Young and Hungry: 5 Freshmen Contributing to State Contenders
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The state tournament is almost here as it is a little over a month away. The freshmen class has made an impact in their first varsity season and will look to continue it in the state tournament. Here are the…
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Continue ReadingThe state tournament is almost here as it is a little over a month away. The freshmen class has made an impact in their first varsity season and will look to continue it in the state tournament. Here are the five freshmen who will contribute to state contenders.
Jacob Canton Jacob Canton 6'2" | PG Rutgers Prep | 2027 NJ , 6’2 PG Rutgers Prep
Canton has been impressive all season long and will look to continue it in the state tournament. The 6’2 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender off the bounce and finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Canton is more than just a slasher as he has a good release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He finds his open teammates in the halfcourt and moves his feet on the defensive end. Canton is a talented guard prospect who should continue to make plays at both ends of the floor during the state tournament.
Vasuan Harper Vasuan Harper 6'1" | CG Immaculate Conception | 2027 State NJ , 6’1 CG Immaculate Conception
Harper has seen his role increase over the course of the season and should continue it during the state tournament. The 6’1 guard shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc and wastes little motion in his release. Harper is more than just a shooter as he can also beat his defender off the bounce and finish at the rim. He is an underrated passer and slides his feet on defense. Harper has the ability to put up points in bunches, which will be key for the Lions over the course of the state tournament.
Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 5'10" | CG Elizabeth | 2027 State NJ , 5’10 CG Elizabeth
Johnson has been a steady presence for the Minutemen all season and should bring it over into the state tournament. The 5’10 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Johnson moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He can also finish around the basket and works hard on the defensive end. Johnson’s ability to torch the nets from deep will help Elizabeth throughout the state tournament.
Anthony Mauro Anthony Mauro 6'0" | PG College Achieve | 2027 State NJ , 6’0 PG College Achieve
Mauro has had big moments for the Knights in the 2023-24 season and should have more of them in the state tournament. The 6’0 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the basket and can hit shots through contact. Mauro can also score in the mid-range and has a nice release on his jumper. He uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense and plays with good floor vision. Mauro’s ability to score inside and out will help College Achieve make a deep run in the state tournament.
Rey Weinseimer Rey Weinseimer 6'0" | PG Manasquan | 2027 State NJ , 6’0 PG Manasquan
Weinseimer is unafraid of taking big shots for the Warriors and will do so again during the state tournament. The 6’0 guard shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc and wastes little motion in his release. Weinseimer is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish around the basket. He can also play without the ball in his hands and is a good passer. Weinseimer should continue to have big moments for Manasquan this season with his ability to knock down jumpers from behind the arc in crunch time.