2024 Prep Prospects to Watch in the New Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New Year is right around the corner, which is an exciting time for hoops. Prospects are looking to take a big step and the 2024 class is no exception. Here are the 2024 prep prospects to watch in the New Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933045' first='Noah' last='Payne'], 6'0 PG Peddie</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payne has been dynamic for the Falcons this season as he has emerged as a go-to option for them on the perimeter. The 6'0 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender to get to the rim. Payne is more than just a slasher as he has a good release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence from distance. He is an underrated passer and moves his feet on the defensive end. Payne is a high-scoring guard prospect who should continue to put up big scoring numbers this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829428' first='Jayden' last='Williams'], 6'0 PG Blair Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams has been a big part of the Buccaneers' offense this season and should continue to do it in 2023. The 6'0 guard has a tight handle as defenders struggle to keep him out of the lane. Williams knows how to get to this spot on the floor and has a nice shooting stroke. He is a tough on-ball defender and pushes the pace in transition. Williams is a gritty lead guard prospect who should continue to get better as the season moves along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153997' first='Jaiden' last='Glover'], 6'6 SG Patrick School</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Glover is in the middle of a breakout season for the Celtics and it should carry over into the new year. The 6'6 wing has a smooth release on his jumper as he wastes little motion and rises up with confidence. Glover is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He is a solid rebounder and has the length to defend multiple positions. Glover is a lanky wing prospect who will be one to watch all season long for the Patrick School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Maurice Vassel, 6'9 PF St. Benedict's Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vassel is an intriguing forward prospect to watch in the class as he is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. The lanky 6'9 forward is active on the glass at both ends of the floor as he keeps possessions alive on offense. Vassel is one of the top rim-protectors in the class due to his combination of length and timing around the basket. He is a good finisher around the rim and moves well without the ball in his hands. Vassel's ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor is something that will help his game in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1406997' first='Izaiah' last='Cannon'], 6'4 SG Olympus Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cannon has been hot to start the season for Olympus Prep and has shown no signs of slowing down. The 6'4 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher around the rim and is unafraid of contact. Cannon uses his size to see over his defender and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. He is capable of running the offense in a pinch and moves his feet on the defensive end. Cannon's ability to play on and off the ball is key to his development this year and throughout the rest of his high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360163' first='Shontez' last='Anderson'], 6'6 SG Olympus Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1156893' first='Keith' last='Brown Jr.'], 6'2 PG Life Center Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547466' first='Matt' last='Land'], 6'3 SG Hun</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902737' first='Zack' last='Davis'], 6'7 F Peddie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matt Manley, 7'0 C League Bound Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->