NY Section III: Onondaga High School League All Junior-Teams
New York’s Onondaga High School League within Section III continues year after year to provide some of the best high school basketball in the state. This league containing 27 of the best public and private school high schools from Northwest…
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Continue ReadingNew York’s Onondaga High School League within Section III continues year after year to provide some of the best high school basketball in the state. This league containing 27 of the best public and private school high schools from Northwest New York supplies many Northeastern colleges with the best players around, and this year looks to be no exception. Here, we take a look at the best Juniors who would make up an All-Junior team, and who are bound to make ripples in next year’s recruitment class.
First Team
Jarrett Wilbur | Homer
Jarrett Wilbur entered this season as a young junior playing as Homer’s number one option, and it was not a mistake. Wilbur went on to lead his team both in scoring and off the court. When Wilbur wasn’t scoring he was screening or facilitating, which usually would lead to an open teammate due to a nifty assist or a strong screen assist. On defense, Wilbur was the quarterback, dictating roles and picking up the most active player for himself.
Aiden Reztos | Faith Heritage
Aiden Reztos apparently set an agenda before the season, and he went off. The junior out of Faith Heritage led all of Section III with 666 points. Reztos showed he can play many roles on his team. Reztos can play ball-dominant and take control of the game, creating opportunities for himself and others with crafty handles and double-takes, while Reztos can also play off-ball, confusing defenders with relentless movements while leaving him wide open for a shot anywhere on the court. Reztos had an amazing season this year, and it’s bound to keep his phone ringing with offers.
Nate Fouts | Skaneateles
From the beginning of the season, Nate Fouts made it clear that if your job is going to guard the paint, you would need to be really good at your job. The guard/forward Fouts used his speed, athleticism, and handles all season to create open lanes for Fouts, which would result in an easy layup or at least a trip to the line. When Fouts wasn’t scoring from inside, it’s usually because he is showing off his elite jumper or because his penetration has resulted in a wide-open teammate.
Jack Gutchess | Bishop Grimes
The center out of Bishop Grimes, Jack Gutchess made the paint his home. On defense, Gutchess rarely let anyone score. The strong stance of Gutchess would rarely be fooled by opposing players, while his vertical and height would make short jumpers almost impossible. On offense, Gutchess was an elite rim runner, and when he was used on offense, it would usually result in an easy shot for him or an easy jumper for a teammate due to his screen assist,
AJ Burnett | Bishop Grimes
Forming a formidable duo with teammate Jack Gutchess, AJ Burnett proved to be everything Gutchess was not. Burnett would often leave offenders dazed as he would speed through any pass, foiling any offensive strategy. His quick feet and hands constantly pressured defenders and rarely let them get a clean shot off, while Burnett would showcase his floater and perimeter shooting on the offensive end.
Second Team
James Kelly | Manlius Pebble Hill
In James Kelly’s junior season, James Kelly proved to be one of Section III’s elite point guard. Kelly was one assist away from making it to 100 on the season, but his efforts are more than numbers. His flashy yet well thought out passes were the key to his team’s success, with his dimes exploiting even the smallest holes in a team’s defense. When he wasn’t passing, he was scoring, proving he can both speed past defenders to the basket and create his own shot.
Dale McMillian Jr | Syracuse Academy of Science
Dale McMillian Jr proved he can literally do any job on his team. Score inside, mid-range, outside, or at the line, McMillian has it covered. McMillian can also be the facilitator on a team, directing his teammates while finding his teammates in amazing opportunities to score. On defense, McMillian can both guard the tallest player and fastest, using both size and speed to his advantage.
Sam Haas | Christian Brothers
Sam Haas demonstrated that he can be an elite stretch big in Section III. Haas’s size and athleticism would make him perfect for defending larger players, as he can force uncomfortable shots and snag rebounds. On offense, Haas can both play in the paint off of guards and move to the perimeter, opening up space for the guards while being ready to knock down a shot when called upon.
Matt Kershaw | Marcellus
Matt Kershaw proved that he was born to score. It didn’t matter how Kershaw scored, but he always did it. Kershaw proved he can both play with a defender 1 on 1, putting the rest of the defense on hold with the threat of a smart pass if any help is applied, and cut off-ball, finding the least defender dense area on the court and making that his playground.
Joshua O’Connor | Weedsport
Joshua O’Connor proved he has what it takes to win, as he finished the season with the accomplishment of leading his team to an impressive 22-2 record. O’Connor established himself as a speedy scorer who can take a rebound one end and take it all the way, while he also showed his shooting. O’Connor contains the rare ability to shoot off a fastbreak, while he can also shoot at an impressive clip from the catch-and-shoot.