Prep Prospects Who Could Fly up the Rankings

<p>The prep division in the Garden State is always filled with talent, headlined by Blair Academy and St. Benedict’s. The Patrick School was just voted out of the NJSIAA, which only adds to the talent in the group. Players on these teams will have plenty of opportunities to raise their stock as they face off against high-level competition. Here are the top prep prospects who should rise up the rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900331" first="David" last="Gordon"], 6’10 PF Olympus Prep 2021</strong></p> <p>The 2021 class is running out of available big men, which makes Gordon’s stock even more intriguing. The 6’10 forward knows how to create position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Gordon can also step away from the basket and knock down perimeter jumpers. He uses his length to altar shots around the basket and skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Gordon has the potential to have a breakout season for Olympus Prep, which should make his stock rise this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709244" first="Scotty" last="Middleton"], 6’7 SF Patrick School 2023</strong></p> <p>The Celtics have always had a solid group of wings and Middleton looks to be the next one in line. The Christopher Columbus transfer can handle the ball on the perimeter and loves to finish above the rim. Middleton is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and his range extends to the three-point line. He has the ability to defend multiple positions and is an underrated passer. Middleton’s combination of size, skill and athleticism will make him an intriguing prospect to watch for the Patrick School.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050397" first="David" last="Dix"], 5’8 PG Pioneer Academy 2024</strong></p> <p>Dix may only be a freshman, but he has the ability to make an impact right away. He is electric with the ball in his hands as he uses his quickness to blow by his defenders in both the half court and the open floor. Dix is a creative finisher around the basket and does not mind drawing contact. He is a tenacious on-ball defender and has extremely quick hands. Dix’s ability to play at both ends should create an opportunity for him to rise in the rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900352" first="Mark" last="Woolhouse"], 6’9 PF Pennington 2022</strong></p> <p>The Red Raiders had a solid 2019-20 season, but they should have a better year with the addition of Woolhouse. The North Hunterdon transfer is a lanky, forward prospect who has a nice touch around the basket. Woolhouse is also a good shooter from the perimeter as he has a nice stroke and range that extends past the three-point line. He is a solid shot-blocker and good rebounder at both ends. Woolhouse is a stretch four who should have a strong debut season for Pennington.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013065" first="Ian" last="Imegwu"], 6’8 PF Blair Academy 2023</strong></p> <p>The Buccaneers are one of the most talented teams in the Garden State and they have an intriguing talent in Imegwu. The 6’8 forward is one of the top stretch fours in the class as he can bury triples from deep and does not waste much motion in his shot. Imegwu can also put the ball on the floor and finish through contact around the rim. He is one of the top shot-blockers in the class and knows how to get position down low. Imegwu is a skilled stretch-four who is ready to make an impact for Blair Academy right away.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Nyle Coleman, 5’9 PG Peddie 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013083" first="Ethan" last="Gross"], 6’7 PF Hun 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016676" first="Landen" last="Shivers"], 6’8 PF Life Center 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046460" first="Kareem" last="Ewell"], 6’6 SF Patrick School 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="836479" first="Guy" last="Fauntleroy"], 6’0 PG Olympus Prep 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900339" first="Ethan" last="McEachern"], 6’1 PG Blair Academy 2021</strong></p>