Letrell Duncan Tip Off Classic Top Standouts

Joe Esquivel-Murphy December 19, 2022 @ 08:24 AM

<p>The first weekend of Garden State basketball has passed as teams across the state have opened their 2022-23 campaigns. The Letrell Duncan Tip Off Classic was a fun event as teams battled to pick up wins. Some players had big performances, helping their teams pull out the victory in the end. Here are the top standouts from the Letrell Duncan Tip Off Classic.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150532' first='Hazir' last='Lee'], 6'2 SG Newark Central 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Lee electrified the crowd early with a big-time poster to help the Blue Devils pick up their first win of the young season. The 6'2 guard attacked the basket strong as he was constantly getting to the line and finished through contact around the basket. Lee sealed the game with a steal and layup in the final minute, along with a breakaway layup to push the lead to five with under 10 seconds to play. He used his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and made some slick passes in the half court. Lee filled up the stat sheet for Newark Central and should see his stock rise with more performances like that.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1401562' first='Kanye' last='Brown'], 5'10 PG Plainfield 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Brown was instrumental in the Cardinals' overtime victory over West Side as he poured in a team-high 30 points. The 5'10 guard consistently hit big shots down the stretch as he shot the ball with confidence from distance and made key free throws to put the game away. Brown ran the offense effectively as he did not get rattled by pressure and finished nicely around the basket. He moved well without the ball in his hands and moved his feet on defense. Brown's big showing was huge for Plainfield as he helped secure their first win of the season.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1456836' first='Terrance' last='Wood'], 6'6 F Union Catholic 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Wood was steady for the Vikings in their 57-54 win over DePaul Catholic as he was consistently hitting shots for them. The 6'6 forward was able to create space down low and showed a nice touch around the basket. Wood was able to draw contact around the rim and knocked down a corner three to showcase his range. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the glass and rarely made mistakes with the ball in his hands. Wood's ability to do the dirty work down low is something that will be key for Union Catholic's success this season.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1430120' first='Isaiah' last='Fuller'], 5'10 PG Roselle 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Fuller was dynamic throughout the game for the Rams as he helped maintain their unbeaten record. The 5'10 lefty was a blur in the open floor as he used his quickness to blow by his defenders. Fuller was constantly getting into the paint and finished in a variety of ways around the basket. He showed a smooth release on his jumper and set his feet before he shot. Fuller is a quick lead guard prospect who will be one to watch in Union County this season.</p>   <h2><strong>Earl Morton, 6'2 SG Hillside 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Morton paced the Comets in their 65-38 victory over Weequahic as he led them with 12 points. The 6'2 guard moved well without the ball in his hands, as he freed himself for open layups and jumpers. Morton played with confidence as he rose up without hesitation and was tough to keep off the glass. He played good on-ball defense as he slid his feet and made it uncomfortable for his man to get by him. Morton's play helped Hillside pick up their first victory of the season as the Comets have the potential to make some noise in the county and state tournaments.</p>   <h2><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400494' first='Brandon' last='Rodriguez'], 6'0 CG West Side 2023</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411408' first='Jordan' last='Ghee'], 6'4 CG DePaul Catholic 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>Jamiko Smith, 5'10 PG Hackensack 2026</strong></p>   <p><strong>Zyaire Gordon, 6'6 PF Barringer 2024</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595766' first='Ty' last='Barlow'], 5'6 PG Weequahic</strong></p>

The first weekend of Garden State basketball has passed as teams across the state have opened their 2022-23 campaigns. The Letrell Duncan Tip Off Classic was a fun event as teams battled to pick up wins. Some players had big performances, helping their teams pull out the victory in the end. Here are the top standouts from the Letrell Duncan Tip Off Classic.