Olympic Conference: Under the Radar Prospects to Watch

<p>The Olympic Conference has boasted the state’s top team over the last two seasons and it should be a competitive conference again in 2022. It has star power at the top, but it also has lesser known prospects capable of putting up big numbers. Here are the top under the radar prospects to watch in the Olympic Conference.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931022" first="Drew" last="Greene"], 5’10 PG Cherry Hill East 2022</strong></p> <p>Greene has been running the Cougars’ offense for the last two seasons and has done so efficiently. The 5’10 guard plays with good court vision and is always looking to involve his teammates in the half court. Greene has a good handle which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. He has a quick release on his jumper and plays with good instincts on the defensive end. Greene’s ability to control the pace of the game is something that will help Cherry Hill East win a lot of games in 2021-22.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933727" first="Tayvon" last="Gaither"], 6’3 SG/SF Lenape 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850667" first="Derek" last="Simpson"]</strong> is the go-to guy for Lenape, but Gaither is the perfect compliment to him on the perimeter. The 6’3 wing attacks the basket with a purpose and is unafraid of finishing through contact. Gaither is a good finisher around the basket and is capable of knocking down jumpers from the distance. He is a strong rebounder and an underrated passer. Lenape’s duo of Simpson and Gaither is sure to have big games this season as they look to end their high school careers in style.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1026250" first="Jaden" last="Arline"], 5’10 PG Paul VI 2022</strong></p> <p>The Eagles have been one of the top teams in South Jersey over the past three seasons and Arline will look to continue the trend in his final varsity season. The 5’10 guard is a lockdown on-ball defender as he has quick hands and moves his feet exceptionally well. Arline has a quick release on his jumper and is capable of hitting threes in bunches. He is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim and finish. Arline is a tough, two-guard who is ready to run the show for Paul VI this season.</p> <p><strong>Semaj Bethea, SG Woodrow Wilson 2024</strong></p> <p>The Tigers doubled their win total from 2020 and the emergence of Bethea is a big reason why. He is at his best going downhill as he can finish around the rim and can consistently draw contact. Bethea can also run the offense as he had seven assists in a game this season against Bishop Eustace. He is an underrated defender and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. Bethea had a pair of 20-point games in his debut season and should have more games like that in year 2 as he gets more accustomed to the offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933732" first="Devon" last="Theophile"], 6’5 PF Winslow 2023</strong></p> <p>Theophile had a good debut season for the Eagles after he transferred in from St. Joseph (Hammonton.) The 6’5 forward has a strong frame which he uses to get position down low and draw contact. Theophile has a nice touch around the basket and is working on his range. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is solid post defender. Theophile is ready for a big junior season as he should shoulder a larger scoring role in 2021-22.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902740" first="Dasear" last="Haskins"], 6’6 SF Camden 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933045" first="Noah" last="Payne"], 5’10 PG Eastern 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>Dwight Matthews, 6’4 SG Shawnee 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146362" first="Justin" last="Smith"], 6’0 CG Cherry Hill West 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150279" first="James" last="Ianelli"], 6’0 PG Bishop Eustace 2023</strong></p>