Cape-Atlantic League: Players with Big Shoes to Fill

<p>The Cape-Atlantic League had a strong postseason with a pair of sectional finalists, including top-10 team Wildwood Catholic Academy. The conference is filled with talent, but it has to replace several marquee players. Here are the Cape-Atlantic League players with the biggest shoes to fill in 2019-20.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013002" first="Xavier" last="Ernest"], 6’3 SG St. Augustine 2021</strong></p> <p>The Hermits took home the South Jersey Non-Public A final, but they have to replace starting point guard <strong>Elmarko Jackson</strong>, who transferred to Academy of the New Church in Pennsylvania. Ernest will get the opportunity to start in his place as he provides coach Rodio with a tough on-ball defender in the backcourt. The 6’3 lefty attacks the basket hard and does not mind drawing contact on his way to the rim. Ernest is a strong rebounder and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. St. Augustine will be one of the top teams in the Cape-Atlantic League as Ernest gets more looks on the offensive end.</p> <p><strong>Da’Sean Lopez, 6’3 CG Wildwood Catholic Academy 2021</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders have to replace All-State performers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="766090" first="Taj" last="Thweatt"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896442" first="Jahlil" last="White"]</strong>, creating an opportunity for Lopez to shoulder a larger scoring load. The 6’3 guard is a pesky on-ball defender and plays with energy on the defensive end. Lopez has a good handle and can beat his defender off the bounce. He knows how to finish around the rim and is capable of making open perimeter jumpers. Lopez is ready for a big offensive year as Wildwood Catholic Academy looks to maintain Cape-Atlantic League supremacy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013042" first="Ja’Son" last="Prevard"], 6’2 CG St. Joseph Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>The Wildcats have a dynamic backcourt duo in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900329" first="Marcus" last="Pierce"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900365" first="Jordan" last="Stafford"]</strong>, but they have to replace <strong>Daniel Skillings</strong>, who transferred to Roman Catholic. Prevard saw a lot of playing time last season and is ready for a larger role this season. The dual-sport star attacks the basket with a purpose and uses his athleticism to finish around the rim. Prevard does not mind drawing contact on his way to the bucket and plays with great instincts on the defensive end. Pierce and Stafford may run St. Joseph Academy’s offense, but Prevard has the talent and athleticism to help St. Joseph Academy be the team to beat in the Cape-Atlantic League.</p> <p><strong>Jayden Jones, PG Atlantic City 2021</strong></p> <p>The Vikings took home the South Jersey Group 4 title last season, but they have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929533" first="Stephen" last="Byard"]</strong>. Jones is primed for a bigger scoring role as he has the handle to break down his defender and get to the rim. He has a smooth touch on his floater and will not hesitate to shoot when given space on the perimeter. Jones makes plays when he gets into the lane and plays with good floor vision. Atlantic City should be a team to watch in South Jersey with Jones running the show again.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013003" first="Kyree" last="Tinsley"], 5’9 PG Cedar Creek 2021</strong></p> <p>The Pirates have to replace the graduation of <strong>Najee Coursey</strong> and their offense should run through Tinsley this season. The 5’9 guard is dynamic with the ball in his hands and is a blur in the open floor. Tinsley has a good handle and is able to maneuver his way through traffic. He moves his feet well on the defensive end and makes smart decisions in the halfcourt. Cedar Creek should be a tough team to beat again this season with Tinsley getting more looks on offense.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Michee Veleus, 6’4 SG Pleasantville 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Jamil Wilkins, 6’1 SG Holy Spirit 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>Daryl McGraw, 6’9 PF/C St. Joseph Academy 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1025309" first="Jayden" last="Lopez"], 5’9 PG Atlantic Tech 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900379" first="Jared" last="Hopping"], 6’3 SG Wildwood Catholic Academy 2021</strong></p>