2020 Under the Radar Big Men

<p>The New Jersey high school basketball season is flying by as most teams have played at least 10 games. Good guard play has been the main story of the season so far, but the big men have been just as impressive. Roselle Catholic's star big man <strong>Cliff Omoruyi </strong>has been dominant down low, but he is not the only senior big man dominating down low. Here are the top senior post players who are flying under the radar.</p> <p><strong>Oumar Diahame, 6'10 C Patrick School National</strong></p> <p>The Senegalese native has been key to the Celtics' success so far this season. Diahame has showcased a smooth shooting stroke and an ability to score on the block. He is active on the offensive glass and is an elite rim protector with his combination of length and athleticism. His ability to dominate the game was on full display at the Shore Classic Showcase as he stifled Columbia commit <strong>Supreme Cook</strong>. Diahame may be a little raw on the offensive end, but he is a quality big man with ability to impact the game at both ends.</p> <p><strong>Danny Oravbiere, 6'6 PF Payne Tech</strong></p> <p>Oravbiere is not going to fill up the box score, but he is a productive big man down low. The 6'6 power forward gobbles up boards, highlighted by a 25-rebound performance against Seton Hall Prep. Oravbiere is also an elite shot-blocker with at least three blocks in every game this season, including a career-high 11 swats against Absegami in a triple-double performance. He sets hard screens and never takes a play off. Oravbiere has been stellar for Payne Tech this season despite his lack of scoring as he continues to fly under the radar.</p> <p><strong>Tahjay Moore, 6'8 C New Brunswick</strong></p> <p>Classmate <strong>Ahyan Brown-Miller</strong> has been the main guy for the Zebras this season, but Moore has been dominant down low. The 6'8 center is feasting on the glass as he has nine games with at least 12 rebounds. He attacks the basket hard and uses his strong body to finish through contact. Moore is also a high level shot-blocker with 37 blocks so far this season. New Brunswick may be led by Brown-Miller, but Moore is the X-Factor to the Zebras' success in 2019-20.</p> <p><strong>Najae Hallenback, 6'6 PF Toms River South</strong></p> <p><strong>Jakari Spence</strong> is the engine that drives the Mariners' attack, but Hallenbeck has been the one dominating down low. The 6'6 power forward has eclipsed the 20-point mark on 10 different occasions this season as teams have not been able to move him off the block. Hallenbeck can score over either shoulder and is capable of pulling defenders away from the basket with his nice shooting stroke. He dominated star junior forward <strong>Trey Patterson</strong> of Rutgers Prep at the Shore Classic Showcase, proving his dominant season is no fluke. The Mariners have one of the best senior duos in South Jersey and Hallenbeck could be the difference make that wins them South Jersey Group 4.</p> <p><strong>Demetrius Paynter, 6'6 PF Timber Creek</strong></p> <p>The Chargers are 11-1 on the season and their star senior trio is responsible for that. Guards <strong>Justin Bladen </strong>and <strong>Eric Benjamin</strong> are the team's top scorers, while Paynter does the dirty work down low. His ability to grab rebounds outside of his area is huge as Timber Creek is not loaded with size. Paynter knows how to finish over bigger defenders and can hold his own on defense because of his strong frame. Timber Creek has been playing at a high level all season and Paynter is a big reason why.</p>