Skyland Conference: Biggest Shoes to Fill

<p>The Skyland Conference is one of the top conferences in the state as it housed two teams that finished in the top 10. Rutgers Prep and Gill St. Bernard’s should be among the premier teams in the state again as they have some of the top talent in the state. The conference lost a ton of premier players last season, creating opportunities for players to step up. Here are the top players in the Skyland Conference with the biggest shoes to fill.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013045" first="Drew" last="Kania"], 6’7 SF/PF Gill St. Bernard’s 2022</strong></p> <p>The Knights have made the last two Non-Public B North finals, but they have to replace Princeton signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850327" first="Zach" last="Martini"]</strong>. Kania will get the first opportunity to replace his production down low as he plays with good positioning in the paint. The 6’7 forward has a nice touch around the basket and has a solid mid-range game. Kania can handle the ball on the perimeter and moves his feet well on the defensive. He picked up three D1 offers in the offseason and his list should only grow with more playing time.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901961" first="Ryan" last="Petit"], 6’2 SG Rutgers Prep 2022</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts won 27 games last year, but they have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850340" first="Nico" last="Galette"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850671" first="Otega" last="Oweh"]</strong>. Petit is a glue guy for head coach Matt Bloom as he dives on the floor for loose balls and has quick hands on defense. The 6’2 lefty has a sweet shooting stroke from deep and does not force things on the offensive end. Petit is more than just a shooter as he can put the ball on the floor and is a good passer. Rutgers Prep will be one of the top teams in the state again as Petit gets more looks on the offensive end.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931021" first="Darren" last="Tuck"], 6’4 SG Immaculata 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850365" first="Jaden" last="Honis"] </strong>ran the offense for Immaculata last season, which creates an opportunity for Tuck to be the man. The 6’4 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he can finish around the rim and draw contact. Tuck is more than just a slasher as he has a good release on his jumper. He is an underrated passer and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Tuck is a talented wing who should have a strong junior campaign for Immaculata.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"], 6’4 CG Watchung Hills 2021</strong></p> <p>The Warriors were a top-10 team in the state last year, but they have to replace First-Team All-State performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896632" first="Michael" last="Bressler"]</strong>. Bokach is ready for a bigger role as he plays with great court vision and makes smart passes. The 6’4 guard has a good handle and can finish through contact on his way to the bucket. Bokach plays with active hands on the defensive end and can guard multiple positions on the floor. Watchung Hills should be one of the top teams in the Skyland Conference again as Bokach runs the offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929527" first="Kyle" last="Rolon"], 6’3 SG Somerville 2021</strong></p> <p>The Hilltoppers won 21 games in 2019-20, but they have to replace three of the their top four scorers. Rolon is the leading returning scorer and is ready for a monstrous senior season. The 6’3 guard has one of the smoothest shooting strokes in the state as he wastes little motion and has a lightning quick release. Rolon moves exceptionally well off the ball and is unafraid of contact on his way to the basket. Somerville should be one of the better teams in the conference this season as Rolon getting more opportunities on the offensive end.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050392" first="Samir" last="Thomas"], 6’3 CG Gill St. Bernard’s 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929526" first="Jake" last="Schapiro"], 6’2 SG Ridge 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901974" first="Donovan" last="Long"], 6’6 SF Rutgers Prep 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Isaiah Cotten, 6’4 SG Franklin 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016636" first="Ethan" last="Mannello"], 6’1 SG Pingry 2021</strong></p>