South Jersey Group 4: Big Men to Watch

<p>South Jersey Group 4 will feature some of the biggest schools in the state. South Jersey has been talented no matter what conference. The guards have been electric but we will focus on the big men who have made significant impacts.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/najae-hallenbeck/">[player_tooltip player_id="896636" first="Najae" last="Hallenbeck"]</a> (2020) | Toms River North</strong></p> <p>Hallenbeck was the most dominant player in the Shore this season. He is averaging 20.9 points and 12 rebounds per game this season. The 6’6 Hallenbeck is a standout on the football field and basketball court. He has a soft touch around the rim and can get hot from deep as well. Toms River North was the clear-cut No. 2 in the Shore Conference this season and Hallenbeck was a reason why along with <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jakari-spence/">[player_tooltip player_id="896630" first="Jakari" last="Spence"]</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josh-randall/">[player_tooltip player_id="929679" first="Josh" last="Randall"]</a> (2020) | Gloucester Tech</strong></p> <p>Randall’s numbers exceed double-doubles, which he has 21 of this season. Randall turned in 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 blocks in a win over Mastery Charter. In the game before, he finished with 35 points and 22 rebounds. Just three games later against Deptford Tech, Randall had 27 points, 24 rebounds, and eight blocks. Performances like this go on and on for the senior who is averaging 21 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.7 blocks per game.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-mcnichols/">[player_tooltip player_id="896668" first="Justin" last="McNichols"]</a> (2020) | Clearview</strong></p> <p>McNichols made his intentions clear this season when he began with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in a season opening win over Cumberland. He is a 6’6 presence that can step out and shoot as he has knocked down 33 three’s this season. McNichols is Clearview’s leading scorer and that is no surprise when looking at his extremely wide skill set.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tayvon-gaither/">[player_tooltip player_id="933727" first="Tayvon" last="Gaither"]</a> (2022) | Lenape</strong></p> <p>At 6’4, Gaither was a beast on the inside. He did not step out and shoot that much. Gaither did his work inside the paint either driving the ball or catching it deep in the post. He scored 10 or more points in nine straight games to begin the season including a 22-point performance against Rancocas Valley. His numbers will not jump off the page at you but his presence is known on the court.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zubair-lee/">[player_tooltip player_id="929514" first="Zubair" last="Lee"]</a> (2021) | Eastern</strong></p> <p>Lee has scored in double-figures in all but four games this season. He has completely come into his own as a junior. Lee is a player who uses his lanky frame to jump through the roof and sky for rebounds. He has a 33-point game against Cherry Hill East and a 30-point performance against Timber Creek this season. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/noah-klinewski/">[player_tooltip player_id="896459" first="Noah" last="Klinewski"]</a> is a strong guard for Eastern and Lee has handled business on the inside.</p> <p><strong>Jay Silva (2021) | Southern</strong></p> <p>It was a strong season for Southern at 16-9. They have a solid group of players who will be returning next season led by Silva. The 6’6 center is a player who has his presence felt when on the floor. That is the most important thing as a big man. Silva is a big body who can score in the post or off an offensive rebound. When watching Southern, they have a group of guards who can shoot from deep. Silva handles the work on the inside. This is a well-balanced team who might surprise some people in this bracket.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>