Scholar Round Ball Classic: NJ Eye Catchers

A marquee event on the National Prep Championship Series calender, the Scholar Round Ball Classic returned for another rendition to Worcester, MA for another three days of intense competitive action— an event that featured some of the Northeast's most premier prep programs. With several standout prospects showcasing their polished skillsets on a national stage, let's take a look at some of the prospects from the state of New Jersey who turned aheads throughout the course of last week's action.    Clearly the most proven prospect in the building, five-star Derron Rippey Jr. has since this summer climbed to as high as a consensus top 20 national ranking, and his performance last weekend proved exactly why that is the case. Rippey Jr. particularly stood out with the rhythm he got into with his dangerous and well rounded perimeter shot making ability— draining movement threes coming off pin downs, knocking down open looks from three off the catch, creating separation off the dribble and burying looks off the bounce, and hitting smooth pull ups when the defense sagged off, all with deep range accuracy as well. An elite athlete with great burst and eye popping explosiveness, Rippey Jr. displayed much of those physical tools with acrobatic and above the rim finishes in transition. Rippey Jr. also put together several standout sequences that highlighted his feel as a decision maker— making a lot of the right reads by getting the ball ahead to guys running the floor ahead in transition, drawing help defenders before spraying out for open threes, and hitting cutting teammates in the half court.     With every showing, [player_tooltip player_id='1630659' first='Isaiah' last='Carroll'] continues to impress with how much his versatile 3&D skillset figures to be an easy transition at the next level— a knock down three point shooter with the physical tools and versatility to guard multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor. A versatile wing with high impact two way ability, Carroll displayed his high level catch and shoot ability from the perimeter while also showing an ability to attack closeouts and finish strong at the rim, sprinted the floor in transition for explosive above the rim finishes, crashes the glass and came down with rebounds, and leverages his length and quick hands to be a disruptive and versatile defender.     A consistent and versatile piece for Peddie's backcourt who has solid positional size and pretty good feel for the game, [player_tooltip player_id='1764304' first='Gabe' last='Hornberger'] impressed not only with his lethal shot making ability but also his poise as a ball handler and comfortability to initiate offense. Hornberger possesses the necessary shooting intangibles that make his impact far more dangerous beyond putting the ball in the basket— consistently staying shot ready, smooth and fluid footwork coming off different screens and pin downs, and shooting with a quick and high release.     Hargrove is a quick and dynamic, versatile guard capable of impacting the game as both a scorer and playmaker. He leverages his quickness to penetrate defenses and generate opportunities for himself— particularly standing out with tough mid range pull ups. Using his outstanding court vision, he showcased a natural knack for distributing the basketball effectively and creating opportunities for his teammates— particularly spraying out to open shooters and throwing soft touch lobs in transition. Whether hitting shots or orchestrating the offense, Hargrove consistently keeps the game moving. His combination of speed, court vision, and scoring skill makes him a constant threat whenever he's on the floor.     An efficient scorer who is more than capable of creating for himself while also being a crafty and reliable playmaker, [player_tooltip player_id='1865348' first='Jaen' last='Chatman'] continues to prove to be a seamless offensive fit that has good feel for the game while possessing the ability to make things happen at both guard spots. Chatman has noticeable burst off the bounce in which he leverages for physical and aggressive downhill attacks coupled with a potent shooting touch that uses to knock down outside shots off the catch and knock down smooth and efficient pull ups off the bounce— evident of his ability to get going from different areas on the floor. Chatman's toughness and grittiness also translates to the defensive end as he stands out as a hard nosed defender who consistently pressures the ball against opposing ball handlers.     Anchoring Blair Academy's frontcourt and providing a dominant interior presence, [player_tooltip player_id='2470853' first='Kamsi' last='Awaka'] proved to be an influencing force on both ends of the floor— leveraging his size and strength to not only be a strong interior finisher but also a tough and tenacious rebounder. On the offensive end of the floor, Awaka thrives on the block with his ability to make a move in the low post and finish inside while also generating second chance opportunities on the offensive glass. Awaka also impressed with how well he used his strong frame and physicality to fight for position down low on box outs and come down with rebounds.     A steady and dependable shooting guard who does much of his work out on the perimeter as confident shot maker, [player_tooltip player_id='2347867' first='Sage' last='Mateo'] stood out with his potent shot making ability. Equally as comfortable and effective knocking down outside looks off the catch as he as a movement shooter coming off different screens and pin downs all while also knocking smooth mid range pull ups, Mateo displayed his consistent shooting mechanics and repeatable shooting form— a true compact and quick release, a constant off ball threat who thrives utilizing screens and pin downs who constantly forces closeouts and puts defenses in constant lapses.

A marquee event on the National Prep Championship Series calender, the Scholar Round Ball Classic returned for another rendition to Worcester, MA for another three days of intense competitive action— an event that featured some of the Northeast's most premier prep programs. With several standout prospects showcasing their polished skillsets on a national stage, let's take a look at some of the prospects from the state of New Jersey who turned aheads throughout the course of last week's action.