Amityville freshman Aaliyah Jones wins 11th annual Alzheimer's All-Star Basketball Classic 3-Point Shootout
Michael Favaloro of The Stony Brook School and Aaliyah Jones of Amityville takes first place in the boys and girls group at the 11th annual Alzheimer’s All Star Basketball three point shootout Classic on Saturday, April 12, 2025 in St. James. Credit: Dawn McCormick
She might only be a freshman, but Amityville’s Aaliyah Jones already has cemented herself as one of the best three-point shooters on Long Island.
The guard dominated from beyond the arc at The Knox School in St. James on Saturday, making 24 shots to best nine competitors and win the girls three-point competition at the 11th annual Alzheimer’s All-Star Basketball Classic.
“I was nervous going into the event, but once I first started shooting it went away and I just kept going,” Jones said. “I was extremely surprised to be the winner.”
Gordon Thomas, coach of the boys basketball program at The Knox School, founded the event in 2010 in memory of his father, John Edward Thomas Sr., who died that year from Alzheimer’s disease.
“I thought it would be a great thing to raise funds and awareness for a dear cause,” Thomas said. “It’s just great watching these kids grow year after year and continue to do amazing things on and off the court.”
Featuring 22 of the top high school basketball stars across Long Island, the event that combines competition with a powerful cause donates all proceeds to the Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center in Westbury.
“I was just focused on my own game,” said Jones, who has made 22 three-pointers this season. “I feel like I have a lot of potential and I’m excited that I get to showcase that.”
Jones, who has been playing basketball since she was five, was named league Rookie of the Year as an eighth grader. She faced the boys three-point contest winner, The Stony Brook School’s Michael Favaloro, for the overall title. The senior guard outscored Jones by six shots to earn the highest honors.
“It’s a big accomplishment to even be invited here,” said Favaloro, who led the boys competition with 24 shots from beyond the arc. “It’s awesome to be here for such an amazing cause.”
The Knox School’s Christian Smiley won the slam dunk portion of the event. He wowed the panel of five judges with a 360 dunk to edge Longwood senior Shawn Annis.
“It’s my third time participating in this event but my first time winning, so it feels really good,” Smiley said. “Dunking is one of my favorite parts of the game and it’s great to have fun for a great cause.”
