NJ Class of 2023 Features Four Nationally Ranked Stars
ESPN recently revealed their rankings for the Class of 2023. New Jersey had four players feature in the top 25, and three in the top 10. Let’s take a look at the four top players in New Jersey’s Class of…
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Continue ReadingESPN recently revealed their rankings for the Class of 2023. New Jersey had four players feature in the top 25, and three in the top 10. Let’s take a look at the four top players in New Jersey’s Class of 2023.
#1: DJ Wagner | Camden
Wagner’s name is fully on the map as the top player nationally in the Class of 2023. He helped Camden reach the top of New Jersey in 2019-2020 and that will be a trend over his final three years. Wagner is a 6’3 scoring machine from the point guard position. This is a trait that runs in the family.
Wagner’s father, Dajuan, scored 3,462 points during his time at Camden, including a 100-point game. He then went on to play for John Calipari at Memphis where he averaged 21.2 points per game. Dajuan was the No. 6 overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2002. Could his son be better?
Camden was led by Wagner this season as he scored 557 points and knocked down 71 three’s. Wagner being ranked at the top of the national rankings just continues the trend of basketball excellence in New Jersey. And he is not alone.
#8: Simeon Wilcher Simeon Wilcher 6'4" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #17 Nation NJ | Roselle Catholic
Roselle Catholic is known for breeding Division I talent that eventually goes on to the NBA. Wilcher is just another one of the players. The 2023 point guard already has big name programs all over him. He stepped into the starting role for one of the top teams in the state and flourished.
Wilcher is a shifty point guard with great length. He is a game wrecker on defense and can turn it into quick offense. The speed of Wilcher is next level. He can handle the ball in the open floor and run the offense in the half court. His athleticism cannot be forgotten. Wilcher had many instances where he would go up and dunk on a larger defender.
Wilcher’s brother, CJ, will be at Xavier next season. He was also a standout at Roselle Catholic. Now it is Simeon’s turn to take over the program.
#11: Akil Watson Akil Watson 6'7" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #105 Nation NJ | Don Bosco
Watson shows the balanced attack coming out of New Jersey. With the guards coming in above on the rankings, the final two will be big men. Watson knows how to attack the basket using his 6’7 frame. He is a strong body down low that brings an intimidating presence.
Don Bosco was a guard heavy team in 2019-2020. Watson kept the floor balanced with his advanced post game. He is equipped with strong hands and quick feet which helps on both ends. This gives Don Bosco the threat of an inside out game.
Watson will take on an advanced scoring role during his sophomore season. He is undoubtedly one of the top players in New Jersey and across the country.
#19: Mackenzie Mgbako Mackenzie Mgbako 6'8" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #5 Nation NJ | Gill St. Bernard’s
Gill St. Bernard’s has their next great big in Mgbako. They are one of the strongest programs in the state that builds high school excellence. Mgbako continued that trend during his freshman season.
Mgbako showed his ability to score in the post and rebound effectively on both ends. The 6’8 forward has great length. Paired with his instincts and anticipation, Mgbako has all the ingredients of a great rebounder and shot blocker. He is a game changer that can take over on offense.
When watching Gill St. Bernard’s, it is hard to ignore their post game. Zach Martini Zach Martini 6'7" | PF Gill St. Bernard's | 2020 State #349 Nation NJ will be heading to Princeton next season and that means Mgbako is now the top option inside. That is not a bad option for a team to have.