How Trey Patterson’s Move Will Impact the NJSIAA

<p>New Jersey basketball got huge news yesterday when Rutgers Prep forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850499" first="Trey" last="Patterson"]</strong> announced that he would enroll for the spring semester at Villanova. The 6’8 wing is the top-ranked player in the class and looking to lead Rutgers Prep to a second straight Somerset County Tournament title. His decision to enroll early creates opportunities across the Garden State.</p> <p>The Argonauts already lost <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850340" first="Nico" last="Galette"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850671" first="Otega" last="Oweh"]</strong>, so they will need someone to step up in Patterson’s absence. Marist commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850507" first="Noah" last="Harris"] </strong>has been a knockdown shooter throughout his high school career, but will be asked to shoulder a much bigger scoring load. He is dangerous when he gets into the lane as he makes smart decisions and is a creative finisher around the basket.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901961" first="Ryan" last="Petit"] </strong>is the only other returning starter from last season and should have a breakout year for head coach Matt Bloom. The 6’2 lefty guard plays with toughness on both ends of the floor and is a smooth passer. Petit has the ability to get hot from distance and is ready for a breakout season.</p> <p>Marist transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901974" first="Donovan" last="Long"] </strong>should be the third scoring option for Rutgers Prep and is ready to make an impact for his new team. The 6’6 forward is a good finisher around the basket and can handle the ball on the perimeter. Long is a versatile defender, which is key for a Rutgers Prep team that does not have a lot of size with Patterson’s departure.</p> <p>Sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902744" first="Cameron" last="Piggee"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902754" first="Jordan" last="Atkins"], [player_tooltip player_id="1035693" first="Franklin" last="Jones"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013103" first="Jonathan" last="Nsenkyire"]</strong> will all get opportunities to make an impact this season. Piggee, Atkins and Nsenkyire are all skilled lead guards who can create off the bounce and get to the rim. Jones is a lanky wing who has a good release on his jumper and his stock will rise with more playing time.</p> <p>Patterson was the top player in the Skyland Conference and his move creates an opportunity for a talented Gill St. Bernard’s duo. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"] </strong>is a talented wing prospect who can score from all three levels, rebound at a high level and defend multiple positions. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850666" first="Denver" last="Anglin"]</strong> is a sniper from distance capable of getting hot from distance in a hurry as evidenced by his 30-point game against Camden. Lanky freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902746" first="Naasir" last="Cunningham"]</strong> will have a strong debut season, but Mgbako and Anglin will lead the way for the Knights this season.</p> <p>Blair Academy’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"] </strong>is now the top prospect playing high school basketball in the Garden State. The 6’1 floor general is crafty with the ball in his hands and can score in a variety of ways. Blakes can finish through contact around the basket and plays with poise under pressure. He is a good passer and is a strong on-ball defender.</p> <p>Camden’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850508" first="Jerome" last="Brewer"] </strong>is the top small forward in the class with the move and will have a strong senior season. The 6’6 wing is at his best attacking the basket from the perimeter and can finish through contact. Brewer also has a nice release on his jumper and can defend multiple positions.</p> <p>Patterson’s move to Villanova creates multiple opportunities for players to step up in his absence.</p>