2024 Potential Starters to Watch

<p>The start of the high school basketball season is less than a month away and is full of anticipation. The upcoming freshman class is full of expectations as they have players who should make a big impact right away. Here are the top 2024 freshman who should start right away.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046909" first="Elliot" last="Cadeau"], 6’2 PG Bergen Catholic</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders have been one of the top teams in Non-Public A over the past couple of seasons and they should get better with the addition of Cadeau. The 6’2 guard has a good handle and is tough to keep out of the lane. Cadeau has a nice layup package around the basket and can finish above the rim. He can bury triples from behind the arc and is an underrated passer. Cadeau joins a talented backcourt of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850683" first="Julian" last="Brown"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850662" first="Will" last="Richardson"]</strong> as Bergen Catholic looks to be one of the top teams in the Garden State in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902746" first="Naasir" last="Cunningham"], 6’6 SF Gill St. Bernard’s</strong></p> <p>The Knights are one of the top teams in Non-Public B and they got a big newcomer in Cunningham. The lanky 6’6 forward can handle the ball on the perimeter and knows how to get to the basket. Cunningham has a smooth release on his jump shot and his range extends past the three-point line. His length makes him capable of defending multiple positions and has the ability to run the offense. Cunningham and fellow 2024 classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050392" first="Samir" last="Thomas"]</strong> form a dynamic duo capable of running Somerset County for the next three years.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050393" first="TJ" last="Robinson"], 5’10 PG Teaneck</strong></p> <p>The Highwaymen had a tough 2019-20 season, but they should have a bounce back year with Robinson in the fold. The 5’10 guard is a blur in the open floor and knows how to push the pace. Robinson has a tight handle and is capable of blowing by his defender off the dribble. He is more than just a slasher as he can make it rain from distance if you give him space. Robinson may only be a freshman, but he is ready to be one of the lead guys for Teaneck this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050391" first="Tarik" last="Watson"], 6’7 SF/PF Don Bosco Prep</strong></p> <p>The Ironmen are one of the top teams in Bergen County and they should only get better with Watson. The 6’7 forward already possesses a strong frame, giving him the ability to finish around the basket. Watson can handle the ball on the perimeter and has a nice mid-range game. He works hard on the boards and uses his length to swat shots around the basket. Watson may have to sit behind older brother <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850753" first="Akil" last="Watson"]</strong> at times, but the younger brother’s potential should put him in the starting lineup very early.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050394" first="Chris" last="Ditrolio"], 5’9 PG Roxbury</strong></p> <p>Roxbury has a solid 2021 duo in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1035705" first="Trevor" last="Napoliello"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1035706" first="Kyle" last="Haegele"]</strong>, but it’s offense should get a boost with Ditrolio. The 5’9 guard is a marksman from behind the arc as he is capable of burying triples in bunches. Ditrolio has a sweet stroke and has one of the quickest releases in the class. He is more than just a shooter as he can handle the ball on the perimeter and finish around the basket. Napoliello and Haegele will be the prime scorers for Roxbury, but Ditrolio’s shooting ability will put him in the starting lineup.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050395" first="Mike" last="Jones Jr."], PG Trenton Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050398" first="Nick" last="Seeloch"], 5’10 PG Holmdel</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902753" first="Jalen" last="Sams"], 6’3 SG Pioneer Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050397" first="David" last="Dix"], 5’8 PG Pioneer Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050410" first="Khalid" last="Sanders"], PG Newark Tech</strong></p>