Underappreciated and unsung as New York’s deadliest outside shooter, Elijah Moore channels quiet and internal rage from perceived doubters into fierce determination.
As Cardinal Hayes (NY) ascended the national landscape this past season, the Class of 2024 Moore garnered overdue respect with game altering fourth quarter scoring outbursts.
He plays with the swagger and infectious energy of a prototype New York City guard, albeit the 3-point flamethrower–he of range out to NBA territory–and his inner desire to change the narrative goes deeper than that.
The rankings don’t faze him. The murmurs he may hear from people pigeonholing him as this type of player or that type of player– they only stoke this sizzling flame within him.
Moore may not be too outspoken about loathing the fact that he’s often not equated with the same high expectations, hype, and buzz as others, albeit he ultimately never forgets a slight.
“People have talked down on my name as a player so I always feel like I have to play angry,” said Moore, who cited UConn, Syracuse, and Mississippi State as the programs pursuing him the hardest.
“Whenever it really got down to it, I felt like it was time to flip into another gear and get the job done.”
The switch he flips ultimately has written a unique rapid transformation story in the 6-foot-5 Moore.
Relishing the dark side, he steadily evolved into a high level closer during moments of amplified pressure.
The kid they call “Choppa” was the lesser known engine who helped propel Hayes to a CHSAA AA championship win over Stepinac.
He banged in straight-away 3-pointers. He hit a pair of stop-and-pop mid range pull-ups.
He hit one 3-pointer that he may as well have launched from the parking lot. He glided his way to the rim and showed college ready athleticism.
Angry Elijah went off during Hoop Group’s Invite Only Camp, stretching the floor out with deep three-pointers and levitating above the rim with extravagant dunks.
Calm, reserved Elijah fielded offers from UConn, Seton Hall, Syracuse, VCU, Temple, Fordham and others.
He thanked the coaches for their time and expressed his appreciation.
Angry Elijah again reared his steaming head at the Real Scout Top 150 Invite, firing in transition threes and leaking out into the open court for acrobatic finishes.
He plays better when he’s mad.
Adversity can evolve into a real demon, should one allow it to. Rather than internalize these perceived slights, Moore finds himself driven by a desire to prove everyone wrong.
Even, of course, as he’s been inundated with high major offers this summer.
“I still feel as if I’m underrated,” Moore said.
“I am starting to make a name but people still don’t understand the type of player I am. The process of getting to where I am now was a tough one but it’s starting to pay off.”
