Freshmen Who Impressed
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As the 2023s finalize college selections and have completed their senior season, its time for Prep Hoops to look the other way and start talking about who came in the door as a freshman and impressed with their play. Today…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2023s finalize college selections and have completed their senior season, its time for Prep Hoops to look the other way and start talking about who came in the door as a freshman and impressed with their play. Today we feature several who did well.
Jekhi Burnam | 6’5″ | F | Linden
Burnam exploded on the scene as a frontcourt force for the always tough Tigers this year. He’s got a broad skillset for a freshman and can shoot it from deep with confidence, break down defenders and grab rebounds. Some of his best play was in the playoff win over Newark East Side. He was fouled on a three point attempt with just seconds left and sunk 2 of 3 to score the victory and win the sectional title. The ice-in-his-veins moment cemented Burnam as the top freshman in Union County and put him on the radar as one to watch.
Aiden Derkack Aiden Derkack 6'5" | SG Colonia | 2026 State NJ | 6’5″ | G | Colonia
Derkack has a nice shot and was a confident scorer as a freshman, going well over 300 pts. He’s got solid ballhandling skills and finishes around the rim well for a young player. He showed intensity on defense throughout his freshman year and lived up to the hype that followed him into high school. He had 23 vs JP Stevens as his top game as a freshman and will be one of the top returnees in the GMC next year, regardless of class.
Richie Rosa Richie Rosa 6'0" | PG St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ | 6’0″ | G | Saint Peters Prep
Rosa burst through the door in Jersey City and asserted himself as a PG prospect to watch the next three seasons. A rock solid ballhandler, Rosa knows how to weave his way to the rim. He’s got the ability to run the offense that goes beyond his young years and has the foundation needed to become a top level guard. He’s also got confidence to score the basketball and will drive the bus for the Marauders for the next three seasons.
Kole Grandison Kole Grandison 6'5" | SF Immaculate Conception | 2026 State NJ | 6’5″ | F | Immaculate Conception
One of the most impressive players we saw this year regardless of class. He’s mature beyond his years and in spite of being more of a frontcourt player, he’s confident with the ball in his hands and can move it in the halfcourt. He’s a confident shooter and uses his frame to get at the rim. He’s also shown an early influence to be a calming halfcourt player–He goes to get the ball and re-set the offense. He could be one of the top 2026 prospects in NJ when its all said and done.
Others To Watch:
Tyshawn Boyd | Newark Tech(Top freshman scorer in NJ)
Matt Mikulka | East Brunsiwck(Emerged as a legit shooter and scoring threat at a Group IV school)
A’Zon Young | Audubon(Averaged a double-double as a freshman)
Jaden Mason Jaden Mason 6'0" | PG Paterson Kennedy | 2026 State NJ | Paterson Eastside(Established himself as the next leader of the program for the Ghosts)
Torrey Brooks Torrey Brooks 5'11" | PG Neumann-Goretti | 2026 State PA Jr | League Bound Academy(Near the top of every stat chart among freshmen and a player to keep an eye on)
Jayden Hodge Jayden Hodge 6'5" | SG St. Rose | 2026 State NJ | Saint Rose(Younger brother of Matthew Hodge who will be a sought after prospect and had a strong freshman year)