2025 Under the Radar UCC Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Garden State basketball season is in full swing as teams are starting to get into the swing of things. The UCC is a tough conference that should be fun to watch throughout the 2024 season. Here are the 2025 under the radar UCC prospects to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1964763' first='Maximilian' last='Cook'], 6'3 G Oratory Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1466430' first='Asher' last='Bradley']</strong> has been a steady presence in the backcourt and Cook has the ability to step up in a big way. The 6'3 guard moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers. Cook uses his size to see over his defender and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He works for rebounds and is an underrated passer. Cook is a versatile guard prospect who should continue to make plays for Oratory Prep over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557545' first='Cameron' last='McRae'], 5'10 PG Elizabeth</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McRae has established himself as the Minutemen's secondary scorer this season and should have big moments in 2024. The 5'10 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. McRae is more than just a slasher as he has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He uses his quick hands to get steals and finds open teammates in the halfcourt. McRae's ability to play on and off the ball makes him an intriguing prospect to watch in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>David Fix, G Summit</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fix has been a stalwart for the Hilltoppers this season as he is averaging a little more than 18 points per game. He has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Fix moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers. He does not mind drawing contact and is an underrated defender. Fix has three 20-point games already this season and should have more games like that as the season moves on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>James Downing, 6'0 CG Rahway</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Downing has been Rahway's leading scorer this season as he has shown the ability to score inside and out. The 6'0 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get to the rim and finish. Downing can also make opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc and sets his feet before he shoots. He has the ability to play off the ball and makes plays on the defensive end. Downing is a tough, guard prospect whose ability to make plays at both ends of the floor will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jack Sponheimer, G Scotch Plains-Fanwood</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sponheimer has been a steady presence for the Raiders in the backcourt and should continue his success over the next couple of months. He has a solid handle, which he uses to create separation in the halfcourt and finish around the basket. Sponheimer is more than just a slasher as he also has a good release on his jumper and rarely forces shots in the halfcourt. He works for rebounds on both ends of the floor and gets deflections on defense. Sponheimer dropped a season-high 15 against Hillside and should continue to have more games like that in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->