Tom Sacks Memorial Classic Standouts

Joe Esquivel-Murphy January 28, 2023 @ 07:36 AM

<p>The Tom Sacks Memorial Classic was an exciting event as four of the top teams in the Garden State matched up against each other. Players had stand out games as they tried to help their teams to victory. Here are the standouts from the Tom Sacks Memorial Classic.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1402079' first='Bryce' last='Stokes'], 6'3 SG Paterson Eastside 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Stokes had a monster second half for the Ghosts as he erupted for a showcase-high 34 points. The 6'3 guard shot the ball with confidence from distance as he made six triples and showed a nice release on his jumper. Stokes did more than just shoot as he got to the rim and punctuated the win with a dunk in transition. He played with poise throughout the game and was able to get deflections on the defensive end. Stokes' ability to score points in bunches is something that will be key for Paterson Eastside as the state tournament approaches.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902732' first='Mackenzie' last='Mgbako'], 6'8 SF Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Mgbako showed off his all-around skillset as he dropped 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The Duke commit hit a couple of contested jumpers in the half court, elevating nicely on his shot. Mgbako was able to get to the rim off the bounce and was never sped up with the ball in his hands. He skied for rebounds on both ends of the floor and made good passes in the half court. Mgbako is extremely efficient on the offensive end and he put it on display against Bergen Catholic.</p>   <h2><strong>Mario Castro-Sanchez, 6'0 PG Gill St. Bernard's 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Castro-Sanchez had a huge game for the Knights as he dropped 31 points. The 6'0 guard has a quick release on his jumper and knocked down triples in bunches as he hit four in the first half. Castro-Sanchez used his handle effectively as he was able to get past his defender and finish around the rim. He was unafraid of contact in the paint and played solid defense. Castro-Sanchez is a sharp-shooting guard prospect who just had his sixth 30-point game for Gill St. Bernard's at the Tom Sacks Memorial Classic.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213554' first='Brandon' last='Benjamin'], 6'7 PF Bergen Catholic 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Benjamin was dominant down low all night as he finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds. The 6'7 forward was impossible to boxout down low as he ripped down several offensive rebounds, creating second chance opportunities for the Crusaders. Benjamin showed a good touch around the basket and was able to finish through traffic in the paint. He moved well without the ball in his hands and used his length to influence shots on the defensive end. Benjamin is a hard-working forward prospect that is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850752' first='Simeon' last='Wilcher'], 6'4 PG Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Wilcher had a strong game for the Lions as he had his third game this season with 20 points and six assists. The North Carolina commit attacked the basket with a purpose as he finished creatively around the basket and was unafraid of drawing contact. Wilcher shot the ball with confidence off the bounce and off the catch, but also made good passes to find open teammates throughout the game. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and played good defense, including holding his ground in the post against much bigger opponents. Wilcher is a talented floor general who is looking to end his varsity career with another Non-Public B title.</p>   <h2><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></h2>   <p><strong>Jaheim Best, 5'10 PG Paterson Eastside 2023</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050396' first='Terry' last='Copeland'], 6'8 PF Bergen Catholic 2024</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850753' first='Akil' last='Watson'], 6'8 SF Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400481' first='Preston' last='Brown'], 6'1 G Paterson Eastside 2023</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411645' first='Austin' last='Spencer'], 6'1 PG Bergen Catholic 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>Kevin Pikiell, 6'3 SG Gill St. Bernard's 2025</strong></p>

The Tom Sacks Memorial Classic was an exciting event as four of the top teams in the Garden State matched up against each other. Players had stand out games as they tried to help their teams to victory. Here are the standouts from the Tom Sacks Memorial Classic.