An Early Look at the 2024 Class

<p>High schools across the Garden State are barely a month in with the football season just starting out. While the gridiron season may be new, the excitement for the basketball season is palpable with some of the state’s top teams reloading. Camden returns most of its roster from a squad that went 29-1 and won the South Jersey Group 2 title. Non-Public B powers Roselle Catholic and Patrick School lost a lot of talent, but should be some of the state’s best with an influx of transfers. The hype around the 2024 class is high as well, despite the fact they have yet to play a game.</p> <p>Bergen Catholic’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046909" first="Elliot" last="Cadeau"] </strong>is the top player in 2024 and should start right away for the Crusaders. The 6’2 guard is hard to contain off the bounce and knows how to finish above the rim. Cadeau is a nifty finisher around the rim and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. He is an underrated passer who is a seamless fit into the starting lineup alongside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850662" first="Will" last="Richardson"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850683" first="Julian" last="Brown"]</strong>. Cadeau will be a player to watch throughout the season, but he is not the only talented freshman on Bergen Catholic’s roster.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050396" first="Terri" last="Copeland"] </strong>may not start right away, but his size and athleticism should get him onto the floor right away. The 6’8 forward has a nice tough around the basket and can finish above the rim. Copeland is developing his range and can draw contact around the basket. He is active on the glass and uses his length to swat shots around the basket. Copeland may have to wait behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900290" first="DiAri" last="Duncan"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850518" first="Jacob" last="Barry"]</strong>, but Copeland is good enough to play major minutes for Bergen Catholic this season.</p> <p>Gill St. Bernard’s brings in a pair of talented freshman in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902746" first="Naasir" last="Cunningham"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050392" first="Samir" last="Thomas"]</strong>, who should have big roles right away. The former is a lanky wing who can score the ball in multiple ways. Cunningham can put the ball on the floor, finish around the rim and knock down perimeter jumpers. He can run the offense in a pinch and is an underrated passer. Cunningham is a skilled wing who should take the pressure off of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"]</strong>.</p> <p>Thomas is an athletic guard who can put pressure on defenses in transition. The 6’3 guard has a good handle and can beat his defender off the bounce. Thomas is a good finisher around the rim and does not mind contact when he attacks the basket. He is a solid rebounder and is capable of running the offense. Thomas’ ability to attack the basket makes him the perfect backcourt mate to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850666" first="Denver" last="Anglin"]</strong>.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050391" first="Tarik" last="Watson"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902739" first="Qing" last="Fang Pang"] </strong>are both talented wing prospects who should make big impacts despite the talent around them. The latter is an athletic wing who knows how to attack the basket. Watson has the skill to play on the perimeter and the size to play down low. Don Bosco Prep have a pair of talented forwards in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850753" first="Akil" last="Watson"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012964" first="Joe" last="Carroll"]</strong><strong>, </strong>who should help Tarik have a solid debut season.</p> <p>Pang is another combo forward who should make an impact right away. The 6’8 forward has a strong frame and can finish around the rim. Pang has an underrated handle as he is capable of handling the ball on the perimeter. He works hard on the glass and uses his size to block shots. St. Benedict’s has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="977499" first="Sam" last="Alajiki"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017200" first="Aaron" last="Davis"] </strong>on the wing, but Pang’s size and length should get him minutes as a freshman.</p> <p>The 2024 class is filled with talent who can make an impact right away.</p>