2022 Underrated Difference-makers
The 2022 class is loaded with premier talent, especially at the guard position. Hudson Catholic’s Zion Cruz is a superstar in the making, while Corey Floyd Jr. is poised for a strong sophomore season. Mark Armstrong has the potential to eclipse 20 points a…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022 class is loaded with premier talent, especially at the guard position. Hudson Catholic’s Zion Cruz is a superstar in the making, while Corey Floyd Jr. is poised for a strong sophomore season. Mark Armstrong has the potential to eclipse 20 points a game. Those three prospects are not the only high level difference makers in the sophomore class as many players are being overlooked by their play in the summer. Here are the top underrated difference-makers in the 2022 class.
Keon Sabb, 6’3 SG Glassboro
It’s a shame Sabb will most likely not play college basketball due to his ability on the gridiron. The five-star safety prospect is a stud on the court as he averaged 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He excels at getting to the rim and finishing through contact. Sabb is also an elite defender as he finished his debut season with 19 blocks and 61 steals. He is well on his way to eclipsing 2,000 points and should be one of the top play-makers in New Jersey this season.
Dionte Johnson, 6’0 PG Patrick School
Johnson could struggle to get playing time because of the Patrick School’s overall talent, but he can play. The sophomore point guard has elite speed in the open floor and knows how to operate in tight conditions. Johnson proved that he can play with anyone at the Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph Showcase, where defenders could not keep him in front. His ability to make plays around the basket makes him the perfect back-up for Noah Farrakhan. Johnson may come off the bench, but he will still have a major impact on the Patrick School this season.
Saivon Pressley, 6’1 PG Wardlaw-Hartridge
Wardlaw-Hartridge only won five games last season, but that number should rise drastically with Pressley. The St. Thomas Aquinas transfer is electric with the ball in his hands as he is a blur in the open court. Pressley is adept at creating his own shot as he can score at all three levels. He is a solid on-ball defender and rebounds well for a guard his size. The Rams are expecting big things from Pressley as they look to rebound from a tough 2018-19 campaign.
Mehki Johnson, 6’7 PF St. Thomas Aquinas
Jaquan Harris is a high-major guard who complements Wake Forest commit Quadry Adams perfectly, but the Trojans need a big man to step up. Johnson is the ideal candidate as he plays with good footwork in the post. He has a soft touch around the basket and understands how to carve out space down low. His biggest issue will be keeping out of foul trouble, a problem that many young big men deal with. The Trojans need Johnson to become a force on the interior to alleviate the pressure from Adams and Harris.
Donovan Long, 6’6 SF Marist
Bergen Catholic’s Julian Brown was also an option here, but Long is a much bigger sleeper. He only scored 15 points in his debut season and is ready to explode onto the scene. Long is a tough, small forward that can put the on the floor, shoot the mid-range jump shot and create opportunities for his teammates. Marist may rely on sophomore Mike Edwards to provide more of the scoring, but Long gives head coach Ben Gamble a do-it all forward.