Summer 2020 Stock Risers Part 3

Joe Esquivel-Murphy September 11, 2020 @ 09:33 AM

Summer 2020 was interesting for prospects as they had no major AAU tournaments to play in. AAU teams around the state had to get creative as they tried to find ways to find competition. Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, players were able to raise their stocks. Here are the top stock risers from the 2023 class. [player_tooltip player_id="1013069" first="Malachi" last="Johnson"], 5'11 PG NJ Panthers 16U (Union) Johnson may have played a year up this summer, but that did not stop him from having a big summer. The 5'11 guard has a good handle and is able to get into the lane. Johnson is more than just a driver as he has a nice release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence. He is an underrated passer and is capable of running the offense. Johnson is a skilled point guard prospect who should have a big second varsity campaign. [player_tooltip player_id="1013095" first="Jayden" last="Holmes Cotter"], 6'5 PF Jersey Force 15U/16U (Freehold Township) Holmes Cotter spent time with both the Jersey Force 15U and 16U teams as he maximized his summer. The 6'5 forward knows how to get himself open down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Holmes Cotter fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is unafraid of finishing through contact. He can step away from the basket and knock down mid-range jumpers as well. Holmes Cotter is a strong forward prospect who is ready for a strong sophomore season. [player_tooltip player_id="1017200" first="Aaron" last="Davis"], 6'5 SF [program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] University (St. Benedict's) Davis will be entering his first season with the Grey Bees after a successful summer campaign. The 6'5 wing has a strong frame, giving him the ability to finish through contact. Davis can handle the ball on the perimeter, but can also knock down perimeter jumpers. He skies for rebounds and is capable of matching up against taller opponents on the defensive end. Davis is a skilled small forward prospect who should fit right in with the St. Benedict's team. [player_tooltip player_id="1013098" first="Noah" last="Taylor"], 6'4 SF NJ Panthers 15U (Colonia) Taylor had a breakout summer session for the NJ Panthers 15U squad as he established himself as their go-to option. The 6'4 forward is physical in the paint and is unafraid of muscling shots through contact. Taylor has a nice touch around the basket and was almost impossible to keep off the offensive glass. He worked on his shooting form over the course of the summer, which will benefit him greatly this coming season. Taylor is a rugged forward prospect whose stock is on the rise. [player_tooltip player_id="1035694" first="Chima" last="Okoema"], 5'9 PG [program_tooltip program_id='2078571' first='MSU' last='Skyliners'] (Plainfield) Okoema may have been the youngest player on his team, but that did not stop him from showing out. The 5'9 guard is lightning with the ball in his hands and is tough to keep out of the lane. Okoema shoots the ball with confidence and is capable of getting hot from deep in a hurry. He has a nice handle and is capable of running the offense. Okoema is a talented point guard prospect who could have a big scoring season for Plainfield in 2020-21. Other Players to Know: [player_tooltip player_id="1013071" first="Christian" last="Pierre-Louis"], 6'2 SG [program_tooltip program_id='2078590' first='Team' last='Rio'] University (Roselle Catholic) [player_tooltip player_id="1013075" first="Carson" last="Howard"], 6'7 PF Team Final (Lacey Township) [player_tooltip player_id="1013086" first="Nate" last="Pluviose"], 5'10 PG NJ Panthers 15U (Pope John XXIII) [player_tooltip player_id="1013072" first="Jalen" last="Pichardo"], 6'4 SF [program_tooltip program_id='2078574' first='NJ' last='Bulldogs'] 15U (East Brunswick) [player_tooltip player_id="1017192" first="Kyle" last="Verriest"], 5'11 PG NJ Shore Shots 15U (St. John Vianney)