Under the Radar Group Players of the Year
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September is coming closer by the day, which means the start of the basketball season is only a couple of months away. It might be a little early to pick a Player of the Year for each group, but now…
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Continue ReadingSeptember is coming closer by the day, which means the start of the basketball season is only a couple of months away. It might be a little early to pick a Player of the Year for each group, but now is as good of a time as ever. Here are under the radar Group Player of the Year candidates to watch this winter.
Group 1: Anthony Farmer Anthony Farmer 5'10" | PG Salem | 2024 State NJ , 5’10 PG Salem 2024
The Rams fell to Gloucester in the South Jersey Group 1 final and have a good chance to get back as they return six of their top seven scorers, including the leading scorer in Farmer. The 5’10 guard plays with composure with the ball in his hands as he is not sped up by on-ball pressure and can finish around the basket. Farmer can also score in the mid-range and is unafraid of shooting the ball from distance. He is a tough rebounder and plays with quick hands on defense. Farmer had four 20-point games last season and should easily eclipse that mark in 2022-23.
Group 2: Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 6’0 PG Arts 2023
The Jaguars will be a team to watch in Essex County this season as Nix returns to run the offense for his final varsity season. The 6’0 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and is a crafty finisher around the basket. Nix has a nice touch on his floater and has a nice release on his jumper. He knows how to get his teammates involved in the half court and is a good on-ball defender. Nix is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and is looking to lead Arts to a sectional title this season.
Group 3: Cohen Cook Cohen Cook 6'0" | PG Mainland | 2024 State NJ , 6’0 PG Mainland 2024
Cook ended the season on an absolute tear for Mainland as he had seven 20-point games in his last eight games, leading the Mustangs to the 2022 Cape-Atlantic League title. The 6’0 guard knows how to get to the basket as he can draw contact in the paint and is a solid finisher around the paint. Cook has a good shooting stroke and moves well without the ball in his hands. He is a good rebounder for a guard his size and is an underrated passer. Cook’s ability to score points in bunches gives Mainland the chance to make a deep run in Group 3 this season.
Group 4: Nas Robinson Nas Robinson 5'9" | PG Linden | 2024 State NJ , 5’8 PG Linden 2024
The Tigers fell to eventual Group 4 champion Elizabeth in the sectional final and should be in the hunt again this season. Robinson had a strong summer with the Jersey Force as he used his combination of quickness and handle to blow by his defender. The 5’8 defender is a good finisher around the basket and is able to draw contact in the paint. Robinson can shoot off the bounce and slides his feet well on the defensive end. Linden will be a team to watch this season with Robinson running the point.
Non-Public A: Joshua Ingram Joshua Ingram 6'4" | SG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2023 State NJ , 6’4 SG St. Joe’s Metuchen 2023
Ingram had a big summer with the NJ Panthers, and it should carry over into the winter with the Falcons. The 6’4 guard has a smooth release on his jumper as he wastes little motion and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Ingram is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the basket and finish around the rim. He is an underrated ball-handler and slides his feet on the defensive end. Ingram is a talented guard prospect who knows how to score the basketball and will be one to watch this season in Non-Public A.
Non-Public B: Tavian Pullock Tavian Pullock 6'5" | SF Montclair Immaculate | 2023 State NJ , 6’5 SF Montclair Immaculate 2023
The Lions will be an interesting team to watch with Bishop Walsh transfer TJ Robinson TJ Robinson 6'3" | SG Immaculate Conception | 2024 State #163 Nation NJ joining Pullock on the floor. The 6’5 wing attacks the basket with a purpose as he is a strong finisher around the rim and can make shots through contact around the basket. Pullock moves well without the ball in his hands and can knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He is a solid rebounder and has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor. Pullock is a breakout contender to watch on the perimeter with his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.