A Preview of the Garden State After Aaron Clark’s Decision

<p>The Garden State started September with a jolt as former St. Benedict’s guard <strong>Aaron Clark </strong>announced his transfer to Brewster Academy. His move affects the entire state as he was a top-10 prospect in the class and was bound for a monster season with the Grey Bees. Clark’s move puts more pressure on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902735" first="Ty-Laur" last="Johnson"]</strong>, who is ready to run the offense effectively this season.</p> <p>The 6’1 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to break his defender down off the bounce and finish around the rim. Johnson plays with composure on the ball and is rarely sped up by opponents. He is a tough on-ball defender and has some of the quicker hands in the state.</p> <p>Guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850675" first="Isaiah" last="Griffin"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1125586" first="Ziare" last="Wells"]</strong> will be tasked with a larger role as they make up for Clark’s absence in the back court. The latter provides St. Benedict’s with an attack-minded, lefty wing who can score around the basket. Griffin has a nice handle and has a quick release on his jumper, giving him the ability to play either on or off the ball. </p> <p>Rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1226082" first="Khalid" last="Bakare"] </strong>will be tasked with a larger role and should make an impact on the wing. He attacks the basket well and does not force the issue that often in the half court. Bakare is an underrated rebounder and has the potential to defend multiple positions.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016677" first="Omarion" last="Jett-Dobbs"]</strong> is a prospect to watch as he stands to get more playing time for the Grey Bees. The Morris Catholic transfer is at his best attacking the basket and can finish through contact. Jett-Dobbs is a pitbull on the defensive end, giving St. Benedict’s a pair of tough defenders in the backcourt with Johnson.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902741" first="Elijah" last="Gertrude"] </strong>is the top shooting guard in the rankings with Clark’s move. The 6’4 guard had a big summer as he knows how to finish around the basket, but can also knock down jumpers from behind the arc. Gertrude is also a solid defender and is a strong rebounder for a guard.</p> <p>Ranney’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902736" first="Isaac" last="Hester"] </strong>is another riser as he moves into the top 10 for the 2023 class. The 6’0 guard plays with composure on the ball as he is rarely sped up by defenders and runs the offense effectively. Hester has a quick release on his jumper, but he can also score around the rim and mid-range.</p> <p>Clark’s move out of the Garden State shook things up in New Jersey, creating an exciting atmosphere to the 2021-22 season.</p>