Hoop Group Fall Showcase: Stock Risers

<p>The Hoop Group Fall Showcase was one of the largest exposure events in the nation. Sixty-one teams from eight different states participated in the event, which created terrific match-ups. The event was full of Division I prospects, but a couple players stood out from the rest. Here are the players who raised their stocks the most over the weekend.</p> <p><strong>Zach Martini, PF Gill St. Bernard's</strong></p> <p>Gill St. Bernard's also participated in the Northeast Fall Invitational where Martini excelled. The Princeton commit went toe-to-toe with five-star 2022 big man Jalen Duren and hit the game-winning three-pointer against Roman Catholic. He has a knack for the big shot as he nailed a game-winning three-pointer in double overtime to close out the Fall Showcase.</p> <p>Martini is a classic stretch-four that excels on the perimeter, but can also take it to the basket. He lacks the elite size of some power forwards, but the Princeton commit is a good defender and rebounder. Martini will be counted on the replace Rutgers guard Paul Mulcahy, which should not be a problem for a man who keeps hitting game-winning shots.</p> <p><strong>CJ Wilcher, SG Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p>Top 100 recruits are rarely considered stock risers, but Wilcher is a unique case. The Xavier commit is known for his shooting, but has proven to be a complete play-maker. Wilcher proved at the the Hoop Group Fall Showcase that he can be an asset on the perimeter with his adept passing.</p> <p>He also beat his man off the dribble and drew contact around the basket. Wilcher is one of the top shooters in the state, but his driving ability makes him an even better prospect. <strong>Niels Lane</strong> and <strong>Richie Greaves</strong> are Roselle Catholic's top ball-handlers, but Wilcher proved that he is capable of bringing the ball up for one of the top teams in the state.</p> <p><strong>Anthony Thomas, SF Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p>The Patrick School transfer proved that he is capable of leading a team. The 6'8 small forward attacked the basket, shot the ball from the perimeter and moved his feet well on defense. Thomas holds five Division I offers, but that number can grow in his senior season.</p> <p>He is an athletic forward that excels at getting into the lane. Thomas' move away from the Patrick School will give him the opportunity to lead a team and fully grow as a player. His performance at the Hoop Group Fall Showcase is proof that Thomas is ready to be the go-to option for his team.</p> <p><strong>Denver Anglin, PG Gill St. Bernard's</strong></p> <p>The second Gill St. Bernard's player on the list, Anglin had a strong showing over the weekend. The sophomore point guard may only be 6'0", but he plays bigger than his size. Anglin was able to get his shot off over bigger defenders and moved his feet well on defense.</p> <p>He looked calm on the ball and did not get flustered late in games. Anglin was more of a complementary piece last season, but will be asked to control most of the ball-handling this season. A year playing with Mulcahy makes Anglin a dangerous player, which was evident at Hoop Group Fall Showcase.</p> <p><strong>DJ Wagner, CG Camden</strong></p> <p>Players ranked towards the top of their respective are not stock risers. Wagner is an exception to the rule as he had a tremendous showing over the weekend. The freshman guard has an elite first step and already looks like an elite scorer.</p> <p>Wagner is also a marksman from deep as he made opponents pay for sagging off of him. He was Camden's top player at times over the weekend, which includes Kentucky-bound forward <strong>Lance Ware</strong>. Wagner may never attain the scoring level that his father did at Camden, but the freshman guard is definitely ready for the high school game and will be a big contributor for one of the top teams in the state.</p> <p><strong>Other Players to Watch</strong></p> <p><strong>Elijah Perkins, PG Ranney School</strong></p> <p><strong>Mark Armstrong, PG St. Peter's Prep</strong></p> <p><strong>Adama Sanogo, PF Patrick School</strong></p> <p><strong>Will Richardson, PG Bergen Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>Taj Thweatt, PF Wildwood Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>Jacob Hopping, SG Wildwood Catholic</strong></p>