North Jersey Small School Prospects To Watch

Alex Fydryszewski

October 20, 2022 @ 11:08 AM

Much ado is made over the top tier talent at the powerhouse public schools and the major Catholic school powers in North Jersey. As a result, quality talent flies under the radar. Today we look at some players who could make an impact this winter.     [player_tooltip player_id='1466431' first='Josh' last='Rodriguez'] | 6'1” | G | Hasbrouck Heights 2025   . Rodriguez had a stellar freshman season. He's a good ballhandler, shoots with the confidence of a college bound senior and also hit the boards like a four year starter. Best games were Becton(28&12), Wood Ridge(23&15). He's a future college basketball player. The level is TBD, so check with us in 2024.   Cole Thomas | 5'10” | G | Becton Regional 2024   Thomas had a banner sophomore year—Cagey left guard who can get in transition to run the floor and shoots it pretty well from deep. He finishes through contact and is tough on ball defender. He's definitely flying under the radar at Becton, who finished 6-19 last year but he's evidence of how deep NJ basketball is--even small school programs that struggle have college prospects. He grew increasingly confident as the year went on, exploded for 42 on Wallington and went for double digits in 10 of his last 11 games. D3s should be checking in to monitor his development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1456810' first='Keanu' last='Ray'] | 6'2” | G | Weehawken   Ray is at his best running the floor and also is a quick slasher who finishes strong with both hands at the rim. Ray is a strong guard who gets through contact. He's also got the ability to keep defenders honest and hit shots beyond the arc. The heart of the Weekhawken team last year, will carry the burden again as a senior. His best games were 29 vs Ferris and 26 vs St Marys. He went over 30 several times. He's got a legit shot to cross 1,000 points late in his senior year. D3s should check him out this winter   Makhi Williams | 6'0” | G | Leonia   Williams had a strong junior year for Leonia, averaging 13PPG and went over 20 on several occasions. A tough defender who runs the floor well and finishes well at the rim. He's also got range beyond the three point line and can hit it from the wings with accuracy. He had 24 vs Bergen Charter, 23 vs Pal Park and 22 vs Lyndhurst.   Edward Burgos | 6'0” | G | Harrison   Harrison struggled last winter, but Burgos had a solid season for himself. He led Harrison in scoring, averaging 15 PPG. Good shooter from beyond the arc. He can create his own shot off the bounce and is a high percentage shooter if he gets a good look. He had a season high of 33 agaisnt McNair.

Much ado is made over the top tier talent at the powerhouse public schools and the major Catholic school powers in North Jersey. As a result, quality talent flies under the radar. Today we look at some players who could make an impact this winter.