Hudson County 2023’s To Watch

<p>The last 20 years has seen a plethora of Catholic schools close in Hudson county that used to be power players. Saint Anthony and Bob Hurley is the big one that is missing now, but there are others: Marist of Bayonne was always tough and coming into power status with Ben Gamble when it was shuttered, Saint Mary’s of Jersey City was always steady under the legendary Tom Lalicato, Saint Aloysius and Saint Joe’s of the Palisades are also gone...The full scope of the shrinking of Catholic education in the state could have its own topic--Dozens of Catholic HS in the Garden State have closed in my lifetime.</p> <p>In Hudson County, that has resulted in a massive power shift in the county to the two remaining Catholic schools: Saint Peter’s Prep and Hudson Catholic. Today’s list is filled with players from those schools.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Matthew Kinzler</strong> | 6’7” | G | Saint Peter’s Prep</p> <p>Overshadowed by the electric [player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"] the last few years, Kinzler will be one of the main offensive weapons for the Marauders this winter. He’s a crafty lefty with range beyond the arc, good footwork in the post and can play the “inside-out” game well. Strong player with an offer from NJIT and interest from Ivy and Patriot League schools. Best showing as a junior was 14&amp;12 vs Delbarton. He’ll be in the mix for Hudson County POTY.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1206534" first="Jackson" last="Tindall"]</strong> | 6’6” | F | Saint Peter’s Prep</p> <p>Tindall is an under-the-radar player on a very visible program. He hits the boards hard, attacks the basket with authority and can get above the rim. He had two very impressive double-doubles against Hudson Catholic(21&amp;11,16&amp;11). Another D1 wing for the Marauders who will be among the candidates for Hudson County POTY.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017196" first="Zion" last="Fowler"]</strong> | 6’1” | G | Saint Peter’s Prep</p> <p>An explosive two sport athlete who is committed to Pitt for football. He’s a strong guard who’s at his best in transition—The Dunk Heard Around The World is evidence of that. He’s got range beyond the arc as well and crashes the boards. While football is his future, he’s also a college basketball player, if he ever wanted to be.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902741" first="Elijah" last="Gertrude"]</strong> | 6’4” | G | Hudson Catholic</p> <p>He’s a skilled guard with silky smooth moves and a beauty of a jumper. He can slash and finish through contact and hits the defensive side well. He’s an athlete and another county POTY contender. His best games as a junior were vs powerhouses Christ The King(NYC) with 25pts, St Joes Metuchen with 22 and Don Bosco Prep with 21. Has several D1 offers and that list will grow.</p> <p><strong>Elijah Cooper</strong> | 6’2” | G | Dickinson 2023</p> <p>The Rams had a balanced team that finished 10-11 last winter but Cooper was one of the most improved players they had last year. He’s improved his scoring ability and extended his range further beyond the arc. He’s athletic and mixes it up on the boards. If Dickinson improves this winter, Cooper will be a reason why. He had 15 vs Hudson Catholic. D3s should swing by the school on the hill to check him out.</p>