Franklin-Rutgers Prep: Top 5 Takeaways

<p>The season opener of the Garden State basketball season is finally here and it did not disappoint. Rutgers Prep got off to a strong start with a 88-45 divisional victory over Franklin. Here are the top five takeaways from the game.</p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="902756" first="Jadin" last="Collins"] has what it takes to be the go-to guy in the offense</strong></p> <p>Collins was playing in his debut game for the Argonauts and did not disappoint. The Roselle Catholic transfer was at his best in transition as he used his combination of athleticism and speed to get to the rim. Collins played aggressive on the defensive end, forcing multiple Franklin turnovers. He did a good job of getting his teammates involved in the half court and showed a nice touch on his jumper. Collins’ ability to impact the game in multiple ways is something that will help Rutgers Prep throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="901964" first="Ryan" last="Zan"] will have a big impact down low</strong></p> <p>Rutgers Prep started the season without Manhattan signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901974" first="Donovan" last="Long"]</strong>, creating an opportunity for Zan to star in the paint. The 6’7 forward was active on the glass at both ends of the floor as he ripped down numerous rebounds. Zan set himself up for easy tips around the basket and moved well within the flow of the offense. He swatted several shots around the box, creating chances for Rutgers Prep to run. The duo of Long and Zan on the interior creates a scary challenge for teams on a daily basis.</p> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="902744" first="Cameron" last="Piggee"] is the X-Factor in the backcourt</strong></p> <p>Piggee set the tone early for Rutgers Prep as he aggressively attacked the basket twice within the first 50 seconds of the game. The 6’0 guard was unafraid of drawing contact on his way to the rim and is a solid finisher. Piggee did more than just drive as he also knocked down a couple triples and moves well off the ball. He moved his feet well on the defensive end and made the extra pass in the half court. Piggee is a two-way guard prospect who will have a big impact for the Argonauts if he continues to play like that.</p> <p><strong>4. The Rutgers Prep bench has enough depth to help them compete in March</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts started four guards in Collins, Piggee, <strong>Ryan Pettit </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902754" first="Jordan" last="Atkins"]</strong>, but one of those four will most likely slide to the bench when Long is active. Atkins provided the Argonauts with play-making and shooting as he shoots the ball with confidence from the perimeter. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1035693" first="Franklin" last="Jones"]</strong> had a big two-handed dunk that got the crowd going in the first half, but also showed his ability to play on the perimeter with his handle and shooting stroke. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013103" first="Jonathan" last="Nsenkyire"]</strong> played with poise when the ball was in his hands and worked hard on the defensive end. Rutgers Prep’s depth is key for the Argonauts if they want to make a deep run in the state tournament this year.</p> <p><strong>5. Peyton Bonds and [player_tooltip player_id="1045872" first="Cam" last="Snowden"] are forwards to watch in the Skyland Conference</strong></p> <p>Franklin had issues breaking the Argonauts’ pressure, but when it was broken Bonds and Snowden were able to score some points down low. The former used his strong frame to get position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Bonds worked hard on the glass and fought for several rebounds throughout the course of the game. Snowden was able to use his body to get in front of defenders around the basket and was able to finish nicely around the basket. Bonds and Snowden are a talented forward duo who will help out Franklin throughout the course of the season.</p>