Top 5 Takeaways from Roselle Catholic’s Open Gym
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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…
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Continue ReadingOpen 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.
1. Christian Pierre-Louis Christian Pierre-Louis 6'2" | SG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State NJ is the X-Factor
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.
2. Simeon Wilcher Simeon Wilcher 6'4" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #17 Nation NJ is a State Player of the Year Candidate
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.
3. Akil Watson Akil Watson 6'7" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #105 Nation NJ gives Roselle Catholic versatility in the front court
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.
4. Richard Brisco Richard Brisco 6'8" | C Hillcrest Prep | 2024 State AZ is a player to watch in the interior
Akil’s younger brother Tarik Watson Tarik Watson 6'7" | PF Hillcrest Prep | 2024 State AZ 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.
5. Roselle Catholic has the deepest backcourt in the Garden State
Wilcher and Pierre-Louis are not the only two big-time guards on the roster as Jamarques Lawrence Jamarques Lawrence 6'2" | SG Roselle Catholic | 2022 State NJ 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. Braxton Jones Braxton Jones 6'0" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2022 State NJ provides Roselle Catholic with more shooting, while Alif Bass is another ball-handler and defender off the bench. Freshman Danny Murray may not get a ton of minutes, but the lefty guard has a smooth stroke and can hit triples in bunches. Jaiden Glover Jaiden Glover 6'6" | SG Patrick School | 2024 State #57 Nation NJ was not at the open gym, giving Roselle Catholic the deepest back court group in New Jersey.