NJIC Player of the Year Candidates

<p>The 2021 basketball season is coming into its final couple weeks of the season, creating debate for season awards. It is especially difficult in the NJIC as there are currently four teams that boast unblemished records. The race for Player of the Year is heated with numerous players having the opportunity to win it. Here are the top candidates for NJIC Player of the Year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901956" first="David" last="Mager"], 6’3 SG Dwight-Englewood 2022</strong></p> <p>The Bulldogs were reeling after the loss of point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901957" first="Jayden" last="Lemond"]</strong>, but Mager has proven to be ready for a larger role. The 6’3 lefty plays with a scorer’s mentality as he knows how to create for himself in the half court and has a good release on his jumper. Mager is acting more like a play-maker this season as he nearly recorded a triple-double in the opening game of the season. He is making more plays on the defensive end and is a strong rebounder. Mager has improved his all-around game for Dwight-Englewood, which should translate into big results for him in the future.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900348" first="Jamling" last="Lama"], 6’0 PG Secaucus 2021</strong></p> <p>Lama’s scoring average may have dropped a little from last year, but he is still dangerous with the ball in his hands. The 6’0 guard has a sweet shooting stroke and is capable of getting hot from distance in a hurry. Lama is more than just a shooter as he has a good handle and can break his defender down off the bounce. He is an underrated passer and has the ability to be a good rebounder as he recorded 11 boards against North Arlington this season. Lama put up 24 points in his last game and more performances like that could see him as the NJIC Player of the Year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901971" first="Asim" last="Jones"], 5’10 PG Paterson Charter 2022</strong></p> <p>The Lions have only played four games this season, but Jones’ play simply cannot be overlooked. The Manchester Regional transfer is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and does not mind finishing through contact. Jones is a play-maker when he has the ball as he recorded a triple-double against Ridgefield. He plays with quick hands on the defensive end and does not force the issue in the half court. Jones has made an immediate impact for Paterson Charter this season as he has proven to be one of the top players in the NJIC.</p> <p><strong>Andrew Sepp, 6’0 CG St. Mary’s Rutherford</strong></p> <p>St. Mary’s Rutherford is the fourth undefeated team in the NJIC and Sepp’s play is a big reason why. The Penn State Schuykill commit has a good feel for the game on the offensive end and does not seem to get flustered. Sepp is a nice finisher around the basket, but can also knock down open jumpers from the perimeter. He is a solid on-ball defender and fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Sepp is a hard-working guard prospect who has a big role in St. Mary’s Rutherford being undefeated so far this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933044" first="Richard" last="Machado"], 5’10 PG Saddle River Day 2023</strong></p> <p>Senior sniper <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929513" first="Ryan" last="Cassels"] </strong>leads the Rebels in scoring at 16 points per game, but Machado is not too far behind with 15.2. The 5’10 guard is a big-time shooter from distance as he has a nice shooting form and can bury triples in bunches, like Cassels. Machado is more than just a spot-up guy as he can handle the ball on the perimeter and finish around the basket. He is an underrated passer and works hard on the defensive end. Machado is a skilled guard prospect who has a bright future for Saddle River Day.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016640" first="Will" last="McLoughlin"], 6’8 PF Glen Rock 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Roland Leiva, 5’9 PG Lodi 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013019" first="Jeremiah" last="Martin"], 6’0 CG Leonia 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Steven Faussette, 5’7 PG Hasbrouck Heights 2021</strong></p>