Former Chittenango Superstar Commits to Syracuse
Moesch scoring a layup for the Chittenango Bears (Courtesy Taylor Streiff, Strieff Photography)
One of the best Central New York high school basketball recruits in recent history, former Chittenango superstar Ryan Moesch announced his commitment to Syracuse University in early April.
Following a short tenure at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, Moesch will return to CNY to begin his collegiate career. In his four seasons playing for the Chittenango Bears (2020-2024), Moesch amassed nearly 2,000 career points – leading the state of New York his senior season averaging 37 points-per-game.
As his time at prep school comes to an end, Moesch will look to join recently-hired head coach Gerry McNamara in Syracuse. The new face of the Orange was hired away from Siena University, where Moesch had initially committed in November of 2025. After reopening his commitment after the departure of McNamara, the decision was clear for the top-15 point guard in the nation.
Moesch (right) alongside Syracuse Head Coach Gerry McNamara (left) (Courtesy of Syracuse Athletics)
“I think when Gerry (McNamara) got the job, that was really the best opportunity I had, and really the only opportunity I looked for,” said Moesch when asked about his relationship with Coach McNamara. “In the recruiting process, Gerry was the best communicator and the best guy, and the best coach I connected with so it was pretty easy.”
Following McNamara from Siena to Syracuse, where Moesch spent his childhood watching the Orange play at the Carrier Dome. It’s a familiar stage for the elite prospect, and a dream of his since he first started dribbling a basketball.
“I think it’s pretty cool being the hometown kid, playing in front of everyone and in Syracuse, I grew up being a Syracuse fan… it’s definitely a dream I had.” said Moesch. “This has been my dream, I’ve always wanted to go to prep school and kinda break-out, but I never thought it was gonna be this crazy… this is what I worked for.”
While drawing national attention during his time at Chittenango, many former teammates of Moesch are now reflecting on their time together. Sharing the backcourt with Moesch, was shooting guard Brendon Barnard. Now a Division One lacrosse player at University of Albany, Barnard is pumped for his point guard.
Moesch and Barnard after winning the 2021-22 NYSPHSAA Section III Class B Championship (Courtesy of Brendon Barnard)
“Oh I’m pumped for him, you know it’s a dream come true for him, and a dream come true for his family,” said Barnard. “I know how hard he’s worked and I know how much he’s done… Ryan just sees the court differently, he’s always two steps ahead of everyone… not even one.”
Returning home to Central New York will be an easy transition for Moesch, as he has received endless support from his friends and former teammates. However, his biggest supporters are the ones just a half-hour drive away from his new home court – his family.
“My family has definitely been there every step of the way, I tell them everything, and they’ve been very supportive,” said Moesch.
The exciting new addition to Syracuse will continue making three-pointers in the 315, but he’s switching his home court from the Bear Den, to the JMA Wireless Dome. Formerly wearing the red and black of Chittenango, Moesch will join the Syracuse Orange in the Fall of 2026.
Written by Eddie MacAlpine