X-Factors For Title-Contending Teams

<p>The high school basketball season in the Garden State is just starting and the excitement is palpable. Teams are getting ready for deep postseason runs with prospects looking to help their squads win titles in any way possible. Here are the X-Factors for the top teams competing for state titles.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902751" first="Cornelius" last="Robinson"], 6’6 SF Camden 2023</strong></p> <p>Robinson has been a key part of the High’s attack for the past two seasons and should have one again in 2021-22. The 6’6 forward plays with a motor that doesn’t stop on both ends and is tough to keep off the glass. Robinson is at his best attacking the basket as he can finish strong and uses his strong frame to draw contact. The ball doesn’t stick in his hands on the offensive end and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Robinson is a hard-working forward prospect whose energy and talent will make Camden a tough team to beat this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013071" first="Christian" last="Pierre-Louis"], 6’2 SG Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></p> <p>The Lions are one of the most talented teams in the Garden State and Pierre-Louis should make an impact on the floor. The 6’2 guard aggressively attacks the basket where he can finish around the rim and make shots through contact. Pierre-Louis is one of the top on-ball defenders in the state and dives on the floor for loose balls. He rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor and moves well off the ball. Pierre-Louis is a gritty, guard prospect whose defense and toughness will provide a big boost for Roselle Catholic this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269773" first="Geancarlo" last="Peguero"], 6’5 SF Gill St. Bernard’s 2023</strong></p> <p>Sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050392" first="Samir" last="Thomas"]</strong> was also an option here, but Peguero is another prospect who should have an impact this season. The 6’5 wing is a big-time athlete who finishes strong above the rim and can draw contact. Peguero has a good handle and can score in the mid-range. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is a solid rebounder. Peguero’s combination of talent and athleticism is something that will help Gill St. Bernard’s in a big way in 2021-22.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213554" first="Brandon" last="Benjamin"], 6’7 PF Bergen Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders are one of the most talented teams in the state, but Benjamin should still be able to make an impact this year. The 6’7 forward has a nice touch around the basket and can get position down low. Benjamin has a nice release on his free throws, showing the potential to hit jumpers from distance. He is tough to keep off the glass at both ends of the floor and uses his length to alter shots on the defensive end. Benjamin’s energy and athleticism is something that will help his stock and Bergen Catholic throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1206534" first="Jackson" last="Tindall"], 6’7 SF/PF St. Peter’s Prep</strong></p> <p>Villanova signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"]</strong> runs the show for the Marauders, but Tindall’s play will be the determining factor for them. The 6’7 forward is comfortable playing on the perimeter as he has a good shooting stroke and has the ability to knock down jumpers from distance. Tindall can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He has the length and athleticism to defend multiple positions and is a good rebounder. Tindall is a talented forward prospect who is ready for a strong junior campaign for St. Peter’s Prep.</p>