NY 2022 Rankings: Newcomers Pt. 1

<p>As the 2022 season begins to wind down, we were able to pinpoint the players to earn a spot on our 2022 rankings. Even after a long fight to start the season, players were still able to make the most of it and signify their claim on a spot on these rankings. Today, we go through some of 2022’s rankings newcomers.</p> <p><strong>10. [player_tooltip player_id="945522" first="Zaire" last="Wells"] | South Shore</strong></p> <p>When looking at [player_tooltip player_id="945522" first="Zaire" last="Wells"], I’m initially surprised for him to be only a newcomer. Coming in at the edge of the top ten, Wells checks off all the boxes of a top recruit. The elite shooting guard is a master ballhandler, able to weave through the defense and make attempt after attempt at the rim. Wells is an elite shooter, being able to be a reliable scorer from anyone on the court, and knows how to distribute the ball well.</p> <p><strong>60. [player_tooltip player_id="1125587" first="Mamadou" last="Traore"] | Stepinac</strong></p> <p>Yes, it’s another Stepinac player on this list, but for good reason. The lefty Traore is able to explode to the basket, taking on contact and being able to shoot and finish over two or three defenders. His athleticism gives him extra pop on offense and makes him a tough defender, and his lateral quickness makes him able to guard a multitude of positions to a great extent.</p> <p><strong>17. [player_tooltip player_id="1125590" first="Jayshayne" last="Woodard"] | Wings Academy</strong></p> <p>The 6-6 shooting guard out of Wings Academy in the Bronx, Woodard is able to flat-out control the offense. Woodard thrives best when he is the primary option on the offense, with the ball in his hands and Woodard being able to cut through the defense. Woodard is able to make the right pass on offense, as well as create space with a defender for his shot.</p> <p><strong>21. [player_tooltip player_id="1045928" first="Jason" last="Steele"] | Our Saviour Lutheran</strong></p> <p>Although [player_tooltip player_id="1045928" first="Jason" last="Steele"] is a bit undersized for a forward, he more than makes up for it. His lower body strength and vertical still give him the size, athleticism, and power that forwards need to thrive on the court, while he also can play as a guard, shooting and spacing the floor and controlling the offense all 94 feet.</p> <p><strong>12. [player_tooltip player_id="1125593" first="Aaron" last="Talbert"] | Knox</strong></p> <p>Yet another great guard on this list, [player_tooltip player_id="1125593" first="Aaron" last="Talbert"] excels at creating opportunities at the rim. Talbert is able to power to the rim and contort his body so he goes around defenders, creating contact and still getting clean looks at the basket. He’s able to lead the offense, both fast-paced and yet slow tempo. His form is very solid, and with a high and quick release like him, don’t expect many defenders to be able to guard him well.</p> <p><strong>51. [player_tooltip player_id="1125596" first="Max" last="Ragusa"] | Poly Prep</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1125596" first="Max" last="Ragusa"] has demonstrated in his time on the high school stage that he is shifty. His ball-handling is extremely smooth and he is able to change speed, height, and direction easily to confuse the defender and get by him. Ragusa may be one of the best in NYC at finishing and his distribution and shooting only increase his stock.</p>