Class of 2021: Top-Three at Each Position

<p><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photo by Yahoo! Sports</span></em></p> <p>The Class of 2021 just finished their junior years and many of the top players are starting to make decisions on college. This is an insanely deep class in New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the top-three players at each position.</p> <h3>Point Guards</h3> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"] | Blair Academy: </strong>Blakes has turned into one of the most recruited players in the state. He is a 6’2 point guard who can do it all offensively. He is a scoring machine. Blakes averaged 19 points per game this season while shooting a high percentage from deep. He has a lot of interest from schools all over the country and the list will continue to grow.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850507" first="Noah" last="Harris"] | Rutgers Prep: </strong>Harris emerged as an elite passer for Rutgers Prep this season. Aside from averaging 16.5 points per game, Harris was near the top of the state in total assists with 213 for an average of 7.3 per contest. Harris knocked down 99 three’s this season to lead Rutgers Prep. He is a complete point guard who can contribute at a high-level on both ends.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850513" first="Jayden" last="Brown"] | Montclair Immaculate: </strong>Brown played aside [player_tooltip player_id="850330" first="Zion" last="Bethea"] this season to lead Montclair Immaculate. Brown is a duel-threat player. He improved game-by-game this season which puts him in a prime position for his senior year. Brown can control pace of the game. He has a high IQ on the floor and makes good decisions. That is a huge quality for a point guard to have.</p> <h3>Shooting Guards</h3> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850515" first="Justin" last="Glover"] | Hudson Catholic: </strong>Glover is one of many strong guards over at Hudson Catholic. The 6’2 wing is an elite shooter. As good as he is from deep, he might be better at getting to the rim. Glover makes a habit of getting in the lane and scoring from close. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850511" first="Amar’e" last="Marshall"] | Montclair Immaculate: </strong>Marshall is a game changing player. He can take over a game on the offensive end and give his team a boost. He knocked down 39 three’s this season and showed his ability to finish with contact around the rim.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900328" first="Rayshawn" last="Ford"] | St. Peter’s Prep: </strong>St. Peter’s Prep is another guard heavy team. Ford is paired with Class of 2022 standout [player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"] to create a top backcourt in the state. Ford is a slashing guard with a soft touch around the rim. He is often looked to as a closer because he is an incredible free throw shooter.</p> <h3>Small Forwards</h3> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850498" first="Jonathan" last="Kuminga"] | The Patrick School: </strong>We will see many members of the Class of 2021 at the next level and professionally, but none have more hype than Kuminga. He is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2021 according to ESPN’s Top 60. Kuminga is 6’8 and is always the best athlete on the floor. He can do it all. Shoot from deep, get to the rim, dunk on someone, or shoot off the dribble. Kuminga is an NBA prospect.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850499" first="Trey" last="Patterson"] | Rutgers Prep: </strong>You can also find Patterson in the ESPN Top 60. The 6’7 small forward can play all five positions. He is a dynamic ball handler who plays like a guard on the perimeter and can rebound with anyone in the state. Patterson thrives in the mid-range. He is a pure scorer in all forms of the word. Another player that will be seen at the next level and beyond.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850509" first="Zarique" last="Nutter"] | The Patrick School: </strong>It is no surprise that The Patrick School was one of the best teams in New Jersey when looking at their roster. When Kuminga missed time early on with an ankle injury, Nutter stepped into the scoring role and showed he can be a No. 1 option. Nutter is an incredible athlete and agile small forward who can run the point. He is a scorer but has a knack of setting his teammates up in position to score.</p> <h3>Power Forwards</h3> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850500" first="Adama" last="Sanogo"] | The Patrick School: </strong>Another Celtic finds himself on this list. Sanogo is attempting to reclass to 2020 but for now, he is still 2021. Which is scary for opposing teams. Sanogo is a Division I talent right now with hopes of making it to the NBA. He is a 6’9 forward with great strength and agility. Sanogo has quick feet for a big man and strong hands when rebounding.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900333" first="Rafael" last="Castro"] | Dover: </strong>It would be wrong not to include the state’s top rebounder here. Dover led New Jersey with 440 total rebounders for an average of 16.3 per contest. Castro is a big body down low who is in complete control on the post. He is a dominant scorer who is stronger than most on the block. Castro has one more season and he will be getting more and more looks.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850519" first="Manny" last="Exauce"] | Marist: </strong>Exauce is a physical force down low. He is beginning to draw attention and is racking up offers from schools including Bryant and Sacred Heart. He is a player who can continue his dominance at the next level because he knows how to gain position on the block to score or rebound.</p> <h3>Centers</h3> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850501" first="Bretner" last="Mutombo"] | The Patrick School: </strong>Mutombo is the top center in New Jersey. The 6’11 dynamo is a quick footed big man who dominates both sides of the ball. He has received offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Xavier, and many more. Mutombo has a soft touch around the rim but can also use his strength to play with force.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850503" first="Akoldah" last="Gak"] | Blair Academy:</strong> Blair is a powerhouse every season and it is because of players like Gak. He is one of the most athletic players in the state and that is a great accomplishment for someone who is 6’11. Gak has racked up offers from Miami, Rutgers, UConn, Penn State, and Wake Forest.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900291" first="Josh" last="Hopson"] | St. Peter’s Prep: </strong>Hopson is a 6’8 center who plays like a seven-footer. He can leap high on both ends which helps him rebound and elevate for baskets down low. Hopson is the inside force for a guard heavy team. He will be seen playing at the next level because of his control down low and ability to pass out of a double-team.</p>