Most kids with hoop dreams leave home. All these kids go to powerhouse prep and catholic schools far from home. The Oak Hills, Montverde, IMG Academys, South Kents, etc. Those old NY PSAL days are done with (if thats what you meant with your Kemba comment). Being a hooper nowadays can be year round nationwide travel in AAU and school. Isaiah Whitehead stayed in the city, guys like Shamorie Ponds and Isaiah Washington are following that path.
Washington is going to Minnesota I believe. The funny part about that is SHU nor SJU recruited him aggressively. But I agree with everything you said. These kids are always leaving before high school ( have to add Putnam as well). Tough to get them to stay.