Opening Night Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opening night of the 2023-24 season is finally here as games tipped off last night. Some players had big performances on day one as they lit up the scoreboard. Here are the top opening night performers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153956' first='Jeremy' last='Clayville'], 6'1 CG St. Joe's Metuchen 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clayville put on a show on opening night as he poured in a career-high 43 points. The 6'1 guard scored at all three levels and played with confidence throughout the game. Clayville showed off his pretty release on his jumper and set his feet before every shot. He finished well around the rim and got his teammates involved in the halfcourt. Clayville will look to continue his high-scoring play this season as the Falcons look to make a deep run this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>John Coakley, 6'4 F Point Pleasant Beach 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coakley had a standout performance on the opening night as he put up 36 points and nine rebounds. The 6'4 forward used his body to get position down low and finished nicely around the rim. Coakley showed a good touch on his free throws and moved well without the ball in his hands. He ripped down rebounds at both ends of the floor and held his ground on the defensive end. Coakley's ability to finish down low is something that will help his stock throughout the 2023-24 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411405' first='Johnny' last='Jackson'], 5'10 PG Ridgewood 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson started off his junior campaign with a bang as he poured in 35 points. The 5'10 guard has a lightning quick release on his shot and knocked down triples in bunches. Jackson moved well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He has a good handle and was unafraid of taking big shots down the stretch. Jackson has the potential to put up big numbers this season as he looks to continue his momentum from opening night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344526' first='MJ' last='Jarrell'], G Morristown-Beard 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jarrell had a monster debut game as he scored 30 points. He attacked the basket strong as he finished nicely around the basket and was unafraid of drawing contact. Jarrell did more than just slash as he knocked down four triples and has a nice release on his jumper. He got his teammates involved in the halfcourt and used his quick hands to get steals. Jarrell has the potential to have a big freshmen season if he continues his play from opening night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580579' first='Matt' last='Hodge'], 6'8 PF St. Rose 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hodge did everything he could for the Purple Roses as he put up 30 points, nine rebounds and four assists. The Villanova commit was able to get to the rim off the bounce as he elevated for dunks and finished nicely around the basket. Hodge used his handle to create space off the bounce and knocked down triples when given space on the perimeter. He ripped down rebounds and set his teammates up for baskets in the halfcourt. Hodge is a talented forward prospect who should fill up the box score this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->