Group 3 Players to Keep an Eye on This Season

<p>Group 3 has produced quality teams over the past couple of seasons, but it will have a completely new look in 2021-22. <strong>Carson Howard</strong> was set for a monster junior season, but the Lacey big man transferred to Archbishop Wood. The group is still filled with quality players who will make a big impact this coming season. Here are some of the Group 3 players to look out for this coming season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902747" first="Chris" last="Venturoso"], 6’3 SG Lacey 2023</strong></p> <p>The Lions will miss Howard’s presence on the interior, but they should see a boost in scoring from Venturoso. The 6’3 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he can finish around the rim and has a nice floater. Venturoso draws contact with consistency and is capable of hitting open jumpers from the perimeter. He is a strong rebounder and is an underrated passer. Venturoso will be shouldering a large scoring load this season as he leads Lacey’s scoring attack.</p> <p><strong>Savion Pressley, 6’0 PG Colonia 2022</strong></p> <p>Pressley had a solid debut season for the Patriots, but is ready for a big final varsity season. The 6’0 guard is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and is a good finisher around the basket. Pressley is more than just a driver as he has a nice release on his jumper and can hit shots from distance. He has some of the quickest hands in the state as he led New Jersey in steals as a sophomore. Pressley’s ability to make plays at both ends of the floor is something that will make Colonia a tough team to beat this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050393" first="TJ" last="Robinson"], 6’1 PG Teaneck 2024</strong></p> <p>Robinson is a dynamic scoring guard who should put up big scoring numbers in his second varsity season. The 6’1 lefty has a tight handle which he uses to break his defender down off the bounce and finish around the rim. Robinson does not mind contact and has a smooth shooting stroke. He is a good passer and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Robinson recently picked up an offer from St. Peter’s and his offer sheet will only grow as he continues to perform at a high level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901981" first="Colin" last="Ackerman"], 6’0 PG Wall 2022</strong></p> <p>Ackerman has been a constant presence in Wall’s success over the past three seasons, but will be tasked with the scoring load in 2022. The 6’0 lead guard plays with composure with the ball in his hands and is not fazed by on-ball pressure. Ackerman is a good finisher around the rim and does not mind drawing contact on his way to the basket. He plays tough on-ball defense and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Ackerman is a gritty floor general who does whatever it takes to help his team win.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013061" first="Brian" last="Whitney"], 6’3 SG Passaic Valley 2022</strong></p> <p>Whitney has had a good spring season with the NJ Panthers, which should translate into a big final season with the Hornets. The 6’3 lefty is a sniper from distance with a clean shooting stroke and a quick release on his jumper. Whitney moves exceptionally well off the ball and also has the ability to put the ball on the floor. He is a strong rebounder and makes plays on the defensive end as he averaged nearly two blocks a game last season. Whitney’s ability to play both ends of the floor is something to watch as he looks to end his Passaic Valley career in style.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013110" first="Nick" last="Schroeder"], 6’2 CG Nutley 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153277" first="Peyton" last="Seals"], 6’3 CG Ramapo 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933732" first="Devon" last="Theophile"], 6’5 PF Winslow 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1147096" first="Virgil" last="Scruggs"], SG Deptford 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1147087" first="Anthony" last="Johnson"], 6’1 SG Burlington Township 2022</strong></p>