneth Manoj
“Our bond definitely got us closer, sometimes we argue and stuff but it definitely got us closer being able to play with each other, going through wars together,” Dylan said on Sunday.
Kiyan Anthony had a team-high 16 points, with his parents, Carmelo and Lala Anthony, watching with the glee and pride only a parent would know.
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