2023 Prospects Ready to Breakout in States
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The state tournament is almost here with the first round of games starting on March 2. Postseason play is the time where seniors show their experience, but also when young players step up at the right time. A big performance…
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Continue ReadingThe state tournament is almost here with the first round of games starting on March 2. Postseason play is the time where seniors show their experience, but also when young players step up at the right time. A big performance by a freshman in the state tournament could lead to a massive uptick in his recruitment process. Some of New Jersey’s top freshman, like DJ Wagner and Mackenzie Mgbako, have already had their breakout moments. Here are the 2023 prospects who are ready to have big performances in the state tournament.
Akil Watson, 6’7 SF Bon Bosco Prep
Watson scored a career-high 23 points against Marist in January, but has only eclipsed double digits on five occasions this season. Seniors Brendan Mykalcio and Myles Ruth have paced the Ironmen attack this season, but they need the freshman to step up in the postseason. Watson has a diverse offensive game for a young player as he can take the ball to the basket and knock down three-pointers. If he can score 23 points in a showcase game against Marist, than Watson is capable of having a big postseason performance.
Spencer Joyner, 6’2 PG University
Joyner’s freshman season has not gone as expected as he has only played in three games. Juniors Bakir Cleveland and Justin Harcourt have picked up the scoring load in Joyner’s absence, which makes University’s attack more dangerous. The 6’2 point guard can beat his man off the dribble, run the offense and knock down three-pointers. His backcourt versatility makes the Phoenix one of the teams to beat in North 2 Section 1. Joyner is a difference-maker for University and is set to burst onto the New Jersey high school basketball scene.
Cian Medley, 6’0 PG Camden
Wagner is not the only talented freshman with a major impact on Camden’s team as Medley starts alongside him in the backcourt. He has been running the Panthers’ offense all season as they have failed to score fewer than 60 points once this season. Medley is hard to contain off the bounce and knows how to set up his teammates in the halfcourt. He is a pesky on-ball defender and knows how to jump passing lanes. Medley is one of the more underrated point guards in New Jersey, but a big performance in the state tournament would change that narrative.
Isaac Hester, 6’0 PG Gill St. Bernard’s
Medley is not the only one on this list to play with a top freshman as Hester pairs up with Mgbako. The young point guard teams up with Will Soucie and Denver Anglin in the backcourt to create one of the most dangerous guard trios in North Jersey. Hester can get to the basket, knock down three-pointers and set the pace of the game on offense. He is a pesky on-ball defender and is a good rebounder for a guard. Hester has eclipsed the 20-point mark on two occasions this season, but another one in the state tournament would help his stock dramatically.
Matt Kinsler, 6’4 SG St. Peter’s Prep
Kinsler has taken a back seat to Mark Armstrong and Rayshawn Ford this season, but the state tournament could be his coming out party. The 6’4 freshman is a good shooter who moves well off the ball. He has a quick release on his shot and understands how to space the floor. Kinsler is also a good rebounder and underrated defender. St. Peter’s Prep has been one of the top teams in North Jersey this season, meaning a big postseason performance from Kinsler would greatly increase his stock.