UCC: Biggest Shoes to Fill

<p>The Union County Conference is one of the toughest conferences in the Garden State with numerous teams capable of making deep state runs. It is a perennial spot for all-state performers, creating opportunities for players to step up the next season. Here are the UCC players with the biggest shoes to fill in 2021-22.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1064514" first="Anthony" last="Lanza"], 6’0 PG Elizabeth 2024</strong></p> <p>The Minutemen need someone to replace All-State performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900321" first="Al-Fatir" last="Connor"]</strong>, along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016639" first="Evan" last="Perez"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900349" first="Pascal" last="Dodard"]. </strong>Lanza should fit seamlessly into the rotation as he is a tough on-ball defender who hustles after loose balls. The 6’0 guard has a nice handle and is a good finisher around the rim. Lanza sets his feet before he shoots and does not waste a lot of motion in his jumper. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146240" first="Kareem" last="Kelsey"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013067" first="Sebastian" last="Robinson"] </strong>will play key roles as well this season as the Minutemen look to contend for a Group 4 title this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150534" first="Leo" last="Wisnefski"], 6’2 SG Cranford 2023</strong></p> <p>The Cougars had a solid 2021 season, but they have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013112" first="Dennis" last="DeMarino"]</strong>. Wisnefski looks to be the guy and is ready to take a big jump in his third campaign. The 6’2 guard attacks the basket strong and does not mind drawing contact. Wisnefski is capable of knocking down open jumpers from the perimeter and is a good rebounder. Cranford is looking for someone to shoulder the scoring load in 2022 and Wisnefski has a good chance to do so.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050409" first="Richard" last="Brisco"], 6’8 PF Roselle Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p>The Lions will be one of the top teams in the Garden State again next season, but they need a post player to emerge and Brisco will get every opportunity to do so. The 6’8 forward runs the floor hard and fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Brisco can also handle the ball on the perimeter as he is able to put the ball on the floor and finish around the rim. He has a nice touch around the basket and is an underrated passer. Brisco has already received four D1 offers and should only receive more as he gets a larger role in Roselle Catholic’s offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153995" first="Rich" last="Louis"], 6’4 SG Union 2024</strong></p> <p>The Farmers need someone to step up on the perimeter and Louis will have a great chance to do so. The 6’4 guard has a good first step, which he uses to beat his man off the dribble. Louis is more than just a slasher as he has a nice shooting form and can knock down open jumpers from the perimeter. His combination of length and athleticism gives him the ability to defend multiple positions. Louis is a lanky, two-way guard prospect who should have a good sophomore campaign for Union.</p> <p><strong>Kenneth Posy, Rahway 2022</strong></p> <p>Rahway graduates a large portion of its scoring and will need someone to shoulder a larger scoring role in 2021-22. Posy is the team’s top returning scorer and will get every opportunity to lead Rahway in his final varsity season. He is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher and can draw contact. Posy is also capable of knocking down jumpers from deep and makes plays on the defensive end. Rahway is looking to make a deep run in the postseason and will need Posy to have a larger role in 2022.</p>