SPRINGFIELD ― After dropping its first four league games of the season in the Nike Elite District, Long Island Lutheran (NY) was determined to right the ship.

“We started 0-4 in the league, so we’ve definitely (been) trying, really trying to win games and do whatever it takes to win,” Kayden Mingo said after being named the Crusaders’ Most Valuable Player -the win over La Lumiere (IN), 68-55, on Monday at the 2025 Hoophall Classic.

“I feel like that’s exactly what we’ve done in the two games this weekend and also the two games last weekend (at the La Porte Invitational). We’re definitely headed in the right direction and it feels really good to win in the Basketball Hall of Fame and be .500 in the league.”

The Penn State commit was one of four players in double figures 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 entire team on “the scouting (and) the game plan.”

One player in particular who played a key role in the team’s game plan was MJ Madison. The lanky, 6-foot-9 power forward had arguably the toughest assignment in the game: guard Jalen Haralson, a 6-foot-7 point forward and No. 13 pick in ESPN’s 2025 class.

As if that wasn’t difficult enough, Madison’s instructions were to guard the ball’s creator the entire length of the court right from the tip.

The four-star recruit did a commendable job of slowing down Haralson, showing off his unique combination of strength, athleticism and speed.

“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 (downcourt), 94 feet whenever he catches the ball.” Madison said “But I mean, normally when we play better teams I try to take it on, to guard the best player I take it with pride I’m not going to let this player get going.

“I feel really proud of myself — I mean, obviously there’s more to do, always. But I feel really proud of myself, I fight through anything. I remember guarding him 94 feet and my on the way I got a leg cramp… Go ahead. I might be hurt right now, but go ahead.

Dylan Mingo added 12 points and grabbed two steals in the win as well. The No. 12 pick in ESPN’s 2026 class is relishing the opportunity to play alongside so many talented players — and, of course, alongside his older brother.

“Our bond definitely brought us closer, sometimes we fight and stuff, but it definitely brought us closer to be able to play with each other and go through wars together,” Dylan said on Sunday.

Kiyan Anthony had a team-high 16 points, and his parents, Carmelo and Lala Anthony, watched with joy and pride that only a parent would know.

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