Top 5 Takeaways from Roselle Catholic’s Open Gym

<p>Open gyms are happening across the country, allowing coaches to evaluate players in a high school setting. Roselle Catholic had one this morning and it was filled with talented prospects as the Lions look to take home their fourth TOC title in nine years. Here are the top 5 takeaways from Roselle Catholic’s open gym.</p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="1013071" first="Christian" last="Pierre-Louis"] is the X-Factor </strong></p> <p>Pierre-Louis had a big-time showing at the open gym as he made plays all over the floor. The 6’2 guard attacked the glass on both ends of the floor and ripped down rebounds against much bigger opponents. Pierre-Louis made several tough finishes around the basket and was able to finish through contact. He is a tough on-ball defender who can defend multiple positions. Pierre-Louis’ defense and rebounding will be key for the Lions this year as he does whatever is needed to get his team a win.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"] is a State Player of the Year Candidate</strong></p> <p>Wilcher is one of the top players in the Garden State and showed why during the open gym. The 6’4 guard shot the ball with confidence from distance as he knocked down several jumpers from well beyond the three-point line. Wilcher has a good handle, which he used to get into the lane and find open teammates. He was active on the defensive end as he jumped to the ball and made plays in transition defense to prevent easy layups. Wilcher is a talented floor general who should be a finalist for the State Player of the Year at the end of the season.</p> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="850753" first="Akil" last="Watson"] gives Roselle Catholic versatility in the front court</strong></p> <p>Watson is one of the top wing prospects in the 2023 class and will give the Lions a scoring punch. The Don Bosco transfer is comfortable playing on the perimeter as he can put the ball on the floor and has a nice release on his jumper. Watson can also score in the mid-range as he made a couple fadeaways jumpers during the live period. He is a good rebounder and is an underrated passer. Watson’s ability to play on the wing allows Roselle Catholic to have more space on the offensive end, making the Lions a tough team to stop defensively.</p> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="1050409" first="Richard" last="Brisco"] is a player to watch in the interior</strong></p> <p>Akil’s younger brother <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050391" first="Tarik" last="Watson"]</strong> will be a player to watch down low, but Brisco is slated for a breakout season. The 6’8 forward has a strong frame and can finish strong above the rim. Brisco runs the floor hard and fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor. He sets good screens in the half court and is working on his touch around the basket. Brisco’s energy and motor will be key for him as he looks to carve out a role for the Lions this season.</p> <p><strong>5. Roselle Catholic has the deepest backcourt in the Garden State</strong></p> <p>Wilcher and Pierre-Louis are not the only two big-time guards on the roster as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1025905" first="Jamarques" last="Lawrence"] </strong>is a sparkplug on the perimeter. The 6’2 guard is a sniper from distance, but showed during the open gym an ability to make tough layups around the rim. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901992" first="Braxton" last="Jones"]</strong> provides Roselle Catholic with more shooting, while <strong>Alif Bass </strong>is another ball-handler and defender off the bench. Freshman <strong>Danny Murray</strong> may not get a ton of minutes, but the lefty guard has a smooth stroke and can hit triples in bunches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153997" first="Jaiden" last="Glover"] </strong>was not at the open gym, giving Roselle Catholic the deepest back court group in New Jersey.</p>