2022 Top Newcomers

<p>The updated 2022 rankings are finally here. Over 40 players were added to the rankings, including the top player in the class <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787610" first="Zion" last="Cruz"]</strong>. The Patrick School guard was part of the rankings before as he played his first two seasons at Hudson Catholic, making him ineligible for the list. The newcomers to the list are still talented and can make an impact at the next level. Here are the top newcomers to the 2022 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1125586" first="Ziare" last="Wells"], 6’6 SG St. Benedict’s</strong></p> <p>Wells transferred into the Garden State powerhouse as he played high school ball in New York last season. The 6’6 lefty has a nice handle and knows how to finish around the rim. Wells is not a consistent shooter from distance, but his good shooting form proves he has the ability to knock down triples in the future. He is an underrated passer and has the ability to defend multiple positions on the floor. Wells is a talented guard prospect who should end up at a high major school when all is said and done.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1083343" first="Omarion" last="McNeal"], 6’6 PF Wildwood</strong></p> <p>McNeal’s stock is rocketing up as he was absolutely dominant for Wildwood this season. The 6’6 forward attacks the basket with a purpose as he is looking to finish with authority. McNeal is a tenacious rebounder on both ends of the floor and uses his athleticism to swat shots. He is an underrated passer and showed the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter. McNeal will be a forward prospect to watch as few players in the class can match his motor and tenacity at both ends.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1147089" first="Etienne" last="Richelieu"], 6’4 SG Elizabeth</strong></p> <p>The Minutemen needed a scorer to emerge on the perimeter alongside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900321" first="Al-Fatir" last="Connor"]</strong> and Richelieu was the guy. The 6’4 wing can get to the basket off the bounce and does not mind drawing contact on his way to the rim. Richelieu is more than just a slasher as he can get hot from distance as he buried six in a game against Rutgers Prep. He is a strong rebounder and is unafraid of the big stage. Richelieu is one of the more underrated prospects in Union County and has the ability to break out in his senior season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146389" first="Jon" last="Spatola"], 5’7 PG Marlboro</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931028" first="Jack" last="Seidler"] </strong>was the go-to guy for the Mustangs’ offense this season, but Spatola had a key part in the team’s postseason success. The 5’7 guard had a pair of 25-point games in the Shore Conference Championship pod, including an upset over Ranney in the semifinals. Spatola is tough to contain off the bounce, but will make you pay if you give him space on the perimeter. He is a tenacious defender and rarely makes poor decisions with the ball in his hands. Marlboro will be a fun team to watch next year as Spatola and Seidler should light up the Shore Conference.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1147088" first="Shawn" last="Reckley"], 6’2 SG Hackensack</strong></p> <p>The Comets needed a scoring jolt in the backcourt and Reckley provided that for them. The 6’2 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he uses his quickness and touch to finish around the basket. Reckley can also heat up from distance in a hurry as he recorded six games with at least three made triples. He is a strong rebounder and an underrated passer. Reckley recorded six 20-point games this season and he has the potential to double that number in his senior season.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Players to Watch:</span></strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146391" first="Zander" last="Barraza"], 6’0 PG Westfield</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146260" first="Rasheer" last="Fleming"], 6’7 PF Camden</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146479" first="Nasir" last="Navarro"], 6’9 PF Patrick School</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146259" first="Nivek" last="Borden"], 6’8 PF St. Benedict’s</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1147096" first="Virgil" last="Scruggs"], SG Deptford</strong></p>