Jersey Shore Predators 2022 Potential Breakout Performers

<p>The upcoming basketball season is full of excitement with so many different outcomes that could happen. The 2022 class is brimming with potential especially in the backcourt. The Jersey Shore Predators have a strong 2022 group that has the potential to have big 2020-21 seasons. Here are the top 2022 Jersey Shore Predators prospects that could have breakout junior campaigns.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901983" first="DJ" last="Thomson"], 6’3 CG Keyport</strong></p> <p>Thomson has proven to be a go-to scorer for the Red Raiders with over 800 points in his two seasons. The 6’3 guard is at his best in transition where he can use his speed and athleticism to get to the rim. Thomson is unafraid of contact and knows how to finish around the basket. He is an underrated passer and makes plays on the defensive end. Thomson made the All Shore Conference Team on the Fan’s Vote, but should need it this season with his all-around skillset.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901981" first="Colin" last="Ackerman"], 6’1 PG Wall</strong></p> <p>The Crimson Knights have won consecutive Central Jersey Group 3 titles, but they need to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896620" first="Quinn" last="Calabrese"]</strong>. Ackerman has been a key part of Wall’s attack as he knows how to control the tempo and rarely gets flustered. The 6’1 guard can beat his defender off the bounce and knows how to finish through contact. Ackerman plays tough on-ball defense and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Wall will miss Calabrese’s scoring, but Ackerman’s ability to run the show will make the Crimson Knights tough to beat.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013082" first="Luke" last="Farrell"], 6’6 SF/PF St. Rose</strong></p> <p>The Purple Roses need someone to step up in the paint and Farrell looks to be the guy. The 6’6 forward has a strong frame to draw contact around the rim and has a nice touch. Farrell can also play on the perimeter as he is capable of knocking down open perimeter jumpers. He works hard on the glass on both ends of the floor and is an underrated shot-blocker. St. Rose should improve from its 13-12 record from last season with Farrell getting more touches down low.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013081" first="Jack" last="Dougard"], 6’5 SF/PF Brick Township</strong></p> <p>The Dragons may have only won two games in 2019-20, but that should change with its junior post duo of Dougard and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1039494" first="Luke" last="Braaten"]</strong>. The former works hard down low and is unafraid to mix it up down low. Dougard can face-up and knock down jumpers in the mid-range as well, creating space for Braaten in the paint. The 6’5 forward is a strong rebounder and moves pretty well off the ball. Dougard should get an expanded role on the offensive end, which should lead to more wins for Brick Township.</p> <p><strong>Justin Rivera, 5’10 PG Raritan</strong></p> <p>The Rockets need to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929698" first="Jaylen" last="Smith"]</strong>’s scoring and they may have found it in Rivera. The 5’10 guard is at his best attacking the basket where he knows how to draw contact. Rivera is a good finisher around the rim and makes plays when he gets into the lane. He is more than just a driver as he can knock down perimeter jumpers and make plays on the defensive end. Rivera is ready for a larger scoring role in his junior campaign, which could lead Raritan to a strong 2020-21 season.</p>