Warren County: Top Difference-Makers

<p>Warren County is an underrated basketball conference as it contains one of New Jersey’s top basketball programs. Blair Academy is one of the top programs in the state and should be one of the best in the country in 2020-21. Hackettstown is fresh off a 25 win campaign, while Phillipsburg made the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinals. Here are the top difference-makers in Warren County.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"], 6’1 PG Blair Academy 2021</strong></p> <p>The Buccaneers played the majority of the season without Virginia commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="766053" first="Jabri" last="Abdur-Rahim"]</strong>, but they were still one of the top teams in the state behind Blakes. The 6’1 guard is crafty with the ball as he can set up his teammates in the halfcourt, but also finish around the rim. Blakes is hard to contain off the bounce and can stretch the defense with his shooting ability. He is a good passer and is a leader on the floor. Blair Academy has the potential to be one of the top teams in the country this season behind Blakes’ play at point guard.</p> <p><strong>Shawn Morgan, 5’11 PG Hackettstown 2021</strong></p> <p>The Tigers were one of the top teams in Group 2 last season, but they lose four of their top five scorers. Morgan is the team’s top returning scorer and is in line for a big senior season. The 5’11 guard is a big-time shooter from distance with his quick release and good shooting form. Morgan is a good ball-handler and knows how to run the offense effectively. Hackettstown is going to need Morgan to breakout as a senior if the Tigers want to repeat as North Jersey 2 Group 2 champions.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901986" first="Josh" last="Borelli"], 6’0 PG Phillipsburg 2022</strong></p> <p>Phillipsburg may have only won five games last season, but was still able to make the H/W/S Tournament semifinals. Borelli was the team’s second leading scorer, but should be in line for a bigger season in 2020-21. The 6’0 guard is a big-time shooter capable of knocking down three-pointers in bunches. Borelli has a good looking shooting stroke and moves well off the ball. Phillipsburg should be much improved in 2020-21 with Borelli getting more opportunities.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850503" first="Akoldah" last="Gak"], 6’11 C Blair Academy 2021</strong></p> <p>Blakes is not the only big-time player on the Buccaneers’ roster as Gak is one of the top big men in the state. The 6’11 center has a nice touch around the rim and can finish through contact. Gak has a nice looking stroke on his free throws and is developing his range. He works hard on the glass and uses his length to alter shots around the basket. Gak is in store for a monster senior season as Blair Academy faces a national schedule.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850672" first="Kyle" last="Cuffee Jr."], 6’2 CG Blair Academy 2022</strong></p> <p>Cuffee Jr. had a solid sophomore season as he filled in for Abdur-Rahim. The athletic combo guard loves to finish above the rim and can finish over the top of defenders. Cuffee Jr. has a quick first step and is capable of scoring in the mid-range. He is capable of running the offense in a pinch and has a good chemistry with Blakes. Blair Academy’s backcourt should be one of the best in New Jersey with Cuffee Jr. and Blakes.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850671" first="Otega" last="Oweh"], 6’3 SG Blair Academy 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850680" first="Lual" last="Manyang"], 6’10 PF Blair Academy 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Brandon Fernando, SG Warren Hills 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Michael Daconti, 6’0 SG Hackettstown 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829428" first="Jayden" last="Williams"], 5’10 PG Blair Academy 2023</strong></p>