Bergen Catholic: Observations on the Teams Top Players

<p>Heading into the 2019-2020 campaign, it was a forgone conclusion that the Bergen Catholic Crusaders would be amongst the very best teams in the state. While preseason projections flirted with the possibility of the Crusaders running the table and going undefeated, they haven't been entirely far off from the lofty hype. Now sitting at 13-3 with a few short weeks remaining on the schedule, let's take a deep dive into the core of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/matt-zona/">Matt Zona</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/raejon-figures/">Raejon Figures</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-richardson/">Will Richardson</a>, and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-brown/">Julian Brown</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/matt-zona/">Matt Zona</a> Remains Steady</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/matt-zona/">Matt Zona</a> was expected to be a force for the Crusaders this season, and he’s lived up to expectations, playing a balanced all-around game. One of the more fundamentally sound players in the 2020 class, Zona uses his 6'9, 215-pound frame to often bully opponents in the paint, en route to secure put backs and dominating rebounds.</p> <p>For all the glory Zona has received, it is his ability to be productive on a team loaded with talent that is most impressive. He’s scored over 240 points this season and more than a few jaw-dropping nights, including 22 points and 17 rebounds showing against DePaul. It’s simple if Zona continues to play to this level, the Crusaders are in a prime position to make another state title run.</p> <p><strong>The Figures and Richardson Combo</strong></p> <p>While Zona was a stamp to produce at a high level this season, much pressure was on the shoulders of senior guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/raejon-figures/">Raejon Figures</a> and Sophomore <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-richardson/">Will Richardson</a>. To date? The duo has been more than enough to solidify another dominant great season for the Crusaders.</p> <p>Let’s start with Richardson. The second-year player has been fantastic on several levels. His quick first step and ability to get to the basket is extraordinary. A scoring machine, Richardson has ten outings this year in which he’s scored over 20 points, including 31 points and seven assists against St. Raymond’s (NY). The kid is a stud in the early stages of a tremendous high school career.</p> <p>Figures is another critical piece to the puzzle and remains an X factor for a team looking to win big. Playing alongside exceptional talent, the senior guard has carved out a unique role for himself as a pivotal part of the team. His recent 21 points against Ramapo was critical in securing the 67-60 victory.</p> <p>The combination of Figures and Richardson will remain important for the Crusaders heading into the Bergen County Jamboree.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-brown/">Julian Brown</a> is a Star</strong></p> <p>There’s no point in sugarcoating it or hiding the facts: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julian-brown/">Julian Brown</a> is a star. Brown, a 6’2 Sophomore, has impressed throughout the season. On a team loaded with scoring options, Brown has become amongst the best, already netting 282 points on the season — ranking second on the team. The spotlight is increasingly brighter on a young player that masterfully uses his size and soft touch to finish at the basket quickly. Brown’s 32 points in a 78-70 road win at St. Joe-Montvale was something to marvel.</p> <p>If Zona, Figures, Richardson, and Brown can remain consistent, there’s no telling just how far this talented core can go this season. </p>