North Jersey Prospects On The Rise
We continue to pay attention to a host of elite players throughout the northern portion of the Garden State who set the tone across all of the classes that New Jersey is one of the top states in the country…
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Continue ReadingWe continue to pay attention to a host of elite players throughout the northern portion of the Garden State who set the tone across all of the classes that New Jersey is one of the top states in the country for high school hoops…but its the depth of talent in the state that sets it apart from most other areas in the country. Today we feature a handful of prospects to follow this summer and into the 2023-2024 season.
Victor Torres Victor Torres 6'7" | PF St. Mary's Rutherford | 2024 State NJ | 6’7″ | F | Saint Mary’s Rutherford
Torres is a physical prospect who is a solid defender on the low block, battles for rebounds and fights for position in the post. He’s a good rim crasher on offense to get second chance opportunities and fits into his role well for both AAU and High School teams. Playing football last year helped and if he continues with it as a senior, the extra time in the weight room could help him become even more difficult to move around in the post, setting him up for a breakout senior season as part of a talented crop of returnees for the Gaels. His best game as a junior was 12&7 in a win over Paterson Charter. On a guard heavy team, he plays his role well.
Nick Amitie Nick Amitie 6'6" | SF Cranford | 2024 State NJ | 6’5″ | F | Cranford
Amitie had a breakout season as a junior, scoring over 400 points for the Cougars. His talent was on display at the Pittsburgh Jam Fest this spring as one of the most improved players from Union County year-over-year. He’s a physical forward who can also put the ball on the floor and has good motor. He’s got a refined skillset that has good fundamentals, including ability to finish at the basket with either hand. Amitie is a tough player on the glass and can finish second chances. He exploded for 32&12 vs West Orange and also added 32 against Johnson and 26 vs South Plainfield. One of the top public school bigs in Union County for 2024.
Dean Yellen | 6’1″ | G | Johnson Regional 2026
Yellen came on throughout his freshman year as a confident shooter. The 6’1″ lefty has a nice shooters touch and had a big performance from beyond the arc vs Brearley, going for 19. He can handle the ball and showed poise that was beyond his age on the floor. He should evolve into a leader for the Crusaders after graduations and transfers out are accounted for this summer. One to watch in the suburban circuit of Union County the next few years.
Hashim Nadir Hashim Nadir 6'4" | PF Linden | 2024 State NJ | 6’2″ | G | Linden
While he wasn’t one of the more spoken about Tigers last year, Nadir did all the little things and chipped in offensively when needed. He was at his best in the sectional final victory over Newark East Side. A tough defender who combines good instincts with active hands to create turnovers. He hits the boards and plays much bigger than his height. His return is part of a core that should see the Tigers at the top of the list in Group IV statewide. He had 15&12 vs Union, 13&12 vs Franklin and a season high 18 points against Roselle. He’s going to be a key piece of the puzzle for Anthony Drejaj this coming season.
Kaleb Johnson Kaleb Johnson 6'0" | CG Union City | 2025 State NJ | 6’0″ | G | Union City 2025
Part of a still young Eagles team, Johnson followed up a good freshman season with a solid sophomore campaign. He can hit shots from and also finish at the rim. Gets out in transition and causes havoc on defense to create turnovers. Quick release and good shooting form. He had 21&10 as his top game as a sophomore and should be one of the top public school players in Hudson county over the next two seasons.