Predictions on 2023 Stat Leaders
Tryouts for high school basketball start next week, which is a perfect time to do predictions. The freshman class is a good place to start as they are just getting started in their high school careers. It’s hard to predict…
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Continue ReadingTryouts for high school basketball start next week, which is a perfect time to do predictions. The freshman class is a good place to start as they are just getting started in their high school careers. It’s hard to predict their impact as they have yet to play a high school game, but here are the projected stat leaders for the 2023 class.
Points: Dajaun Wagner Jr., 6’2 CG Camden
Wagner Jr. is the son of the state’s all-time leading scorer, so it’s not a surprise to see Wagner Jr. here. The 6’2 combo guard can score from all three levels and has a knack for scoring. His handles are second to none in the freshman class and he can convert tough shots around the basket. Wagner Jr. may not score over 25 points per game in his debut season like his father did, but he will be one of the top scorers in South Jersey. Camden may have Lance Ware, Ta’Quan Woodley and Jerome Brewer on the roster, but Wagner Jr. will lead the Panthers in scoring as a freshman.
Honorable Mention: Spencer Joyner, PG University
Rebounds: Mackenzie Mgbako, 6’7 SF Gill St. Bernard’s
The rebounding title was down to Mgbako and Akil Watson of Don Bosco Prep. The New York Lightning teammates are both 6’7 forwards who will have an immediate impact for their teams. Mgbako gets the slight edge over Watson because the Gill St. Bernard’s forward is always in the right position on the defensive end. He rarely gets caught out of position and is able to box out defenders with his thin frame. Mgbako may start the season coming off the bench, but he will end up as one of the top rebounders for Gill St. Bernard’s as a freshman.
Honorable Mention: Akil Watson
Assists: Spencer Joyner, PG University
The assists leader is a three-man race between Joyner, Camden’s Cian Medley and Roselle Catholic’s Simeon Wilcher. The latter has the ability to average over five assists a game as a freshman, but Wilcher may not get enough minutes due to Roselle Catholic’s loaded roster. Joyner and Medley both play for talented teams, but the former gets the edge due to his ability to make plays. The Newark native excels at attacking the basket and is adept at finding his man in traffic. Joyner should be one of the top point guards in North Jersey as a freshman and could lead University to a historical 2019-20 season.
Honorable Mentions: Simeon Wilcher, Cian Medley
Steals: Cian Medley, 6’0 PG Camden
Wagner Jr. is the more regarded freshman, but Medley is a pest on the ball. The 6’0 point guard has great lateral quickness and quick hands. Medley is adept at picking people’s pockets and understands how to read passing lanes. It would not be a surprise to see Medley average over two steals a game as a freshman because of his instincts on the defensive end. Zack Davis of Ranney School is another name to watch as he moves his feet well on the defensive end.
Honorable Mentions: Dajuan Wagner Jr., Zack Davis
Blocks: Akil Watson, 6’7 SF Don Bosco Prep
Watson gets the edge over his AAU teammate because of his athleticism. The Don Bosco Prep forward is an incredible athlete who impacts shots around the rim. He has great timing and puts himself in the right position on the defensive end. Watson has a strong frame which allows for him to get good position in the post. He has the potential to be one of the top shot-blockers in the state and Watson will display that this season.
Honorable Mention: Mackenzie Mgbako