2025 Frontcourt Duos to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Garden State basketball season is right around the corner as the NJSIAA tips off on Thursday. The 2025 class is set to make a big mark on the 2023-24 season, especially in the frontcourt. Here are the 2025 frontcourt duos to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Union Catholic: [player_tooltip player_id='1547474' first='Yaw' last='Ansong'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1553776' first='Farouk' last='Muntari']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings return a talented frontcourt duo in Ansong and Muntari, who helped Union Catholic take home the Non-Public A title last season. Muntari runs the floor hard and can knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. Ansong has a nice touch around the basket and has a high release on his jumper. They both work hard for rebounds on both ends of the floor and hold their ground on defense. Ansong and Muntari's ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor is something that will help their stocks in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Blair Academy: [player_tooltip player_id='1547475' first='Jack' last='Bailey'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1946175' first='Ryan' last='Hempfling']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blair Academy have an intriguing forward duo as Bailey and Hempfling look to have big 2023-24 seasons. Bailey has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and has a nice release on his jumper. The 6'9 forward can also push the ball in transition and is an underrated passer. Hempfling wastes little motion in his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Bailey and Hempfling will be a duo to watch this season with their ability to knock down jumpers from behind the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>College Achieve: [player_tooltip player_id='1413226' first='Nas' last='Hart'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1411402' first='David' last='Munro']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hart and Munro are an intriguing forward duo as they impact the game in different ways. The former is a lanky forward prospect who can play either the three or the four as Hart elevates for dunks around the rim and rises up over smaller defenders on his jumpers. Munro uses his strong frame to get position down low and can finish through contact. They are both strong rebounders at both ends of the floor and influence shots around the basket. Hart and Munro will be key parts of the Knights' attack this season as they look to take home the Group 1 title in 2023-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Arts: [player_tooltip player_id='1823214' first='Shelton' last='Colwell'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1558747' first='Kevin' last='Freeman']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jaguars have a talented wing crop, but that should not stop Colwell and Freeman from making an impact this season. The latter has a high release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Colwell is at his best attacking the basket as he finishes strong around the rim and is unafraid of contact. They both have the potential to defend multiple positions on the floor and move well without the ball in their hands. Colwell and Freeman are a forward duo to watch in Essex County with their ability to make plays at both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ewing: [player_tooltip player_id='1886844' first='Joel' last='Cineus'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1919189' first='Cameron' last='James']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cineus and James are the only two returning starters from last season and should have a big junior campaigns. James works hard to get position down low and can finish through contact in the paint. Cineus attacks the rim strong from the perimeter and does not mind drawing contact. They are both tough to box out and make an impact on the defensive end. Cineus and James are physical forward prospects who will be looking to breakout this season for the Blue Devils.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->