Summer 2020: Biggest Stock Risers Part 1

<p>The 2020 summer season was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic as big AAU tournaments were unable to be played. Prospects worked hard on their games as they tried to get themselves noticed by as many schools as possible. Some players had extremely strong summers, raising their stocks before the start of the 2020-21 season. Here are the top 2021 stock risers over the summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900329" first="Marcus" last="Pierce"], 6'2 CG Jersey Force Select (St. Joseph Academy)</strong></p> <p>No guard improved his stock more in the 2021 class than Pierce. The 6'2 guard has a good handle and was hard to keep out of the lane. Pierce attacked the basket with a purpose and finished numerous tough layups through traffic. He made several nice passes throughout the summer and showed his ability to run the offense. Pierce is a skilled guard prospect whose stock is on the rise heading into his final varsity season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016635" first="Joe" last="Lardaro"], 6'5 SF/PF Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite (Freehold Township)</strong></p> <p>Lardaro had a strong summer session as he showed his ability to finish over larger defenders. The 6'5 forward has a nice touch around the basket and can muscle shots through contact. Lardaro can also handle the ball on the perimeter and take his man off the bounce. He works tirelessly on the glass as he gobbled up offensive rebounds all summer. Lardaro is the hard-working big man that will make a coach at the next level very happy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900363" first="Aidan" last="Kehoe"], 6'10 PF NJ Panthers (Pascack Hills)</strong></p> <p>Kehoe has made huge strides this summer as he proved he is ready to be a dominant big man in Bergen County. The 6'10 post player has a nice touch around the basket and knows how to get position down low. Kehoe has a nice release on his free throws and is working on his range. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his length to alter shots around the basket. Kehoe's stock is on the rise as he becomes a more confident big man on the offensive end.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016639" first="Evan" last="Perez"], 5'10 PG Shore Shots (Elizabeth)</strong></p> <p>Perez may have come off the bench last season, but he should be in the starting lineup after his summer showing. The 5'10 guard is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and knows how to push the ball in transition. Perez is a crafty finisher around the basket and is unafraid of drawing contact. He is a tough on-ball defender and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Perez's ability to make plays on both ends of the floor is why his stock is on the rise.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017710" first="Jordan" last="Derkack"], 6'3 SG [program_tooltip program_id='2078571' first='MSU' last='Skyliners'] (Colonia)</strong></p> <p>Derkack is one of the most explosive athletes in the 2021 class, but that is not the only reason for his stock rising. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and loves to finish above the rim. Derkack has a nice release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence. He uses his athleticism to block shots on the defensive end and rises for rebounds. Derkack is a talented guard prospect whose stock should continue to rise through the 2020-21 season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900364" first="Dominick" last="Barlow"], 6'7 SF Jersey Force Elite (Dumont)</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1018561" first="Malcolm" last="Eley"], 6'3 SG Unity Legends (Hudson Catholic)</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013017" first="Jacob" last="Morales"], 6'4 SG NJ Panthers Select (Pascack Hills)</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"], 6'4 CG Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite (Watchung Hills)</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012961" first="Jack" last="Collins"], 6'5 SG Shore Shots (Manasquan)</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900318" first="John" last="Horner"], 6'7 SF [program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] University (St. Augustine)</strong></p>