Gael Warning: St. Mary’s Rutherford Rising Prospects
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Saint Mary’s of Rutherford has long been a steady program in Bergen County. While they are not as prominent as the larger schools such as Bergen Catholic or Don Bosco Prep, they are one of the standards of consistency for…
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Continue ReadingSaint Mary’s of Rutherford has long been a steady program in Bergen County. While they are not as prominent as the larger schools such as Bergen Catholic or Don Bosco Prep, they are one of the standards of consistency for small school success in North Jersey. Their crop of returnees, led by some NJ Panthers AAU prospects, should be in line for a big winter.
Luke Gaccione Luke Gaccione 5'10" | PG St. Mary's (Rutherford) | 2025 New E | 5’10” | G | St Mary Rutherford 2024
A mature beyond his years leader for the Gaels as a sophomore. The left handed lead guard has a high basketball IQ, above average passing skills, isn’t afraid to attack the basket against bigger defenders and can shoot it well from deep. His top performances last winter were against State Group I Champion Paterson Charter(19 pts and 17 pts). Went over 20 several times and averaged just under 15PPG. He and a host of his teammates play AAU for the NJ Panthers. With two more years to develop, college coaches should be starting to take interest in the Gaels leader.
LJ Falconi LJ Falconi 6'5" | SG St Marys Rutherford | 2025 New E | 6’4” | G | St Mary Rutherford 2024
Gaccione’s classmate also had a breakout sophomore season. He’s a strong guard who takes it to the rim and can get crafty in the paint. He can light it up from deep—Soft touch and quick release on his shot. Had 27 against North Arlington and also 14 against Paterson Charter. Another Gael with two more years to go. College coaches should already start stopping by. He also plays AAU for NJ Panthers.
Julien Leveille | 6’3” | F | St Mary Rutherford 2024
Another one of the sophomores to watch from St Marys, he did more of the unsung hero work on the glass last winter but also had several big games on offense. An all league selection who plays for the NJ Panthers, his top games were against Pascack Valley(12&15), Waldwick(12&12) and Wood-Ridge(27&9). He’s had a good spring on the AAU circuit and like Falconi and Gaccione, should be on the radar for coaches the next two years.
Damir Stone Damir Stone 5'10" | CG St. Mary's Rutherford | 2023 State NJ | 5’10” | G | St Mary Rutherford 2023
An athletic guard who also stars for the Gaels football team at QB and CB. He had a solid junior season and is a tough defender—He led the team in rebounds and steals by a wide margin. His offensive output was steady but peaked in the key weeks towards the end of the season. He had 26&13 vs Midland Park. While football seems to be his preferred sport, another good basketball season as a senior could see some D3 schools show him interest and he’d be wise to send film for both to college coaches.
Other Gaels to watch this year
Jabari Tyre, 2023
Caleb Brown, 2025
BJ Cunningham, 2025