Class of 2023: Dark-Horse Prospects in Rankings

<p>The Class of 2023 is very top heavy in New Jersey. There are four members that have been nationally ranked by ESPN. There is talent all over the board however. Here are some of the dark-horse names to keep an eye on.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902747" first="Chris" last="Venturoso"] | Point Beach</strong></p> <p>Venturoso is right on the cusp of dark-horse and star. He had a strong season for Point Beach with 13 points per game but has not become a household name yet. That will change during his sophomore year. Venturoso is a complete player that can score at all three levels. He is the next great guard at Point Beach that will lead the team for three more years.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850762" first="Elijon" last="Nix"] | University</strong></p> <p>Nix is a player that will take on an extended role for University next season. He, along with [player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"], create a strong duo in the Class of 2023. He is a point guard with good size and athleticism. He is quick with the ball in his hands and can get by defenders using his elusive ways. Nix will quickly rise up rankings board with some extended time.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933644" first="Samir" last="Padilla"] | Lakewood</strong></p> <p>Padilla is a combo guard that can take over a game offensively for Lakewood. He is a three-point threat or can get in the lane for some easy baskets. Padilla knows how to initiate contact and score against larger defenders. As a sophomore, he will do much of the ball handling and will have ample attempts to put the ball in the basket.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933045" first="Noah" last="Payne"] | Eastern</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="896459" first="Noah" last="Klinewski"] has been the leader of Eastern for a couple years now but his time has ended. This leaves the team in need of a new playmaker and Payne can be that player. He is a 5’10 guard with great quickness and acceleration. Payne can get in the lane against many defenders or step back to shoot with great range. He will be one of the quickest rising prospects because of his scoring ability.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933048" first="Tristen" last="Guilloutte"] | Westampton Tech</strong></p> <p>Guilloutte is going to be dangerous once he puts his game complete together. He is a 6’7 forward that knows how to use his strength as an advantage. Guilloutte is a big body that will be valuable for Westampton Tech moving forward. He is one of the more intriguing prospects given his size. </p> <p><strong>Matthew Kinzler | St. Peter’s Prep</strong></p> <p>St. Peter’s Prep is a top program and they continue to replenish talent. [player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"] and [player_tooltip player_id="900328" first="Rayshawn" last="Ford"] are a top duo but Kinzler cannot be ignored. At 6’4, he has great size on the perimeter and can defend all five positions. Kinzler will continue to improve and will benefit when his role is extended. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>