Cape-Atlantic League Player of the Year Candidates

<p>The first week of high school basketball was full of excitement as teams were happy to get out on the floor. Players have been putting up strong performances to open up the season as they are looking to take home conference Player of the Year. This is true in the Cape-Atlantic League with several options capable of winning the award. Here are the top Cape-Atlantic League Player of the Year Candidates.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900295" first="Matthew" last="Delaney"], 6’7 PF St. Augustine 2021</strong></p> <p>The Hermits are looking to take the crown as the top team in the conference and they will ride Delaney throughout the season. The American commit has a strong frame which he uses to finish through contact around the basket. Delaney is also a talented passer as he finished with five assists in the season opener against Holy Spirit. He poured in 18 points and 10 rebounds as well, showing his ability to impact the game in many ways. Delaney is a skilled post player who should have a big senior season for St. Augustine.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900329" first="Marcus" last="Pierce"], 6’2 CG St. Joseph Academy 2021</strong></p> <p>Pierce had a tremendous summer for the Jersey Force Select team and his play is carrying over into the season. The 6’2 guard has poured in 53 points in two games to start off the season as he has been aggressive attacking the basket. Pierce can finish in a variety of ways around the rim and is unafraid of drawing contact. He is capable of running the offense and is a solid on-ball defender. Pierce is one of the top under the radar guys in the Garden State and is looking to put an exclamation point on his high school career.</p> <p><strong>Ja’Heen Frederick, 6’0 PG Atlantic City 2021</strong></p> <p>The Vikings have to replace a ton of production from last season’s sectional title winning team, but Frederick is capable of picking up the slack. The 6’0 guard is a heady floor general who does not get flustered under pressure. Frederick has a nice handle and is dangerous when he gets into the lane. His biggest strength may be his instincts on the defensive end as he recorded six steals in his last game against Pleasantville. Frederick is tasked with leading Atlantic City’s offense, which could wind up with him taking home Player of the Year honors.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="927391" first="Martin" last="Anguelov"], 6’1 PG Wildwood Catholic Academy 2021</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders have controlled the Cape-Atlantic League over the past three seasons and Anguelov is looking to continue the tradition in 2021. The 6’1 guard is an absolute sniper from distance as he has a clean shooting form and a lightning quick release. Anguelov moves exceptionally well off the ball, freeing himself up for layups and jumpers. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and is an underrated on-ball defender. Anguelov is ready to carry the scoring load for Wildwood Catholic Academy with his combination of shooting and passing.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1033441" first="Carlos" last="Lopez"], 6’0 PG Egg Harbor 2022</strong></p> <p>The Eagles are looking to carry over their success from last season’s sectional playoff run and Lopez will be heading the charge. The 6’0 guard is crafty with the ball in his hands as he has a tight handle and is a good finisher around the rim. Lopez is more than just a driver as he is also capable of making it rain from distance as he had four games with at least five triples. He is a solid passer and makes plays on the defensive end. Lopez’s ability to run the offense smoothly will be the key to Egg Harbor’s success this season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933047" first="Jahmir" last="Smith"], 5’9 PG Holy Spirit 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012962" first="Gannon" last="Brady"], 5’11 PG Ocean City 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Ja’Maine Davenport, 6’3 SG Atlantic Tech 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017194" first="Jacob" last="Bey"], 6’5 SF/PF Lower Cape May 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>Justin Harper, 6’3 SG Vineland 2023</strong></p>