NJAC: Under the Radar Player of the Year Contenders

<p>The 2021 season has been full of surprises while some teams have yet to play or are opting out of the season. Dover is an example of that, which has left Providence signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900333" first="Rafael" last="Castro"] </strong>off the hardwood this winter. Fairfield commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900309" first="Christian" last="Cevis"] </strong>should be the front-runner for the award, but there are other candidates putting up good numbers. Here are the NJAC Under the Radar Player of the Year Contenders.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901988" first="Andrew" last="Stack"], 6’3 SG Madison 2022</strong></p> <p>The Dodgers are 6-1 on the season and Stack is a big reason why. The 6’3 guard is a sniper from distance as he has a quick release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Stack is more than just a shooter as he can put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He moves exceptionally well off the ball and is an underrated defender. Stack has a pair of 20-point games this season and that number should increase as the season progresses.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013043" first="Ethan" last="Sutherland"], 6’1 CG Pequannock 2022</strong></p> <p>Forward <strong>David Rigoglioso </strong>has had a breakout season for the Panthers, but Sutherland is the straw that stirs the drink. The 6’1 guard has a nice handle and is able to get into the lane with consistency. Sutherland is more than just a slasher as he moves well off the ball and has a good release on his jumper. He makes smart decisions with the ball and makes an impact on the defensive end. Sutherland’s all-around play has been key for Pequannock as the Panthers looks to continue their hot start.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1035706" first="Kyle" last="Haegele"], 6’4 SG Roxbury 2021</strong></p> <p>Haegele has cooled off from his torrid start, but he has the ability to go off on any given night. The 6’4 guard is at his best attacking the basket from the perimeter and is unafraid of drawing contact. Haegele has a nice mid-range game and is capable of knocking down jumpers from the perimeter. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is a tough defender. Haegele put up 52 points in his first two games and should get more recognition if he puts up more games like that.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900347" first="Jack" last="Leiola"], 6’4 SF West Morris 2021</strong></p> <p>Cevis is the engine that runs the Wolf Pack offense, but Leiola actually leads the team in scoring. The 6’4 forward has a nice touch around the basket and can score in the mid-range. Leiola moves well off the ball and his range extends to the three-point line. He is tough to box out and is a solid shot-blocker as he recorded five in his last game. Leiola has been key to West Morris’ success this season and should get more recognition for his play so far.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016677" first="Omarion" last="Jett-Dobbs"], 6’2 CG Morris Catholic 2022</strong></p> <p>Morris Catholic may be 3-2 on the season, but they have one of the best two-way guards in the 2022 class in Jett-Dobbs. The Montclair transfer is tough to contain off the bounce and can finish through contact. Jett-Dobbs is an underrated passer and does not force the issue in the half court. He is a relentless on-ball defender and plays with good instincts. Jett-Dobbs’ ability to impact the game at both ends makes Morris Catholic a team to watch out for in 2021.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Troy Brennan, 6’2 SF Lenape Valley 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900375" first="Riley" last="Albregts"], 5’10 PG Mountain Lakes 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Madrit Asani, SG Boonton 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Anthony Ferrare, SG Montville 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013101" first="Chris" last="Ross"], 5’10 PG Wallkill Valley 2023</strong></p>