Class of 2023: Impact Performers Early in the Season
New Jersey might have some of the best high school basketball all around the country. Many players have gone on to have successful Division I and professional careers. It all begins when they enter high school as freshman. These freshman…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey might have some of the best high school basketball all around the country. Many players have gone on to have successful Division I and professional careers. It all begins when they enter high school as freshman. These freshman have been huge impact performers for their teams early on in the season.
Mackenzie Mgbako | Gill St. Bernard’s
Gill St. Bernard’s has a history of breeding big men and Mgbako is next on the list. At 6’7, he is already proving to be a force on both sides of the ball. Mgbako has the luxury of learning from Princeton commit Zach Martini. Together, they have built one of the best front courts in the state. Mgbako is averaging 13 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest. He is also blocking over one shot per game.
DJ Wagner | Camden
Wagner being able to score early in his career comes as no surprise. He is the son of Dajuan Wagner who is arguably the best scorer in NJ high school basketball history. Wagner has scored in double-figures in each of his first five games. He set a career-high in his last time out with 19 points. There is no doubt his career-high will change very soon and the number will be large. He is one of the most talented freshman in the state on the offensive side of the ball.
Ty-Laur Johnson | St. Benedict’s
At 5’10, Johnson is using his speed and athleticism to blossom into an all-around player. He scored 19 points in St. Benedict’s’ third game of the season against an out of state opponent. Johnson is a quick guard who can get to the basket at will and absorb contact to get to the free throw line.
Akil Watson | Don Bosco Prep
Watson is highly ranked in the state of New Jersey among the Class of 2023. He showed why in a win over Montclair Immaculate when he scored 15 of his team’s 51 points. Watson is a player who will continue to get better every time he steps on the floor. He already can handle the ball effectively and is a capable passer. His ability to shoot from the outside will improve overtime and when it does, he will be a threat from everywhere.