City Rankings: 2024 Union County Prospects To Watch
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Union County has long been the cradle of elite HS basketball in New Jersey. While it has taken a hit over the last few years with the unfortunate closings of “The Real” Saint Patrick’s and Saint Mary’s of Elizabeth, two…
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Continue ReadingUnion County has long been the cradle of elite HS basketball in New Jersey. While it has taken a hit over the last few years with the unfortunate closings of “The Real” Saint Patrick’s and Saint Mary’s of Elizabeth, two power programs which provided extensive depth in the talent pool each year, the county has seen new teams start to emerge as Oratory Prep has taken steps forward towards being a power player, Sinai Christian, as small as they may be, is building their program in a way that it could be a bit of a spiritual successor to Saint Mary’s, albeit at a slightly lower level than Mary’s was at.
Then, there’s the publics. Elizabeth, Linden and others are always among the elite. Westfield has become a consistent power player as well and Roselle is going to have a very good team this winter.
Today we focus on several players from the Class of 2024.
Shane Sheehan Shane Sheehan 6'9" | PF Westfield | 2024 State NJ | 6’6′ | F | Westfield
We saw Sheehan play several times this summer and he’s built on his sophomore season. He’s got a high basketball IQ and is a hustler on both ends of the court. Soft hands around the rim and can also battle in the post. Westfield will lean heavily on him the next two years as the big man to run their post play through. He’ll be a highly sought after prospect.
London Carson London Carson 6'4" | CG Elizabeth | 2024 State NJ | 6’4” | G| Elizabeth
Very impressive sophomore year for the state champions. He’s a smooth operator with a fantastic shooters touch. He was a role player who deferred to Sebastian Robinson Sebastian Robinson 6'2" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State NJ and Etienne Richelieu until February, when he burst for 18 vs Westfield. He kept it going against Newark East Side, Ridgewood and blasted Marlboro for 21 in the state final. He’s a good rebounder who will continue to expand his responsibility as Sean Jules graduates and Carson will be one of the bigger players that Elizabeth returns. He’s a D1 prospect.
Jaden Barnett Jaden Barnett 6'1" | PG Linden | 2024 State NJ |5’10” | G | Elizabeth
A bench player who stepped up and saw time for the State Champion Minutemen. He’s a solid ballhandler and can finish in the paint by breaking down defenders off the dribble. A facilitator who can move the ball. He’ll be tasked with an expanded role this year.
Rich Brisco | 6’8” | F | Roselle Catholic
Brisco played well beyond his sophomore status last year. A massive prospect at 6’8” 220 and maturing. He’s an explosive athlete, rugged fighter under the basket and plays an old school tough game inside. He’s also capable of stepping back and has the elevation of a guard. He will be one of the top players in the country by his senior year. He did the job every week and he had a double-double vs Patrick School as his top game as a sophomore.
Jaiden Glover Jaiden Glover 6'6" | SG Patrick School | 2024 State #57 Nation NJ | 6’5” | G | Roselle Catholic
A fantastic athlete who can get up the floor in transition, rise on defense to block shots and light it up from deep. He’s a wise and crafty player who can finish at multiple levels. He’s a versatile scorer who can create his shot or catch and shoot. Major D1 interest.
Tarik Watson Tarik Watson 6'7" | PF Hillcrest Prep | 2024 State AZ | 6’8” | F | Roselle Catholic
RC’s frontcourt is absolutely loaded and the Watson twins are two of the top prospects. They came over from Don Bosco Prep last year. He’s a strong player with a mature frame. He’s 6’8”-210 already and will continue to pack on muscle. He’s a powerful post player who had 25 vs Brooklyn South Shore(NY) and a double-double vs Bergen Catholic in the TOC. A high major prospect.