Front Office Fall Invitational Upperclasmen Superlatives

<p>The Front Office Fall Invitational was full of big-time talent as top teams from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania went against each other. The upperclassmen at the event did not disappoint as they put on a show this weekend. Here are some of the Front Office Fall Invitational Upperclassmen Superlatives.</p> <p><strong>Biggest Stock-Riser: [player_tooltip player_id="902741" first="Elijah" last="Gertrude"], 6’4 SG Hudson Catholic 2023</strong></p> <p>Gertrude had a huge Front Office Fall Invitational as he did everything for the Hawks on Sunday. The 6’4 wing attacked the basket strong and was able to finish through contact. Gertrude shot the ball with confidence from distance and hit open jumpers from behind the arc. He played tough on-ball defense as he made it hard for his opponents to get good shots off and had a big-time block against <strong>Justin Edwards</strong> of Imhotep Charter. Edwards is a two-way wing whose stock rose in a big way this weekend.</p> <p><strong>Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id="902749" first="Mason" last="Piorkowski"], 5’7 PG St. Joseph’s Montvale 2023</strong></p> <p>Piorkowski had a big day for the Green Knights on Friday as he stretched the floor for them throughout the day. The 5’7 guard has a lightning quick release on his jumper and does not need a ton of space to get his shot off. Piorkowski can shoot either off the catch or dribble and does not take many bad shots in the halfcourt. He wastes little motion in his form and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Piorkowski’s shooting ability was on full display this weekend and it should be throughout the 2021-22 season.</p> <p><strong>Best Scorer: [player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"], 6’2 PG St. Peter’s Prep 2022</strong></p> <p>Armstrong put on a show this weekend as he showed the fans his all-around skillset. The Villanova commit was tough to contain off the bounce and was able to finish around the rim in a variety of ways. Armstrong finished strong above the rim and was able to hit shots through contact. He shot the ball with confidence from distance as he knocked down several triples during the weekend. Armstrong also had a couple of highlight reel blocks, showing his ability to make plays on both ends of the floor.</p> <p><strong>Top Competitor: [player_tooltip player_id="902735" first="Ty-Laur" last="Johnson"], 6’0 PG St. Benedict’s Prep 2023</strong></p> <p>Johnson was clutch for the Grey Bees throughout Saturday as he always seemed to make a play when his team needed him most. The 6’0 guard nailed the game-winning shot in triple overtime against Bergen Catholic as he pushed the pace in transition to hit the pull-up jumper. Johnson made beautiful outlet passes and used his handle to get by his defender with consistency. He knocked down multiple triples on the day and played tough on-ball defense. Johnson competes at a high level on both ends of the floor and put it on display at the Front Office Fall Invitational.</p> <p><strong>Top Interior Presence: [player_tooltip player_id="901965" first="Charles" last="Anyichie"], 6’7 PF Ranney 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Llaji Dembele</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901964" first="Ryan" last="Zan"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146263" first="Matt" last="Solomon"]</strong> all had strong performances, but Anyichie was a difference-maker around the rim against Arts. The 6’7 forward set the tone early with a pair of blocks on the opening possession and he made life difficult for Arts around the basket. Anyichie altered multiple shots around the basket and went after loose balls all over the floor. He capped off Ranney’s win with an emphatic one-handed jam and was tough to keep off the offensive glass. Anyichie’s energy and shot-blocking are something that will help his stock in a big way.</p>