Under the Radar Group Player of the Year Candidates

<p>The new year just started, and the new year has been filled with high level basketball. Teams are starting to hit their strides, while players are starting to put together strong 2021-22 seasons. Here are under the radar candidates for Player of the Year for each group.</p> <p><strong>Group 1: [player_tooltip player_id="901954" first="Keyshun" last="Sanders"], 5’11 PG Paulsboro 2022</strong></p> <p>Sanders has been absolutely electric for undefeated Paulsboro as he has eclipsed 20 points in each game. The 5’11 guard has a lightning quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender in the half court. Sanders is a crafty finisher around the basket and does not mind drawing contact. He gets his teammates involved on the offensive end and is a thief in the backcourt with 24 steals in four games. If Sanders continues to play at this level, then it will be hard for him to not take home the Group 1 Player of the Year award.</p> <p><strong>Group 2: [player_tooltip player_id="1202198" first="Pat" last="Rogers"], 6’6 SF Rutherford 2022</strong></p> <p>It is unlikely that Rogers will be able to unseat anyone from Camden’s loaded roster to take home Group 2 Player of the Year, but he deserves recognition for his play so far this season. The 6’6 wing attacks the basket strong and can finish above the rim. Rogers has a nice touch on his mid-range jumper and gets to the line with consistency. He is a strong rebounder and is an underrated passer. Rogers is a skilled wing prospect who should continue to put up big numbers for an undefeated Rutherford team.</p> <p><strong>Group 3: [player_tooltip player_id="1013057" first="Brian" last="Herbert"] 6’3 SG Robbinsville 2022</strong></p> <p>Herbert has been the catalyst for undefeated Robbinsville this season and has affected the game in multiple ways. The Catholic commit is a sniper from distance as he can knock down triples in bunches and has a quick release on his shot. Herbert is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and make plays in the lane. He is a strong rebounder for a guard and is a solid shot-blocker with four multi-block games this season. Herbert has two 30-point games already this season and has the potential for more as the season progresses into February and March.</p> <p><strong>Group 4: [player_tooltip player_id="1039493" first="Elijah" last="Lewis"], 6’4 SG Watchung Hills 2022</strong></p> <p>Lewis has been on a scoring tear of late as he is averaging 25.7 points over his last three games. The 6’4 wing excels at getting to the basket where he finishes strong above the rim. Lewis is unafraid of drawing contact and can knock down open jumpers from distance when given space. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Lewis is a two-way wing who should continue to be the top option for Watchung Hills throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>Non-Public A: [player_tooltip player_id="1013044" first="Adam" last="Silas"], 6’2 CG St. Thomas Aquinas 2022</strong></p> <p>Silas has been running the show for the Trojans this season and has excelled in that role. The 6’2 guard plays with poise with the ball in his hands and is not rattled by on-ball pressure. Silas knows how to get his teammates involved as he has six games this season with at least five assists. He is a good finisher around the basket and has a good shooting stroke. Silas recorded a triple-double yesterday and has the potential to have more as St. Thomas Aquinas looks to retain its GMC Tournament title.</p> <p><strong>Non-Public B: [player_tooltip player_id="1013042" first="Ja’Son" last="Prevard"], 6’4 CG St. Joseph Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>Prevard has been stuffing the stat sheet for the Wildcats this season and it should continue throughout the season. The 6’4 guard is at his best going to the basket as he is a good finisher and can draw contact. Prevard makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and is a solid passer. He is a strong rebounder and has the length and athleticism to defend multiple spots on the floor. Prevard has had a breakout senior season for St. Joseph Academy as he shoulders a leadership role with a talented team.</p>