Unsung Heroes For Class of 2023

Alex Fydryszewski

August 5, 2022 @ 02:55 PM

Much ado has been made regarding the elite players of the class of 2023 this summer. Their offers, transfers and commitments light up social media and scouting sites. Today, we look at a handful of players who are leaders of teams that aren't getting as much attention.   These players below are slated to make a big impact this winter and should be more than known by State Playoff time.       [player_tooltip player_id='1267925' first='Jeremy' last='Grospe'] | 5'9 “ | G | South River   A contributor in his first two years, Grospe became the unquestioned leader in the South River backcourt. On a team of athletic wings and powerful forwards, Grospe provided the steadying force. He was a balanced player with great vision in the backcourt and knows how to be a general, even in their up-tempo offense. He hit 70 from beyond the arc and averaged 11 PPG. He hit Asbury for 25 and South Plainfield for 21. With such a solid starting lineup, Grospe could be the x-factor for their success.   [player_tooltip player_id='1206532' first='Dylan' last='Csik'] | 5'10” | G | Middletown South   Csik is one of the top seniors at the Bayshore this year and has a wide skillset. He can get at the rim against bigger players but also step back beyond the arc. Above average ballhandling and passing skills. He shouldered the load as a junior and will be tasked with putting his foot all the way down on the gas as a senior. He had 25 vs CBA, 20 vs SJV and 21 vs RBR last winter and could be an All Shore player this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1407065' first='Alex' last='Jenkoski'] | 6'3” | G | Brick Twp.   An excellent shooter with a quick release who also can get in transition and attack the basket. He's a good facilitator who also knows how to run the fast break to the foul line and create maximum options to score. He had 24 vs Point Beach and Barnegat and 23 vs Lacey. Played AAU with the ShoreShots. If Brick Twp pushes on this winter, he'll be the key to it all.   [player_tooltip player_id='1466412' first='Ermal' last='Kuci'] | 6'5” | F | Lodi   The NJIC doesn't often get the love it should from fans, media or college coaches in the region but it's got a host of talent this year and it goes deeper than the crew that plays a block apart from each other in Rutherford. Kuci, like [player_tooltip player_id='1400500' first='Tarik' last='Bicic'], is another strong big man who can run the floor well. He's a smart player with a high mind for the game. He's mature defensively and continues to improve on offense. As he adds more advanced dribbling skill to his game, he'll be even better. He had a number of double-doubles as a junior and D3s should be interested. He averaged 12&11 last winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1456810' first='Keanu' last='Ray'] | 6'2” | G | Weehawken   A get-out-and-go type guard who's at his best in transition. Slasher who can get to the rim through contact and finish with both hands. He's a strong guard with a solid frame who can step beyond the arc. He was the heartbeat of the Weekhawken program last winter and will be one of the top NJIC talents this year. He had 29 vs Ferris and 26 vs St Marys of Rutherford. He could crack 1,000 sometime around the county tournament.   David Forzani | 5'9 “ | G | Elmwood Park   Forzani played the lead guard role behind [player_tooltip player_id='1401553' first='Essam' last='Assaf'] as juniors and this duo returns as seniors to drive Elmwood Park forward. He's a pass first guard who is tough as nails. He fearlessly gets to the rim against much bigger players. He had 31 vs Lodi and 28 vs Westwood. Expect a big senior year from him.

Much ado has been made regarding the elite players of the class of 2023 this summer. Their offers, transfers and commitments light up social media and scouting sites. Today, we look at a handful of players who are leaders of teams that aren't getting as much attention.