NJIC Player of the Year Contenders

<p>January is almost half over, and the Garden State hoops scene is full of intrigue. Multiple prospects are putting up solid numbers that could end up taking home player of the year honors, especially in the NJIC. Here are the top contenders to take home the NJIC Player of the Year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901956" first="David" last="Mager"], 6’3 SG Dwight-Englewood 2022</strong></p> <p>Mager has been hot to start the season as he has eight 20-point games already this season. The 6’3 lefty has a smooth handle, which he uses to get by his defender and finish around the basket. Mager has a good release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. He is a strong rebounder and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Mager is a big-time scorer who should continue to lead Dwight-Englewood’s attack throughout the 2022 season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1202198" first="Pat" last="Rogers"], 6’6 SF Rutherford 2022</strong></p> <p>Rogers has had a strong start to the season as the Bulldogs look like a team to beat in North Jersey Section 2, Group 2. The 6’6 wing is at his best attacking the basket as he can finish strong above the rim and draw contact with consistency. Rogers has a nice touch on his free throws and is capable of knocking down open jumpers from behind the arc. He is a strong rebounder and makes plays on the defensive end. Rogers and junior <strong>Tarik Bicic </strong>are a dynamic duo that should carry Rutherford deep into the postseason.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901971" first="Asim" last="Jones"], 6’3 CG Paterson Charter 2022</strong></p> <p>Jones is an electric guard prospect that has sparked Paterson Charter’s offense this season. The 6’3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and can finish through contact. Jones is more than just a slasher as he can also score in the mid-range and can hit triples in bunches as he has two games this season with five made threes. He plays with quick hands on the defensive end and is capable of running the offense efficiently. Jones’ versatility on the offensive end is something that will help his stock and Paterson Charter throughout the course of the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013041" first="David" last="Luberoff"], 6’8 PF Midland Park 2022</strong></p> <p>Luberoff has been a force for Midland Park over the course of the season as opponents have had trouble stopping him on both ends of the floor. The 6’8 forward has a nice touch around the basket and can make shots through contact. Luberoff is also capable of playing on the perimeter as he can put the ball on the floor and knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. He is tough to box out on both ends of the floor and is one of the top shot-blockers in the class. Luberoff is a two-way stretch four prospect who should continue to make big plays for Midland Park as 2022 progresses.</p> <p><strong>Parker Neuenhaus, 6’6 PF Saddle River Day 2023</strong></p> <p>Neuenhaus has had a breakout junior campaign as he is the go-to guy for the Rebels down low. The 6’6 forward has a good release on his jumper and can knock down shots from behind the arc if given space. Neuenhaus can also score around the basket and knows how to get good position down low. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Neuenhaus is looking to continue his breakout season for Saddle River Day as the Rebels look to make noise in the postseason.</p>