Cape-Atlantic League Player of the Year Contenders

<p>The Cape-Atlantic League is one of the more underrated conferences in the state as it consistently produces good talent over the years. The conference player of the year award should be hotly contested with several players having the opportunity to win the award. Here are the top contenders for the Cape-Atlantic League Player of the Year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050413" first="Elijah" last="Brown"], 6’4 SG St. Augustine 2024</strong></p> <p>Brown had a strong summer with Team Final and it should carry over into the winter season. The 6’4 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and is able to finish strong above the rim. Brown can draw contact when he drives the ball and is capable of hitting open jumpers from distance. He is a good on-ball defender and hustled back to prevent a pair of highlight dunks at the Pango’s All East Frosh/Soph Camp. Brown is a big-time wing prospect who is set to break out this season for St. Augustine.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1033441" first="Carlos" last="Lopez"], 6’0 PG Egg Harbor 2022</strong></p> <p>The Eagles were one of the top teams in the Cape-Atlantic League last season and Lopez’s play was a big reason why. The 6’0 lefty is tough to contain off the bounce with his quick first step and good handle. Lopez is a crafty finisher around the basket and knows how to draw contact. He has a quick release on his jumper and is an underrated defender. Lopez is a scoring lead guard prospect who will lead the scoring charge for Egg Harbor again in 2021-22.</p> <p><strong>Tom Finnegan, 6’7 PF Ocean City 2022</strong></p> <p>Finnegan’s collegiate career will be on the diamond, but he will be the go-to guy for Ocean City this winter. The future Vanderbilt pitcher has a nice touch around the basket and knows how to get position down low. Finnegan has a good release on his free throws and his range extends out to the three-point line. He’s a strong rebounder and can pass out of the post. Finnegan is a solid post prospect who will be tasked with carrying the offense for Ocean City.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933047" first="Jahmir" last="Smith"], 6’0 PG Holy Spirit 2023</strong></p> <p>Smith has been a key contributor in Holy Spirit’s offense over the last two seasons and it should continue in his junior campaign. The explosive 6’0 guard can finish above the rim and is a crafty finisher around the basket. Smith has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defenders in the half court. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and is a good rebounder. Smith is an athletic lead guard prospect who will be a player to watch in the CAL throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1051493" first="Jared" last="DeMara"], 6’4 SG St. Joseph Academy 2023</strong></p> <p>DeMara is a breakout contender in the CAL as he gets to put his skillset on display. The St. Augustine transfer is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher and has the bounce to throw it down. DeMara is more than just a slasher as he can also score in the mid-range and knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. He is a good rebounder and moves his feet on the defensive end. DeMara is set for a big season with St. Joseph Academy as he gets more looks on the offensive end.</p>