2022 Prospects In Line for a Big Jump

<p>Freshman year is the hardest for many players as most freshmen do not see a lot of court time. Coaches are willing to see freshmen struggle in their debut seasons, but they expect a big jump in their second season. Here are the freshmen that are due for a big jump in their second varsity season.</p> <p><strong>Zion Cruz, 6'3 CG Hudson Catholic</strong></p> <p>Cruz may be the top prospect in the sophomore class, but he averaged less than 10 points per game as a freshman. The Hudson Catholic star is an explosive guard that excels at finishing around the basket. He has elite end-to-end speed and has great handles to break down his defender in the halfcourt. Cruz can knock down shots from behind the arc and has a good looking floater. He should easily average over 17 points and five assists per game as Cruz cements his position as one of the top point guards in North Jersey.</p> <p><strong>Jayden Pierre, 6'0 PG Elizabeth</strong></p> <p>The Patrick School transfer is in a perfect position to succeed. The Minutemen are a tough, gritty team that needs a true floor general to run the offense. Pierre is lightning-quick and has a killer first step. He is one of the top on-ball defenders in the state, but his best ability is his court vision. Elizabeth will lean on <strong>DJ Watkins </strong>and <strong>Jordan Price </strong>for scoring, but Pierre will still average at least 13 points and six assists per game.</p> <p><strong>Otega Oweh, 6'3 SG Rutgers Prep</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts may have three Division I upperclassmen, but Oweh is a vital part to their success in 2019-20. The 6'3 sophomore excels at getting to the line and finishing around the basket. He can also create his own shot, score from the mid-range and knock down long jumpers. With <strong>Trey Patterson</strong>, <strong>Nico Galette </strong>and <strong>Noah Harris</strong> on the roster, Oweh will not be asked to carry a heavy scoring load. He only averaged 2.4 points per game last year, a number that he will easily triple in his sophomore season.</p> <p><strong>Elijah Perkins, 6'3 CG Ranney School</strong></p> <p>Perkins has to have a big sophomore season if the Panthers want to have a good season. The reigning Tournament of Champions winner lost six of its top seven scorers from last season and needs someone to step up. Perkins has good handles and knows how to finish around the basket. His jump shot is improving and always plays under control. Even with the additions of <strong>Charles Anychie, Kyle Rhoden, Zack Davis </strong>and <strong>Ryan Zan</strong>, Perkins should easily average over 16 points a game.</p> <p><strong>David Olaniyi, 5'10 PG Newark East Side</strong></p> <p>It's hard to replace a legend, but that's what Olaniyi has to do for Newark East Side. Anas Amos led the Red Raiders to 108 victories over his four years. Olaniyi is a great on-ball defender as he rarely gets beat off the bounce. He is a crafty passer with good handles and a nose for getting offensive rebounds. Olaniyi only played in nine games as a freshman, so his numbers will take a big jump in his second varsity season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Names to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Corey Floyd Jr., Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>Will Richardson, Bergen Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>Jaquan Harris, St. Thomas Aquinas</strong></p> <p><strong>Jeremiah Bembry, Point Pleasant Beach</strong></p> <p><strong>Ben Roy, Manasquan</strong></p> <p><strong>Lual Manyang, Blair Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>Julian Brown, Bergen Catholic</strong></p>