Big North Breakout Prospects So Far

<p>Jersey basketball is in full swing with teams across the state starting to get into a rhythm. The Big North has been full of high-level basketball with prospects breaking onto the scene. Here are the Big North prospects in the midst of a breakout season.</p> <p><strong>Nico Masi, G Mahwah 2022</strong></p> <p>The Thunderbirds are 6-2 on the season and the play of Masi is a big reason why. The senior guard has a nice release on his shot and can get hot from distance as he knocked down 5 triples in the season opener. Masi is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He is a strong rebounder and plays with quick hands on the defensive end. Masi’s play has been crucial for Mahwah this season as the Thunderbirds look primed to make a deep postseason run.</p> <p><strong>Yoav Regev, SF Tenafly 2022</strong></p> <p>Regev has burst onto the scene as the go-to scorer for Tenafly, making them a dangerous team to watch for in Bergen County. The senior wing is comfortable on the perimeter as he has an underrated handle and can make opponents pay for giving him space. Regev moves well off the ball, creating open jumpers and layups for himself. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and makes play on the defensive end. Regev and classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016678" first="John" last="Celli"]</strong> are a dangerous combo that should lead Tenafly throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933696" first="Yasen" last="Crawford"], 5’9 PG Paterson Kennedy 2022</strong></p> <p>The Knights are currently on a five-game winning streak and Crawford has been at the front of the attack. The 5’9 floor general has a lightning quick first step, which he uses to get by his defender and make plays in the lane. Crawford is more than just a slasher as he can also score in the mid-range and knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He is a thief in the backcourt with four steals in every game but one and gets his teammates involved in the half court. Crawford is a two-way point guard prospect who should continue to put up good numbers in 2022 for Paterson Kennedy.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013061" first="Brian" last="Whitney"], 6’3 SG Passaic Valley 2022</strong></p> <p>Whitney has been a consistent scorer for Passaic Valley in his first three seasons, but he has exploded with seven straight 20-point games to start the season. The 6’3 lefty has a smooth release on his jumper and can hit triples in bunches. Whitney can also put the ball on the floor and is athletic enough to finish above the rim. He is a good rebounder and makes plays on the defensive end. Whitney is averaging 28.4 points per game and has shown no signs of slowing down this season for Passaic Valley.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1206531" first="Chris" last="Williams"], 5’9 PG St. Joseph (Mont.) 2023</strong></p> <p>Williams has emerged as a reliable scorer for the Green Knights and should continue to do so as he gets more comfortable within the offense. The 5’9 guard has a good handle and is not rattled by on-ball pressure. Williams is a solid finisher around the basket and knows how to draw contact. He is an underrated passer and moves his feet on the defensive end. Williams and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150466" first="Donovan" last="McKoy"]</strong> are a talented junior duo that should lead the Green Knights in 2022 and 2023.</p>