A Preview of the Garden State After Aaron Clark’s Decision
In this article:
The Garden State started September with a jolt as former St. Benedict’s guard Aaron Clark 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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Garden State started September with a jolt as former St. Benedict’s guard Aaron Clark 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 Ty-Laur Johnson Ty-Laur Johnson 6'1" | PG St. Benedict's | 2023 #134 Nation NY , who is ready to run the offense effectively this season.
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.
Guards Isaiah Griffin Isaiah Griffin 5'11" | PG Patrick School | 2023 KS and Ziare Wells Ziare Wells 6'6" | SG Hillcrest Prep | 2022 #234 Nation AZ 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.
Rising sophomore Khalid Bakare Khalid Bakare 6'5" | SG St. Benedict’s | 2023 NJ 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.
Omarion Jett-Dobbs Omarion Jett-Dobbs 6'2" | CG St. Benedict's | 2022 State NJ 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.
Elijah Gertrude Elijah Gertrude 6'4" | SG Hudson Catholic | 2023 State #145 Nation NJ 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.
Ranney’s Isaac Hester Isaac Hester 6'0" | PG Ranney School | 2023 State NJ 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.
Clark’s move out of the Garden State shook things up in New Jersey, creating an exciting atmosphere to the 2021-22 season.