2026 Prospects Who Could Make 1st Ever All-State Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NJSIAA season has come to a close with six teams taking home a state championship. The All-State teams have yet to be announced and there are a couple of prospects who could earn an All-State selection for the first time, especially in the 2026 class. Here are the 2026 prospects who could make their first ever All-State team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595675' first='Julius' last='Avent'], 6'7 SF Bergen Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avent was a force for the Crusaders throughout the season, leading them to their second straight Non-Public A title. The Michigan State commit uses his handle to get to the rim off the bounce and finished strong above the rim. Avent can also get position down low and is an underrated passer out of the post. He ripped down rebounds at both ends of the floor and used his length to make an impact on the defensive end. Avent has been a key part of Bergen Catholic's offense over the next couple of years and should end his high school career with an All-State selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604422' first='Alex' last='Pace'], 6'2 PG Camden</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The High might not have taken home a state title, but Pace drove the offense throughout the season. The 6'2 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and can finish in a number of ways around the rim. Pace 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 slides his feet on the defensive end and has the ability to play off the ball as well. Pace is a high-scoring guard whose 23.6 points per game average should land him on an All-State team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595680' first='Mason' last='Santiago'], 6'3 SG St. Peter's Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santiago might not pace the Marauders in scoring, but his impact on the team is felt at both ends of the floor. The St. Peter's commit has a quick first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finishes strong around the rim. Santiago is a strong rebounder and sets his feet before he shoots. He can also find his open teammates in the half court and is one of the better on-ball defenders in the class. Santiago is a gritty guard prospect who is looking to earn an All-State selection this season with his play at both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919211' first='Dorsett' last='Mulcahy'], 6'4 SG Gill St. Bernard's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mulcahy did a little bit of everything for the Knights as he led them to a Non-Public B title. The Canisius commit rarely gets sped up by on-ball pressure and uses his size to see over his defender. Mulcahy has a high release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He works for rebounds on both ends of the floor and has the ability to play off the ball as well. Mulcahy is a versatile guard prospect who should end up on an All-State team for his performance this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205839' first='Luke' last='Cruz'], 6'9 PF Rumson Fair-Haven</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz carried the Bulldogs during their postseason run as he averaged 24.2 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. The 6'9 forward used his body to get position down low and showed a nice touch around the rim. Cruz also showed a good face-up game as he was able to get to the rim off the bounce and his range extended out to the three-point line. He skied for rebounds on both ends of the floor and swatted shots around the rim. Cruz took home the Shore Conference Player of the Year and could add to his haul with an All-State selection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->